The most beautiful beaches in the north of Ireland
The north of Ireland, where rugged, untouched nature, breathtaking coastal landscapes, and wild cliffs come together, is, in my opinion, home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Nestled at the pulse of the tides, these coastal stretches offer an impressive array of nature, diversity, and beauty. The combination of dramatic coastlines, gentle hills, and stunning beaches amazes me every time I visit my "adopted" homeland.
Castlerock Strand
Castlerock Beach with Mussenden Temple
One of the most remarkable beaches is undoubtedly Castlerock Beach with Mussenden Temple, nestled along the picturesque Causeway Coastal Route in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This stunning beach is located near the village of Castlerock and is known for its golden sand that stretches for miles. The surrounding coastline, with its dramatic cliffs and the majestic Mussenden Temple perched on a cliff, gives this beach a truly unique atmosphere.
Castlerock Strand with Mussenden Tempel
Mussenden Tempel - Castlerock Strand
Silver Strand (Malin Beg)
Der Silver Strand in Donegal
In the heart of County Donegal lies a breathtaking beach: Silver Strand. This secluded beach, also known as Malin Beg, is a crescent-shaped natural wonder, nestled beneath high cliffs and offering an incredibly idyllic refuge and tranquility away from the crowded tourist spots, a paradisiacal spot just waiting to be discovered.
Silver Strand im County Donegal
Ein paradiesisches Fleckchen...
The unique charm of Silver Strand lies in its isolation and pristine beauty. Access to the beach is via a series of steps that descend from the cliffs, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Atlantic and the immaculate white sandy beach. This secluded bay, surrounded by high cliffs, gives the feeling of being in a world of its own.
Tipp: Ein Besuch des nahegelegenen Glencolmcille lohnt sich in jedem Fall! Ein Dorf bekannt für sein kulturelles Erbe, die traditionelle irische Sprache und seit Kurzem auch durch den Film „In the Land of Saints and Sinners“ mit Liam Neeson.
Magheraclogher Strand Bunbeg
Magheraclogher beach in Bunbeg and 'Bád Eddie'
Another breathtaking beach in Donegal is Magheraclogher Beach in Bunbeg. Here, you can explore ‘Bád Eddie’ (Eddie’s Boat) on a sandbank, the Bunbeg wreck, also known as Bad Eddie's Boat or Cara Na Mara (‘Friend of the Sea’), a fishing boat that ran aground here in the early 1970s and found its final resting place in Bunbeg. The story of this wreck, intertwined with a significant moment in music history when Bono (U2) and “Clannad” filmed the music video “In A Lifetime” here, makes Bunbeg Beach not just a travel destination but also the subject of many photographs and paintings. Unfortunately, due to the harsh Atlantic weather, storms, and changing tides, not much is left of Eddie's Boat, and it is slowly succumbing to the elements. Nevertheless, it maintains a lasting presence on the beach.
Eddie's boat - Bunbeg - Co. Donegal
Magheraclogher Strand in Bunbeg
Maghera Beach and caves
The beach and caves of Maghera
In the far northwest of Ireland, in the picturesque County Donegal, lies the breathtaking Maghera Beach. This beach is only accessible on foot and offers a spectacular view of the Atlantic, has a unique atmosphere, and at low tide, reveals access to the famous Maghera Caves. However, it is extremely important to pay attention to the tides, as the water level rises rapidly at high tide, flooding the caves within minutes. At low tide, however, it is an incredible experience to wander through the dark, water-eroded tunnels.
Maghera Beach Caves
Maghera Beach View
Some stories and legends also contribute to the mystical atmosphere of the Maghera Caves. Historically, it is believed that the caves served as refuges during times of conflict and war. There are stories about local clans or families who hid in the caves to escape attacks or persecution.
In some stories, the caves are also depicted as the setting for romantic or tragic love stories. These tell of lovers who meet in the caves, often to escape societal restrictions or forbidden relationships
Anyway ... Maghera Beach is an extraordinary place and offers an incomparably fascinating atmosphere.
Tip: Just drive a few kilometers further past the “Assaranca Waterfall” on this really narrow road. Be brave! 😉 A farmer near the beach offers parking on his property for 3 EUR. This way, you don't have to walk too much.
DE