Portstewart: Strand, coastal paths and hotels

Portstewart combines its distinctive coastline with marked paths, cultural venues and a golf course. This offers several practical focal points for planning your trip: the long stretch of sand, a coastal path towards Portrush, local architectural history, creative classes or a festival date. Which of these matters to you depends on your travel interests.

Beach and nature conservation

Portstewart Strand stretches for two miles and is characterised by golden sand. It is also an important nature reserve with signposted paths. This brings together a sandy beach and marked paths in the same area. Surfing is also possible at Portstewart Strand. Beach conditions, path conditions and facilities can change; take this into account when planning and follow current local guidance.

The Port Path towards Portrush

The Port Path follows a paved cliff path into the centre of Portstewart, then continues along the coast towards Portrush on a signposted route. The starting point is on the right-hand side of Strand Road, about 500 metres before the entrance to Portstewart Strand. As path conditions, signage and access can change, check current guidance before setting out. The two miles refers to the length of the beach, while the roughly 500 metres refers to the distance from the path’s starting point to the beach entrance.

Architectural and local history

Portstewart Town Hall was built in 1934/35 to designs by Benjamin Cowser. It is considered a distinctive building of significant local interest and social importance. Its construction date and architect make the town hall a point of interest for anyone who wants to explore Portstewart’s architectural history as well as its coastline.

St Patrick’s Well was believed to have supplied fresh water to the Stone Age inhabitants of the sand dunes. In this way, the well adds a connection to the landscape and a different historical period to the area’s architectural history.

Flowerfield Arts Centre is Portstewart’s arts venue and offers pottery classes. This adds a creative focus to the coastline and architectural history. Individual classes may vary; if pottery is important to your stay, check the programme for your chosen dates in advance.

Festival and golf

The Red Sails Festival is the largest annual event organised by the Portstewart Community Association. In the 2026 edition, the Blessing of the Boats took place on Sunday, 19 July, at the bandstand in Portstewart; it commemorated those who died at sea. If you are planning a trip around a particular festival edition, check its event dates.

The Strand Course is a true links golf course. If golf is relevant to your stay, this provides a clear sporting focus distinct from beach walks, pottery classes and local history. Course details may change.

Discover more destinations: Portrush, Coleraine, Aghadowey, Portballintrae

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