Author Archives: manonabeach

About manonabeach

On a beach…welcome to manonabeach.com, where I’ll regularly add video of my beach visits, so you can enjoy a flavour of the beach, even when you’re not there.

Ballygally

Season: autumn

Also spelt Ballygalley, this beach sits in front of the eponymous village. Nowadays it’s known as “Game of Thrones” country hereabouts, but the village and beach have long been a popular day trip destination from Belfast. There is plenty for young children here too, with rock pools at the western end of the beach, as well as a stream for children to dam. The car park is in the village centre, where there are shops and a friendly welcome. To complete the picture, the looming Ballygally Castle Hotel is a reputedly haunted former castle.

What the beach means to Kate during her trip to Ballygally.

A bright start to the day at Ballygally.

Brown’s Bay

Season: autumn

Brown’s Bay sits at the top of County Antrim’s Islandmagee Peninsula. It is the more easterly of two adjacent crescent-shaped, sandy beaches. The stream that crosses the beach is popular with dam-building adults and children alike and the bathing water is clean. Regular beach cleans further complement the unspoilt ambiance here. Access is good via steps or a slipway and the car park is nearby. In the distance to the north is Scotland’s Mull of Kintyre, with Stranraer almost within touching distance to the east. This is a peaceful, secluded spot.

With Jude and her friend at the beach.

A rural setting at the top of the Islandmagee peninsula.

Helen’s Bay

Season: autumn

Helen’s Bay is one of two attractive beaches that sit just to the west of Bangor, with this one located in front of Helen’s Bay Golf Club. Parking is next to the golf course. Visitors come locally from both Belfast and Bangor and the beach is sandy and fairly flat. The views out to Belfast Bay can include visiting porpoises and seals and this area is home to eider ducks and terns. Any walk to the adjacent Grey Point is stimulating and enjoyable.

With Livia by the beach at Helen’s Bay.

A rural setting at Helen’s Bay.