Newcastle Beach



Snap photos of the Irish Sea flanked by the green Mountains of Mourne on this popular urban beach with a lively walkway.

Newcastle Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand and pebbles backed by a popular promenade. Shops and restaurants line the back of the beach in the Victorian resort town of Newcastle. Bring your kids to the bustling streets surrounding this beach to find amusement centers and other fun attractions.

Sunbathe on the pebbles and sand of this pretty beach on a warm summer day. Go for a brisk swim in the frosty water of the Irish Sea. Enjoy views of the green, hilly cliffs of the Mountains of Mourne, which provide a dramatic backdrop. Let your kids clamber over the piles of stones and rocks that add character to the sandy haven.

Stroll along the wide bay. Do some beachcombing with your family for shells and intriguing pebbles. This section of beach is about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometres) long. Traverse the elegant, white footbridge over the Shimna River at the southern end of the beach and enjoy the views of the point where the river meets the Irish Sea.

Relax with snacks and refreshments at one of the area’s many cafés and restaurants and enjoy the serenity in this calm resort town on the sea.

Consider the region’s intriguing history, recorded in various signs and plaques spread across the town. In 1910, engineer Harry Ferguson flew a plane across the beach in one of the earliest engine-powered flights in Ireland. The town escaped the worst parts of the long-lasting 20th-century Irish conflict, with Catholic and Protestants living peacefully together.

The beach is free to access and remains open at all times. Note that lifeguards patrol the stretch of sand at busy times and the beach has life-saving equipment.

Newcastle Beach is on the eastern coastline in the central part of the city. Leave your car in a parking lot at the back of the beach. Visit nearby attractions at the southern end of this sandy haven, such as the Joyland Amusement Centres, the Newcastle Visitor Information Centre and Coco’s Children’s Adventure Playground.

Plan a trip to see Newcastle Beach

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Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard

5 out of 5
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Avoca Hotel

Avoca Hotel

3.5 out of 5
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Drumee Lodge

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Dundrum Inn

Dundrum Inn

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Forestview Cabin No 1 - Cosy Cabin Stay

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Kilmorey Arms Hotel

Kilmorey Arms Hotel

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Denvir's of Downpatrick

Denvir's of Downpatrick

3.5 out of 5
14 English St, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Denvir's of Downpatrick
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Things to do near Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach in Northern Ireland is perfect for a relaxing day by the sea. Visitors can enjoy sunbathing on the sandy shores, taking leisurely strolls along the promenade, or engaging in water sports such as surfing and paddleboarding. The surrounding area features charming cafes and restaurants where you can savour local cuisine. With stunning views of the Mourne Mountains, it’s an ideal spot for both relaxation and adventure.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Newcastle Beach, visit Portaferry Country Market, 11.2km away, showcasing local crafts and produce. If you're up for a drive, the Victoria Square Shopping Centre and St. George's Market, both 16.8km away, offer a mix of shops and vibrant city atmosphere.

Recreation

Explore Tollymore Forest Park, a serene recreational area only 435m from Newcastle Beach, perfect for relaxation amidst nature. Treat yourself at La Belle Femme Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge, located 124m away, for rejuvenating beauty treatments. For outdoor enthusiasts, Downpatrick Golf Club, 7.5km away, offers a fantastic golfing experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of archery at Mourne Archery Centre, located 1.2km from Newcastle Beach, amidst beautiful scenery. For hiking enthusiasts, The Granite Trail offers breathtaking views 9.9km away. For a unique water adventure, try Jetpack Adventures, 16.2km from the beach, where excitement awaits.

Nightlife

Enjoy a film at Newcastle Community Cinema, just 249m from the beach, perfect for family or romantic outings. For an adventurous evening, head to Clearsky Adventure Centre, located 10.6km away, where you can immerse yourself in fun arcade games and thrilling activities.

Find the best attractions near Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach in Northern Ireland offers a delightful blend of outdoor activities and stunning scenery. Visitors can explore nearby mountains and lakes, while golf enthusiasts will find excellent courses within reach. Ideal for those seeking a romantic getaway or simply to enjoy nature, the area features various attractions just a short walk away. Whether you’re looking for local gems or the best spots near the beach, there’s plenty to keep you entertained during your stay.

  • Royal County Down Golf Course: Renowned as one of the best golf courses in the world, it offers a luxurious experience amidst stunning scenery. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere and friendly people while playing on a course that seamlessly blends with its beautiful surroundings, just 559m from Newcastle Beach.
  • Slieve Donard: Standing majestically at 1.2km from Newcastle Beach, Slieve Donard is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Experience adventure as you hike its trails, rewarded with breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and the coastline.
  • Murlough National Nature Reserve: A serene escape just 186m away, Murlough National Nature Reserve boasts stunning coastal scenery. Explore its diverse habitats and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by friendly wildlife and picturesque landscapes.

Best time to go to Newcastle Beach

The best time to visit Newcastle Beach is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
February42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Newcastle Beach

To save money on your trip to Newcastle Beach, consider visiting from December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking around a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia can yield significant savings. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the priciest. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and hotel type, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further discounts. Exploring local attractions and enjoying the beach are free activities that won't dent your wallet.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Newcastle Beach are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Newcastle Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Newcastle Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Newcastle Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservations for Newcastle Beach with flights and activities through an Expedia package.