Visitors to the Foyle and Carlingford areas are spoilt for choice when looking for somewhere to enjoy their favourite water sports, explore beautiful countryside, learn about maritime history or simply relax and chill on magnificent unspoiled beaches.
On the north coast, east of Lough Foyle, miles of flat golden sand backed by dunes and cliffs are perfect for water-sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. Secluded coves along Inishowen’s rugged coastline allow for sheltered swims, gentle surfing and coastal walks in spectacular scenery. In the Carlingford area, the Mountains of Mourne and the Cooley Mountains provide majestic backdrops for its historic fortifications and shingly east coast beaches.
Foyle and Carlingford are each classified as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Many of their beaches have been awarded Blue Flag status, and others feature in the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Beach Guide. Designations such as Special Area of Conservation recognise these habitats as delicate eco-systems that must be conserved and protected.
With a wealth of unspoiled beauty spots — beaches, rivers, castles, canals and coast lines — and wonderful flora and fauna, Foyle and Carlingford have something to offer everyone, regardless of the time of year.