Benone Strand
An 11 km beach below the Binevenagh cliff, with room for everyone.
Benone, together with Magilligan, forms one of the longest beaches in Ireland, below the Binevenagh cliff. The waves are usually soft and there's plenty of room.
It's a good option for learning and for days when Portrush is busy.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Beach break |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | All levels |
| Best swell | NW, N |
| Best wind (offshore) | S, SE, SW |
| Tide | All tides |
| Size | 0.5–2 m |
| Best season | All year |
| Crowd | Light |
| Localism | Low |
Surf forecast
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Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A funboard, minimalibu or longboard; a shortboard in good swell. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Benone Strand
The water is around 8 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For winter water at 8–11 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonThe safest, easiest board to learn on here.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonHold and smooth turns for a single fin.
View on AmazonThe three-fin set for a shortboard.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
Few people.
Surfing style
Soft beach break.
Hazards
Currents and cold water.
Map
Other spots nearby
Coleraine (Londonderry)
A quiet beach by the Mussenden Temple, with banks that work on any tide.
Portstewart (Londonderry)
About 3 km of National Trust beach, with peaks along the whole strand.
Portrush (Antrim)
Portrush's gentlest beach, by the harbour: good for learning.
Portrush (Antrim)
Portrush's main beach, with barrels by the Arcadia on good days.
All spots in Northern Ireland →
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.