Ballycastle beach named as one of the top seven beaches in the UK by Times and Sunday Times

Ballycastle has been named as the top beach in Northern Ireland by The Times and Sunday Times in their annual round up of Best UK Beaches.
By Graeme Cousins
Published 14th Jul 2023, 12:15 BST

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The overall winner was Weymouth in Dorset, with the north coast location picking up one of six regional crowns according to the best beaches guide, published today (Friday) online and in print on Sunday (July 16).

It’s the first year the guide has been nominated by readers of The Times and Sunday Times, who put forward their favourite beaches for a detailed inspection.

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Chris Haslam, Chief Travel Writer at The Times and Sunday Times, then assessed the beaches using a rigorous 11-point checklist. Every one of the coastal spots listed has been visited within the past eight weeks.

A large kite display on Ballycastle beach, which has been named Northern Ireland's top beach by The Times and Sunday TimesA large kite display on Ballycastle beach, which has been named Northern Ireland's top beach by The Times and Sunday Times
A large kite display on Ballycastle beach, which has been named Northern Ireland's top beach by The Times and Sunday Times

Ballycastle in County Antrim got the top spot for its "golden sands and awe-inspiring sunsets”.

According to the guide: “[Ballycastle’s] picturesque 18th-century harbour, and ferry to Rathlin Island – known for its puffin colonies and dolphins swimming in the surrounding waters – makes it an ideal spot along the Antrim coast.”

Chris said: "This is the most comprehensive and detailed beach guide available, and the only one in which every stretch of sand, pebbles or shingle has been physically inspected within the past eight weeks.

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"The weather was magnificent throughout, and when the sun is shining – our beaches are the most beautiful on earth."

Enjoying the good weather during the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival at Ballycastle beach. PIC: SHAUNA MCFALL /MCAULEY MULTIMEDIAEnjoying the good weather during the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival at Ballycastle beach. PIC: SHAUNA MCFALL /MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA
Enjoying the good weather during the Rathlin Sound Maritime Festival at Ballycastle beach. PIC: SHAUNA MCFALL /MCAULEY MULTIMEDIA

Ballycastle’s place on the list was welcomed by Causeway Coast and Glens Councillor Allister Kyle, who said: “I am pleased to hear that Ballycastle beach has been named as one of the seven best beaches in the UK.

"This accolade follows the Sunday Times award last year when they announced that Ballycastle is one of the best places to live in the UK.

“As the gateway to the Glens, and with its close proximity to tourist attractions like Ballintoy, Carrick-a-Rede and Bushmills Distillery, it’s great that the quaint town of Ballycastle has had acknowledgement of its top class beach.”

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The runners up to Ballycastle were Benone in Co Londonderry, White Park Bay between Portbradden and Ballintoy, Portrush East Strand, Portstewart, Salmon Rock Beach at Portballintrae, and Murlough in Co Down.

See the full list of 50 beaches at https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/best-beach-uk-near-me-2023-cbbrtkwqk

Related topics:Northern IrelandWeymouthDorset