Whether you want a beach with all the amenities including picnic and barbeque facilities for a family day out on a summer's day, activites including watersports or just fancy a brisk walk in the cool winter air, our beaches offer a truly unforgettable experience.

In 2016, ten of our beaches as well as two marinas have received the international Blue Flag, which recognises first class facilities and the highest standards of water quality.  A further eleven beaches have received the UK-wide Seaside Award, which recognises resort and rural beaches with good water quality. 

unofficial flag of a unit of the United Kingdom, flown subordinate to the Unión Jack, that consists of a white field (background) bearing a central red cross with a white six-pointed star, a red hand, and a gold crown.

The island of Ireland was historically divided into four provinces, the northernmost of which was Ulster. The Ulstercoat of arms, which included a red cross, supposedly was used by earls from the de Burgh family centuries ago. The inescutcheon (small central shield) of the Ulster coat of arms bore a red right hand, the symbol of the O’Neill (Uí Néill) family since the mid-17th century, although myth attributes the symbol to King Heremon O’Neill in 1015 bc. In 1924 the inescutcheon was redesigned as a six-pointed star, presumably referring to the six Ulster counties (out of nine) that now form North Ireland.  The imperial crown was placed over the star to show the loyalty of North Ireland to the United Kingdom. 

2. Chinese (Mandarin) is the most widely spoken minority language in Northern Ireland.

3. Technically, it’s illegal to go to the cinema on a Sunday.  The Sunday Observation Act claims you can be fined up to £50.

4. There’s an annual bog snorkelling competition. Seriously.

5. Ballygally Castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of Lady Isobel Shaw who was supposedly locked in her room and starved by her husband until she jumped out of her window to death. The ghost knocks on doors at night and then disappears, creepy!

6. On average, it rains 157 days a year in Belfast, that’s less than Scotland.

7. The Marketing of Potatoes Act (1964) states that: “A constable may seize and may detain in custody any potatoes which are being or which are suspected by such an officer or constable of being, sent out of Northern Ireland” – yes, this law is still in place, so don’t get packing them in your suitcase alongside your other bizarre items.

8. Belfast Zoo is home to the only group of purple-faced langurs in Europe – all the more reason to visit.