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.

Ballywalter

Season: autumn

Once a small fishing village, Ballywalter is now better known as a visitor destination. The beach is long and sandy, with a large breakwater. It looks east to the Irish Sea and has a rural setting, backed by fields beyond the village. There is parking at the northern end of the village and access to the beach is good. Ballywalter is family friendly and there are rock pools to explore at low tide. Marine life is abundant offshore and this is a stopping off point for migratory birds in the winter months. In short, Ballywalter has something for everyone.

What the beach means to Alex.

A morning scene at Ballywalter beach.

Kircubbin

Season: autumn

Strangford Lough is sheltered from the Irish Sea, providing a haven for small communities like the one here at Kircubbin. The village is charming and welcoming, with a promenade that runs behind the beach. Iff you follow Shore Road north, you’ll come to a quaint harbour area. Water sports, particularly sailing, are popular. A plethora of small islands offshore add to the beautiful setting, which includes the northern limit of the Strangford Lough Part 3 Area of Special Scientific Interest. Across the water are views to the Mourne Mountains in the distance. Echlinville Distillery is an attraction too, where you can sample whisky (Dunville) and gin (Echlinville and Jawbox).

What the beach means to Kevin.

The scene at Kircubbin in the morning.

Rossglass

Season: autumn

Rossglass is a varied beach, a mixed medium of sand and shingle, with rocks visible at low tide. Seals can be glimpsed in the sea offshore, with inter-tidal birds like oystercatchers at the water’s edge. There’s a lovely walk along to St John’s Point to the south, as well as views west towards Tyrella beach and the extensive dunes beyond. The whole stretch of coastline between here and Newcastle is well worth a visit at any time of year.

What the beach means to Bill.

Low tide at Rossglass in County Down.