Exploring Castlerock on the Causeway Coast

Call me biased, but this place we call home has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.   I don’t get to see them nearly as much as I would like. And this past while , I’ve felt like I needed to escape there for the sea air, scenery and the sound of the sea. So, last weekend, that’s what we did.  On a Thursday night, after a busy day at work, we threw some clothes into the boot of the car. And then we hit the road for a weekend exploring Castlerock on the Causeway Coast.

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Castlerock by the sea

Castlerock is a picturesque seaside village, home to a 1km stretch of beautiful sandy beach. It’s situated between the sea cliffs of Downhill to the west and the lower River Bann estuary known as the Barmouth to the east. The beach is backed by an extensive sand dune system. You can access the beach from the promenade via a series of boardwalks which lead through the dunes to the beach beyond. The beach and dunes are designated as a Special Area of Conservation and an Area of Special Scientific Interest.

We stayed for 3 nights in an apartment just a stone’s throw from the beach on the appropriately named Sea Road. It was just lovely to wake up to the sight and sounds of the sea on the first morning.

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Exploring Castlerock

Ignoring the weather forecast which predicted rain, we went for long walks along the beach during our stay. We asked ourselves why we had taken so long to return here. Although the rain finally caught up with us on the Saturday evening, that same night we were rewarded with a beautiful sunset. When you see grown men leave the pub and their precious pints of Guinness to take photographs of the setting sun, then you know it must be pretty spectacular.

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Beautiful Benone beach

We also visited Benone beach during our stay. Situated about 5 miles west from Castlerock, it was just a short drive away. I couldn’t resist the urge to see it again. Undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches on the Causeway Coast with 7 miles of golden sand,  it was deliciously deserted when we arrived at 9am. We spent two glorious hours meandering along the beach taking in the stunning views. The beach stretches west to Magilligan Point and Lough Foyle. To the east, it stretches to Downhill where we spotted, in the distance, the spectacular Mussenden Temple perched precariously on the cliff’s edge .

The views out to sea and the backdrop of Binevenagh mountain were simply beautiful. With a cluster of holiday homes nestled under the mountain’s shadow, it must be lovely to live there during summer. I’m not so sure about winter !

After a five mile walk, we sought out coffee and a sweet treat at Sea Shed Coffee and Surf , located at the entrance to Benone beach. I loved this place  and sat enjoying a great mug of coffee and the chilled out vibes of the background music. A day or two longer there, and I could well imagine myself converting to a life on the surf !

Sea Shed Coffee and Surf

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In summary

Hopefully these pictures give you a feel for how beautiful this part of the world is. We really enjoyed having a few days exploring Castlerock and the surrounding area. There is so much to enjoy on this beautiful part of the Causeway Coast and we got a much needed dose of ‘vitamin sea’ !

Thanks for stopping by,

Paula

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Useful Links

We stayed at 1a Sea Road, a lovely, Scandi style apartment close to the beach, a pub, a bakery and a coffee shop

We had breakfast in Castlerock at Coffee Hut, and highly recommend the brioche breakfast bap with bacon, rocket and Ballymaloe relish

Sea Shed Coffee and Surf is located at Benone beach and you can find more information here

‘The Cook’s Quarters’ Coleraine: a charming cottage stay

The Whiterocks Coastal Path