Ballyhornan Beach

Beach/ComboCo. Down🐾 Dog rule not verified

A quiet ~1km sand-and-shingle beach on the Lecale coast between Kilclief and Ardglass, DAERA 'Excellent' rated, backed by dunes and low cliffs, with Guns Island a known local fishing feature offshore.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Excellent

Hazards: No RNLI lifeguard cover; no specific hazard advisory found. Unlifeguarded — treat with standard open-water caution.

Amenities: car-park

Dogs

No beach-specific byelaw found on Newry, Mourne and Down District Council's dog-control pages (checked directly — general policy only, no named beaches). Tourism/beach-guide sources describe dogs as welcome with no restriction, but this is not confirmed against an official council byelaw — treat as likely dog-friendly, not certain.

Unofficial source: View the supporting source →Not an authority; check current signage.

Family

Quiet even in summer, ramp and steps to the sand, but facilities are limited to a seasonal coffee shack — bring your own supplies.

Fishing

North-coast and County Down surf beaches can support bass, flatfish, dogfish, winter whiting and occasional rays.

Species reported: Bass, Flounder, Dab, Lesser-spotted dogfish, Whiting, Rays

Access & parking

Small car park close to the shore; grassy overflow parking opposite.

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://www.thebeachguide.co.uk/northern-ireland/county-down/ballyhornan.htm

https://www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/things-to-do/ballyhornan-beach-p906091

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/2025-bathing-water-profiles

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-bathing-water-quality

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.