We may be known as the Emerald Isle, but our coastline is just as spectacular as our rolling hills, making Ireland the perfect location for a horseback vacation. Some of our best attractions are our local beaches and horse riding in Ireland just wouldn’t be the same without a gallop along one of our beautiful sands.
Bespoke Equestrian Ireland boasts an unrivaled location on the north coast of Northern Ireland, surrounded by an unparalleled selection of pristine beaches, a rugged coastline and of course, the incredible scenery that goes with it.
We asked our previous guests to vote on their favourite north coast beaches to ride on, and the results are in!
The Best North Coast Beaches for Horse Riding
5. Cushendun
Cushendun Strand may be one of the shorter stretches of sand that we enjoy, but it certainly has some of the most spectacular views. This charming beach stretches along a gently curving bay, backed by the picturesque traditional village of Cushendun. On clear days, you can even see across to Scotland, just 15 miles away.
At the southern end of the beach, the Glendun River meets the sea, creating a scenic and tranquil spot. The beach is also famous for its natural rock formations, the Cushendun Caves, which were featured in the Game of Thrones series
4. Waterfoot
Waterfoot Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach located on the eastern coast of Northern Ireland, near the village of Waterfoot in County Antrim. It’s part of the world famous scenic Causeway Coastal Route and is approximately 1 km in length. The beach is backed by dunes that run its entire length, providing a lovely, natural landscape.
The beach is known for its tranquil, laid-back atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful day by the sea. The backdrop of Glenariff adds to the scenic beauty, making it a picturesque destination for visitors and has to be one of the highlights of the views available anywhere in Ireland.
Want to ride at Waterfoot? Check out the following rides:
3. Whiterocks
Running alongside the famous Royal Portrush Golf Course, Whiterocks has to be one of our most televised strands and will be well known in the golf community. You don’t need to be a golfer though to appreciate this fun beach.
Known for its radiant white limestone cliffs and unspoiled sandy shores, it’s a picturesque destination that offers a serene escape for both locals and tourists.
The beach is part of the Causeway Coastal Route and is a popular spot for water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy watching the surfers in the water as you canter along the sand. The limestone cliffs have been naturally sculpted into a labyrinth of caves and arches, creating a unique and beautiful landscape to explore on horseback. Popular features include Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock, and the Lion’s Paw
Want to explore Whiterocks? Check out the following packages:
2. Whitepark Bay
Whitepark Bay is a stunning, three-mile long beach located near Ballycastle on the North Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland. This beautiful stretch of golden sand is backed by ancient sand dunes and is part of the Giant’s Causeway Coastal Route. The bay is known for its serene and secluded atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful day by the sea, and plenty of open space available for a good gallop!
The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even cows that sometimes graze along the shore, we call them our famous sunbathing cows. The cliffs on either side of the bay are composed of chalk, and you can find fascinating fossils like belemnites and ammonites along the coastline. The dunes are filled with flowers making for gorgeous scenes of colour that change with the seasons.
Need to see Whitepark Bay? Check out the following packages:
1. Benone/ Downhill Beach
Taking the top spot is Downhill beach, is a beautiful and expansive beach located near Castlerock in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland. It is part of an 11 km (7 mile) stretch of sand and surf, making it one of the longest beaches in Northern Ireland, and why you may know it as different names, starting as Downhill Beach, it blends into Benone Strand, and then Magilligan. The beach is known for its stunning views, pristine sands and the iconic temple which sits on the cliffs above Downhill. This is the essential photo spot to commemorate your time horse riding in Ireland. Our guests say that this is an unmissable experience of horseback riding in Ireland and the highlight of their holiday, so don’t miss out!
Can’t miss out on Benone? Check out the following packages:
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