If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a long walk and fresh sea air, Nicholson’s Strand is a place to visit. This long sweep of empty sandy beach lies in a bay at the most southern tip of County Down, backed by the Mourne Mountains and near to the mouth of Carlingford Lough. Like all the beaches in the Foyle and Carlingford areas, it’s a place to relax and enjoy the great health benefits of being outdoors.
Nicholson’s Strand is ideal for nature-lovers seeking peace and quiet and dogs are allowed on it all year round. Swimming is possible and the water quality is excellent but care should be taken as the beach is not supervised. The Blue Flag Cranfield Beach is only a mile further along the coast and is well suited for water-based activities, enjoying lifeguard supervision daily through the summer months and at weekends in September.
Several caravan parks back on to Nicholson’s Strand. Free parking is available but there are no other facilities. Restaurants, shops, accommodation, a leisure centre and daily fish market are available at Kilkeel, 5 miles away.