Visit the town of Castlerock for its beach, surf, golf

A quick overview of Castlerock

Castlerock is a small coastal town on the Causeway Coast, known for its surf, golf and beach. The town has a sleepy vibe with just a few cafés and this is probably because it is situated on the western shores of the River Bann, across  from many of the key tourist destinations such as Giant’s Causeway or Dunluce Castle. However, these are easily reached if you have a car and its sleepiness has its own relaxing charm. Plus, Castlerock is short a short trip on the train to the magnificent city of Derry Londonderry and you have the iconic Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne on your doorstep.

Things to do on Castlerock Beach

Castlerock boasts a lovely sandy beach with cliffs to the west and the mouth of the River Bann to the east.

Those who are brave enough to swim in our icy waters can take a dip but most choose to play on the sand or walk out on the breakwater, known as the barmouth, that protects the mouth of the River Bann. You will often find people fishing from the end of the barmouth, or just sitting enjoying the spectacular views along the coast or across to the hills of Donegal.

If you want to try surfing you can book a lesson or rent boards from The Surf Shack which is open through the summer months. You can also book accommodation at the Surf Shack and this is one of the several places where you can get a bite to eat.

The dunes to the east of the entrance are home to Castlerock Golf Club and a private caravan park. The dunes, which some of the oldest dated dunes in Ireland, extend back upstream to Grangemore, a bird sanctuary managed by the National Trust. Boardwalks have now been built through the dunes connecting the promenade and the beach.

Things to do around Castlerock

Get a bite to eat

You won’t be spoilt for choice but the choices you have are great. As mentioned before you can get a tasty bite at the Surf Shack as well as at the popular Coffee Shop which you’ll find one road back from the beach. Both offer coffee and light bites. Bertha’s Bar is where you should head for a pint or a more substantial meal. Bertha’s also has live music to enjoy from time to time. If you are visiting out of season, check the links for these eateries for their opening hours which are reduced for the winter months.

Finally we must give a shout out to the Braemar Farm Ice Cream Van which you may find on the seafront. We can absolutely recommend a cone or two!

Play a round of Golf

Castlerock Golf Club has rightly been described as a hidden gem. Although just across the river from the more well known Porstewart Golf Club, hosts of the 2017 Irish Open, it still offers fantastic views and interesting golf from its two courses. These are the championship Mussenden Course and the 9-hole Bann Course both offering traditional links style layout incorporating rolling sand dunes. The course was originally conceived in 1901 as a 9-hole golf course but it was extended into 18 holes. Visit the club website for information about visitor fees.

Visit the iconic Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne

Sitting clifftop at the edge of the Downhill Demesne, Mussenden Temple is a Northern Ireland icon featuring on most visitor literature. However, despite its fame, it is not an overcrowded place to visit, probably because it is on the ‘wrong’ side of the River Bann.

The Downhill Demesne is the former estate of the Earl Bishop Frederick Hervey (1720-1803), described as “the most worldly, most eccentric, most talked-about priest in the Church of Ireland”. He was the 4th Earl of Bristol as well as the Bishop of Derry and with his family wealth, built Downhill House and Mussenden Temple, and developed out the estate in the 1850s.  The building fell into disrepair after the Second World War and was adopted by the National Trust in 1980. Despite its name, Mussenden Temple was in fact built as a rather amazing library for Downhill House residents to enjoy. The grounds are large and a pleasant place to walk or have a picnic. You can also walk through the ruins of the old Downhill House. As it is managed by the National Trust occasional events are held there including events inside the temple. Check the Downhill / Mussenden programme here.

Hezlett House, a small museum and picturesque thatched cottage dating from 1690 located at the edge of the estate is currently closed to visitors.

There is a coastal walking trail to the Downhill Estate, or you can walk in through the Black Glen Walk. Other entrances are located on the main Coleraine-Downhill Road (the A2) either at the Bishop’s Gate Entrance or the Lion’s Gate Entrance. While there is not a charge to enter the estate, there is a car park charge of £7.50 per vehicle all day which is paid via a pay and display machine wich accepts only accept cash( no notes) and exact change is needed.  You can also pay using PaybyPhone application (location code 805919)

Visit Downhill Beach

Downhill Beach is part of an 11km stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, walks and facilities for all the family. Downhill is a Blue Flag Award beach and cars are allowed on this beach throughout the year. This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry.