Portstewart

Portstewart is a seaside town in County Londonderry with a two-mile sandy beach stretching along the Atlantic coast. The beach features distinct areas for water sports and leisure, with the option to drive vehicles directly onto the sand.

John Cromie founded the town in 1792, naming it after Lieutenant Stewart whose family had secured land rights from the Earl of Antrim in 1734. This established the settlement on what was previously an undeveloped coastal stretch.

The Dominican College building is a commanding presence on the cliffs, visible from the beach and town center since 1834. It shapes how locals and visitors perceive the seaside landscape.

The beach is managed by the National Trust and provides facilities for various visitors and activities throughout the coastline. It helps to check tide times and familiarize yourself with the marked zones for different pursuits.

The dune ecosystem hosts rare butterfly species and bee orchids that many visitors walk past without noticing. These plants and insects thrive in the protected coastal environment and form an important part of the natural landscape.

Location: County Londonderry

Location: Derry

GPS coordinates: 55.18000,-6.71100

Latest update: December 20, 2025 14:18