Wild camping in
Northern Ireland

The Annalong Valley cuts deep into the southern Mournes from the coastal village of Annalong, offering a quieter approach to the high peaks than the busier Newcastle routes. The valley track follows the Annalong River past the upper reservoir, flanked by Slieve Binnian to the west and Rocky Mountain to the east. Wild camping is tolerated on the open hillsides above the reservoir. The valley floor becomes boggy after rain, so camp on firmer ground higher up. The cornmill in Annalong village is a heritage attraction for a rest day. Access from Annalong on the A2 coastal road — park near the harbour and walk up through the valley. Kilkeel is a larger nearby town. Midges can be problematic on calm summer evenings in the valley. Allow 2–3 hours to reach good camping ground.

Ballycastle is the main town on the North Antrim coast and the departure point for the Rathlin Island ferry. The area around the town offers a paid campsite at the waterfront with views across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre. The town beach is sandy and safe for swimming. The Oul' Lammas Fair held annually in August is one of Ireland's oldest fairs and draws large crowds. The surrounding cliffs and headlands give excellent coastal walking. Access via the A2 from Ballymoney or Cushendall. The town has full amenities including supermarkets, pubs, and restaurants. Ballycastle is an excellent base for day trips to the Giant's Causeway (30 minutes), Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, and Rathlin Island. Wind exposure from the north can be significant on the seafront.

Ben Crom Reservoir is the higher of the two Mourne reservoirs, tucked beneath Ben Crom mountain at around 300 metres elevation. Access requires a walk through Silent Valley park, making this genuinely remote and quiet. Wild camping on the hillsides above the reservoir is tolerated and the views back down to Silent Valley are exceptional. The surrounding peaks — Slieve Binnian, Slieve Lamagan, and Cove Mountain — provide challenging ridge walks from camp. Streams off the slopes provide water. This is a serious hike-in of around 5km from the Silent Valley car park. The upper corrie behind Ben Crom retains snow well into spring. Weather can close in rapidly; navigation skills are needed if cloud descends. No facilities and no fires; pack out all waste. Newcastle is the main service town.

Benone Tourist Complex sits behind the vast 7km Blue Flag beach at Benone Strand on the Magilligan Peninsula, sheltered beneath the Binevenagh escarpment. The large, well-appointed campsite has full facilities including heated shower blocks, electric hook-ups, a leisure centre, and direct dune access to the beach. Magilligan Point at the peninsula tip offers views across the narrow mouth of Lough Foyle to Greencastle in Donegal. Limavady is 15km south for full supplies. The beach is excellent for kite-surfing due to consistent wind from the north-west. The campsite is one of the best-equipped on the north coast and suitable for families. Book early for July and August. The Mussenden Temple ruin on the clifftops above is a striking landmark visible from the beach.

Binevenagh is a dramatic basalt escarpment above the Magilligan coastal plain in County Londonderry, offering cliff-edge camping with sweeping views across Lough Foyle and Donegal. The plateau behind the cliff is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Wild camping is tolerated on the open heath above the escarpment. The cliffs are home to nesting peregrine falcons. Access from Limavady via the scenic coastal road through Downhill. Binevenagh Lake sits just below the summit. The area is part of the Causeway Coast and Glens AONB. Limavady is 12km south-east for full supplies. Wind is a constant companion on the plateau — look for lee-side hollows in the heather. A fire hazard area — no open fires. The view north over the strand at Benone is exceptional on a clear day.

The Belfast Hills rise steeply from the western suburbs of Belfast and offer accessible wild camping within minutes of the city. Black Mountain at 390 metres is the most prominent summit, with open access land managed by the Belfast Hills Partnership. Wild camping is tolerated on the summit and surrounding moorland. Views back over the city at night are spectacular and unusual — urban camping with genuine solitude once you leave the paths. Access via the Colin Glen or Divis trails from the western suburbs. Divis and the Black Mountain are National Trust property with open access. The plateau is boggy and exposed; wind chill is significant. No fires on the heather. The city provides all supplies immediately below. An ideal spot for a quick overnight escape from Belfast. A torch is essential for the descent if returning after dark.

Boa Island is the largest island on Lower Lough Erne, connected to the mainland by bridges at both ends, and is famed for its ancient Janus stone — a pre-Christian carved figure of great antiquity in Caldragh Cemetery. The quiet lough-shore access roads provide informal wild camping spots on open land near the water. The island is sparsely populated and the atmosphere is distinctly remote for a connected landmass. Midges are significant in summer; head-nets are advised near the shore. Access via the A47 from Kesh. The lough offers excellent pike and perch fishing. Kesh is the nearest service village with a small supermarket. This is genuine Fermanagh lakelands character — flooded drumlins creating a hundred islands. Keep camps small and discreet; residents are few but present.

Castle Archdale Country Park sits on the east shore of Lower Lough Erne and is one of the most popular campsite destinations in County Fermanagh. The park has a large, well-maintained campsite with electric hook-ups, toilet and shower blocks, a shop, and boat hire. It served as a Second World War flying boat base and the heritage centre covers this history. The lough shoreline is accessed directly from the park and kayaking and canoeing are popular in summer. The surrounding mixed woodland has excellent wildlife including red squirrels. Irvinestown is the nearest town for major supplies. The campsite is busy in July and August — booking through NI Forest Service is essential. The park connects to the Erne waterway cycle route. Dogs are welcome on leads throughout.

Castlewellan Forest Park surrounds a 115-acre lake at the foot of the Mournes and features a working campsite run by the Forest Service. The park is renowned for its arboretum — one of the finest in Ireland — and its Peace Maze, the world's longest permanent hedge maze. Camping pitches are available year-round on grass and hardstanding with toilet and shower block access. The lakeside setting is exceptionally scenic and the forest trails are well maintained and suitable for mountain biking and walking. Advance booking is strongly advised in peak season. Castlewellan town is immediately adjacent. The park connects by trail to Donard Forest and provides a gentler family-friendly alternative to wilder Mourne camping. Good dog-walking territory throughout.

Cave Hill overlooks Belfast from the north, its distinctive basalt escarpment said to have inspired Jonathan Swift's Gulliver lying on his back. The Country Park is open access and managed by Belfast City Council. McArt's Fort on the summit rim is where Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen pledged rebellion in 1795. Informal bivouacking and wild camping is tolerated on the summit plateau by discreet individuals on a leave-no-trace basis. The path up from Belfast Zoo car park takes around 40 minutes. Night views over Belfast Lough and the city are remarkable. No facilities of any kind at the top. Cave Hill is not remote and solo camping can attract attention at weekends. Best suited to a quiet midweek overnight. North Belfast provides all supplies nearby.

Cranfield Point is the southernmost tip of County Down, where Carlingford Lough meets the Irish Sea with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. A small private campsite operates near the point with basic facilities. The beach here is sheltered and sandy, popular with local families. Views across the lough to the Cooley Mountains in the Republic are exceptional. Kilkeel is 6km north-west for supplies. The campsite is simple and low-key with no electric hook-ups but clean toilets. Wild camping on the dunes outside the site area is also tolerated. The area is quiet even in summer relative to other Mourne spots. Birdwatching for waders and wildfowl is excellent at the lough mouth. The access road is a single track from the B27 — take care. An excellent base for combining coastal relaxation with mountain walking.

Cuilcagh Mountain at 665 metres straddles the Fermanagh–Cavan border and is famous for the Legnabrocky boardwalk trail — known online as the Stairway to Heaven — which crosses the vast Cuilcagh blanket bog. Wild camping near the summit is technically in both jurisdictions and tolerated in practice. The mountain plateau is a designated Special Area of Conservation and camping should be on mineral ground rather than the protected bog surface. The trail begins from Marlbank National Nature Reserve car park near Blacklion. Water from mountain streams drains the plateau. The summit gives sweeping views over Fermanagh and to the Atlantic. Weather is typically wet and misty. Enniskillen is roughly 20km north for full supplies. The Marble Arch Caves below the mountain are a world-class show cave and UNESCO Global Geopark site.

Cushendun is a conservation village of whitewashed cottages at the mouth of the River Dun on the Antrim Coast, owned largely by the National Trust. The sandy bay and surrounding wooded glens offer informal camping spots, particularly on the clifftop ground above the village. Wild camping is tolerated here but numbers should be kept small out of respect for the local community. The Caves of Cushendun, formed by red sandstone sea caves, are a short walk away. The Coast Road (A2) provides easy access and parking in the village. Cushendall is 5 miles south for a wider range of supplies. The Glens of Antrim provide superb walking from the village. This is relatively sheltered from Atlantic weather by the surrounding hills. Watch for midges on calm evenings near the river mouth.

Davagh Forest in the Sperrin AONB is part of the OM Dark Sky Park — one of the largest dark sky parks in Europe and one of the best places in the UK for stargazing. The forest provides sheltered informal camping spots on open ground at the forest fringes, tolerated by the Forest Service on a leave-no-trace basis. The open moorland above the forest on Slieve Gallion and the Sperrin ridgeline offers wild camping with exceptional views. The Davagh Forest Mountain Bike Trail Centre is nearby for trail riding. Cookstown is around 12km north-east for supplies. The darkness here on moonless nights is extraordinary by UK standards — a full set of winter Milky Way visibility is realistic. Bring warm layers; the Sperrins retain cold and wind at elevation. Access from the B162 road north of Draperstown.

Downhill Beach sits at the base of the Binevenagh cliffs below the ruined Downhill Demesne estate. The stretch of shingle and sand is accessed via a steep path from the car park and is far quieter than nearby Benone. Wild camping in the dune and grassland area to the east of the beach is tolerated. The cliffside Mussenden Temple, a National Trust landmark perched dramatically above the beach, is immediately visible. The walled Bishop's Gate demesne garden above is worth exploring. Castlerock village is 2km east with a pub, small shops, and a train station on the Derry line. Coleraine is 10km east for major supplies. The beach can flood in storm conditions as it is very low-lying. North-westerly gales are common in autumn and winter — the location is very exposed.

Fair Head is one of the most dramatic headlands in Ireland — a sheer 200-metre dolerite cliff face rising vertically from the sea at the northernmost corner of County Antrim. Wild camping on the clifftop plateau is tolerated and the views across to Rathlin Island and Scotland are unmatched on the whole coast. Access via a footpath from the National Trust car park at Murlough Bay road near Ballycastle. The walk out to the cliff edge is around 2km over open heath. The three loughs behind the cliff — Lough Doo, Lough na Crannog, and Lough Fadden — provide water but treat before drinking. Exposure to northerly winds is extreme; the cliff edge is dangerous in high winds. No fires on the dry heathland. The area is managed by the National Trust. Ballycastle is 8km south for supplies.

Glenariff is the Queen of the Glens, a broad glacial valley with a dramatic waterfall trail and managed forest park campsite. The campsite has hook-up pitches, a toilet and shower block, and direct access to the waterfall walkway trails. The Inver River and its tributaries create a series of cataracts through oak-hung gorges that earned the glen its regal reputation. The park is managed by the NI Forest Service and booking is advisable in summer. Dogs on leads are welcome on all trails. Waterfoot on the coast is 5km north for supplies. The glen walk is one of the finest short walks in Ireland at any fitness level. Weather tends to be damper than the coast due to the enclosed valley. A café operates in the park during summer months.

Gortin Glen Forest Park lies in the Owenkillew Valley in the heart of the Sperrins and has a well-established campsite run by the NI Forest Service. The park sits in a deep, steep-sided valley with mature conifer and mixed woodland. The campsite has toilets, showers, and electric hook-ups. The park is a base for walking the Ulster Way and the Gortin Lakes loop trail. Red deer are resident in the forest and frequently seen at dawn and dusk. Gortin village is less than 2km north. Omagh is 14km south for full supermarket and restaurant facilities. The park can be busy in summer but remains quieter than many coastal campsites. The forest drive is a popular scenic route. An excellent year-round camping option with protected conditions even in poor weather.

Hare's Gap is a dramatic mountain pass sitting between Slieve Bearnagh and Slievenaglogh at roughly 450 metres, giving access to the heart of the Mournes. It is reached by a moderately challenging hike from Trassey Road near Bryansford, crossing open moorland and following the Trassey River. The iconic Mourne Wall passes directly through the gap, a dry-stone boundary wall that crosses fifteen summits. Wild camping here is tolerated and the surrounding bouldered slopes offer sheltered pitches behind the wall. Water from the Trassey River is available lower down. The area is remote enough to feel genuinely wild despite being only a few miles from civilisation. Newcastle and Hilltown serve as the nearest supply towns. Expect soft boggy ground after rain. No fires — the dry heather is highly flammable.

Knocklayd is a broad whale-back mountain rising to 514 metres directly above Ballycastle, one of the most distinctive hills on the north Antrim skyline. The open summit moorland is accessed via a waymarked trail from Ballycastle town. Wild camping on the summit plateau is tolerated and the elevated position gives views across to Rathlin Island, Scotland, and on exceptional days to the Isle of Man. The mountain is owned in parts by the Forestry Service and private landowners. Water from streams on the descent. Ballycastle below provides all supplies and this makes Knocklayd a convenient overnight stop before or after a Rathlin Island trip. The approach from the south is quieter than the main Ballycastle trail. Bracken and heather make off-path walking tough — stick to the summit ridge for camping ground.

The Lagan Valley Regional Park follows the River Lagan for 16km from Belfast city centre to Lisburn through a green corridor of woodland, riverside meadows, and restored linen heritage sites. Informal camping along the towpath is technically not permitted but small discreet camps on the quieter stretches near Union Locks are tolerated during summer walking. This is best viewed as a bivouac-style camp rather than a full base camp. The towpath is one of the most popular walking and cycling routes in Northern Ireland. Lisburn and the Belfast suburbs provide all supplies within easy reach. The river is slow-moving and popular for kayaking. The park connects to the Ulster Way. A towpath stop for long-distance hikers. Wildlife includes otters, kingfishers, and herons along the river. Not a destination for large groups.

Murlough Bay is perhaps the most secluded bay on the entire Antrim coast, hidden below Fair Head and accessible only by a steep narrow track from the B15. The bay is lined with hedgerow and has the remains of a ruined church and the grave of Roger Casement, who wished to be buried here. Wild camping behind the shingle beach is tolerated. The bay is virtually undiscovered compared to nearby tourist hotspots. It faces directly across to the Mull of Kintyre. The descent road is not suitable for large vehicles or caravans. Ballycastle is 8km north-east for supplies. The absence of mast signal on most networks adds to the remoteness. Seals are regularly seen in the bay. This is one of the most atmospheric and genuinely wild-feeling spots on the north coast, best for experienced campers comfortable without facilities.

The Owenkillew River valley runs through the heart of the west Sperrins below Mullaghcarn and Corraback Hill. The valley is steep-sided with open moorland rising above the improved valley-floor pasture. Wild camping on the upper hillsides is tolerated away from farmland. The Sperrins here are notably quieter than the eastern range and genuine solitude is achievable. The river is good for brown trout fishing with appropriate permits. The valley road connects Gortin to Plumbridge through dramatic upland scenery. No facilities of any kind on the open hill. Omagh is 15km south for full supplies. Access to the open hill is via gates from the valley road — close all gates behind you. The open moorland supports curlew, red grouse, and merlin. Spring and autumn offer the best weather windows.

Portbraddan is a tiny settlement of whitewashed fishermen's cottages on a narrow inlet just west of Whitepark Bay, notable for reputedly containing Ireland's smallest church. The grassy clifftop headland above the bay provides tolerated wild camping with stunning views along the Causeway Coast. The Giant's Causeway is 9km to the west. The site is accessible via a rough track from the B15 — park at the Whitepark Bay car park and walk west along the clifftop path for around 20 minutes. There are no facilities. Water must be carried in. The location is exposed to north-westerly winds. Ballintoy Harbour, 2km east, has seasonal café facilities. Ballycastle is 12km for full supplies. The cliff path here is spectacular but narrow in places and care is needed in wet conditions. No fires on the dry coastal heath.

Portstewart Strand is a 3km National Trust beach on the north coast with a unique tradition of allowing vehicle access onto the sand. The National Trust campsite behind the dunes operates in summer months and offers basic facilities including toilets. The dune system is one of the largest in Ireland and is managed for conservation. Surfers use the beach year-round with consistent north Atlantic swell. Portstewart town is immediately adjacent with restaurants, pubs, and shops. The Causeway Coast Way walking route passes through. Coleraine is 8km inland for major supermarkets. The campsite can be noisy in summer given vehicle access to the beach. Dogs are permitted in some areas — check National Trust seasonal restrictions. Advance booking is required for summer pitches.

Rathlin Island lies 6 miles off the Antrim coast and is Northern Ireland's only inhabited offshore island, home to around 150 people. The island has a small campsite with basic facilities near Church Bay. Ferries run from Ballycastle (25 minutes) operated by Caledonian MacBrayne — booking in advance is strongly advised in summer. The West Lighthouse is home to one of Ireland's most spectacular seabird colonies with puffins, guillemots, and razorbills nesting on the cliffs. The island is almost entirely managed as a nature reserve. Roads are quiet enough to walk freely. The Manor House Hotel serves as the only pub and restaurant. Wild camping away from the campsite is tolerated but ask locally first. Weather can trap visitors for days in winter storms — check the ferry schedule carefully.

Red Bay near Cushendall offers a spectacular coastal setting beneath the red sandstone cliffs of Lurigethan, where the Glens of Antrim meet the sea. The foreshore and grassy areas around the pier at Waterfoot provide informal camping spots that are generally tolerated. The views north to the chalk cliffs of Fair Head and south to the Mull of Kintyre on clear days are extraordinary. Cushendall itself is the capital of the Glens of Antrim and has pubs, a bakery, and a small supermarket. Access is straightforward from the A2 coastal road with a car park at the pier. Red Bay Castle ruins stand on the headland. The area is exposed to north-easterly winds. The nine Glens of Antrim converge here, making it a superb base for day walks. Midges present near the river in summer.

Roe Valley Country Park follows a limestone gorge cut by the River Roe through the Sperrins foothills, and includes restored linen-era mill buildings of historical significance. The park has a campsite with basic toilet facilities and grass pitches, managed by Mid Ulster District Council. The wooded gorge is dramatic with steep-sided banks and stepping stone crossings. The park is part of a wider trail network connecting to Limavady town 2km north. An excellent base for angling as the Roe is a recognised salmon and trout river. The campsite is modest and peaceful, popular with anglers and walkers. Limavady town provides full supplies. Dogs on leads throughout. The campsite is open in summer months only — check opening dates before travel. A lesser-known gem of County Londonderry's inland scenery.

Sawel Mountain at 678 metres is the highest peak in the Sperrin range, straddling the County Tyrone and County Londonderry border. The ascent from the Glenshane Pass area crosses open blanket bog before reaching the broad summit plateau. Wild camping is tolerated on the open hillside. The Sperrins are far less visited than the Mournes and a genuine sense of solitude is achievable here. The summit trig point sits on a vast expanse of heather moorland. Views extend to Slieve Donard, Lough Neagh, and on clear days to the Atlantic Ocean. No streams reliably close to the summit — carry water. Draperstown or Dungiven are the nearest supply towns. The approach from the south via Glenelly Valley road gives the quietest access. Ordnance Survey Map Sheet 13 covers this area.

The Silent Valley Reservoir sits in a glacially carved valley in the heart of the Mournes and is managed by NI Water. The surrounding mountain land offers tolerated wild camping spots on the higher slopes of Slieve Binnian and Slieve Muck above the treeline. The reservoir itself is a striking feature and the valley is exceptionally quiet, earning its name. A car park at the Silent Valley Mountain Park provides the main access point; the park closes to vehicles at dusk so plan accordingly or walk in from Carrick Little Road. The Mourne Wall runs across Slieve Binnian's ridge above. Sheltered hollows in the upper corrie of Binnian offer good camping with filtered water from streams. Water quality is generally good but always treat or filter. Hilltown is a short drive for supplies.

Slieve Croob is an isolated granite hill rising to 534 metres in the drumlins of mid-Down, often overlooked in favour of the Mournes but offering genuinely quiet wild camping. The summit can be reached from Finnis village to the south, crossing a mix of farmland and open heath — seek landowner permission where crossing enclosed fields. The summit gives a panoramic view of the entire North of Ireland including Strangford Lough, the Mournes, and on clear days Belfast and the Antrim Hills. The source of the River Bann is on the northern slope. Wild camping is tolerated on the open summit ground. Ballynahinch is the nearest town with shops. The hill is quieter at weekends than the Mournes and a good option for those wanting solitude. Carry all water. No infrastructure of any kind.

At 850 metres, Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland and offers a demanding but rewarding wild camp. The standard route from Newcastle ascends via the Glen River trail through Donard Forest before breaking onto open moorland. Wild camping is not a legal right in Northern Ireland — it is tolerated rather than enshrined in law, and campers should be discreet. The summit plateau is fully exposed to Atlantic weather and can be brutal in any season. Clear days offer views across to the Isle of Man, Scotland, and Wales. Water is available from streams on the ascent. Newcastle is the nearest town with parking at the forest car park off Donard Road. Midges are present in summer on lower ground. Bring full four-season gear even in summer; temperature drops sharply with altitude.

Slieve Gullion is an ancient volcanic ring dyke in South Armagh, rising to 573 metres with a summit cairn and crater lake of great mythological significance in Irish tradition. The forest park at the base of the mountain has a waymarked trail to the summit. While overnight camping in the park itself is not formally provided, informal wild camping on the upper mountain is tolerated on the open land above the treeline. The summit is one of the most dramatic viewpoints in Northern Ireland with views across the Border counties. The Ring of Gullion AONB surrounds the mountain. Newry is 15km north-east for full supplies. Bessbrook or Forkhill are the closest small villages. Access from the B113 via the forest park entrance. The area has deep cultural and historical significance in both Irish mythology and recent history.

Spelga Dam sits at 330 metres in a broad upland basin between the Mournes and the Slieve Croob hills, making it one of the most accessible high-level camping areas in County Down. A minor road crosses the Spelga Pass and parking is available near the dam. Wild camping on the moorland above the dam is widely tolerated and the open landscape gives a real sense of remoteness. Slieve Muck and Pigeon Rock Mountain rise immediately to the south and offer straightforward hill walks from camp. The dam itself provides a dramatic foreground for sunrise photography. Wind exposure is significant; look for hollows behind peat banks. Water from streams draining the surrounding hills. Rathfriland is the nearest town for supplies. Fire risk is high on the dry heather — no open fires.

Strangford Lough is one of the largest sea inlets in the British Isles and a National Nature Reserve. The quiet shoreline south of Killyleagh offers informal camping on the foreshore with views across the lough to the Ards Peninsula. This is tolerated rather than formally permitted camping; keep groups small and leave no trace. The lough is a Ramsar wetland of international importance for wading birds and wildfowl — dawn chorus here in spring is spectacular. Access via minor roads off the A22 Downpatrick road. Soft ground near the shore — camp slightly above the tide line. Killyleagh Castle overlooks the village and is worth a visit. Downpatrick is the nearest major town for supplies. Midges can be severe on still evenings. The lough can be surprisingly rough in westerly winds.

Tollymore Forest Park is one of Northern Ireland's oldest and most visited forest parks, covering 630 hectares at the foot of the Mourne Mountains near Newcastle. The park has an established campsite with hardstanding and grass pitches, toilet and shower facilities, and access to miles of waymarked forest trails. The Shimna River runs through the park and its bridges and follies give it a distinctly picturesque character. It served as a filming location for Game of Thrones. The campsite is well-managed and popular in summer — advance booking through NI Forest Service is recommended. Dogs are welcome. Newcastle town is less than 3km away for supplies and restaurants. The park is an excellent base for Mourne Mountains day walks. Open year-round but some facilities are seasonal.

Torr Head is the closest point on the island of Ireland to Scotland, just 12 miles from the Mull of Kintyre. The dramatic headland juts into the North Channel with ruined coastguard cottages providing partial windbreaks for sheltered camping. Wild camping is tolerated at this remote spot and the sense of isolation is genuine despite the scenic coastal road. The single-track Torr Head road descends sharply from the clifftops and requires confidence behind the wheel. There are no facilities whatsoever. Views across to Scotland are clear on most days. Ballycastle is around 12km west for supplies. The road often has passing places congested with tourists in summer — arrive early or late. Camping below the ridge avoids the worst wind. Water must be carried in.

Upper Lough Erne is a complex maze of islands, callows, and waterways stretching south from Enniskillen towards the border. The shoreline offers numerous informal wild camping spots on National Trust and public land, though legal permission varies by parcel and this should be treated as tolerated rather than legally protected camping. The lough is renowned for coarse fishing and bird watching. Soft lakeside ground is standard — bring a good groundsheet. Access via the A509 and minor roads south of Enniskillen. Lisnaskea is the nearest town on the eastern shore. Midges are severe from June to August along the waterside — a midge net is not optional. The low-lying islands are accessible by canoe or kayak. Dawn mists over the water in autumn are remarkable. The whole area feels timeless and unhurried.

Whitepark Bay is a sweeping white sand beach of around 2km, backed by chalk cliffs and dunes, owned by the National Trust on the Causeway Coast. The dune system behind the beach provides sheltered informal camping in grassy hollows. Wild camping here is tolerated but the National Trust manages the land and campers should be discreet and leave no trace. A youth hostel sits above the western end of the beach. The bay is exposed to north-westerly swells and can be dramatic in winter. Access via the B15 from Ballycastle or Bushmills — a sharp zigzag path descends from the cliff-top car park. Ballycastle is 10km east for supplies. The Giant's Causeway is 7km west. Seals haul out on the beach in autumn. A fire ban applies on National Trust land. Swimming is possible in calm summer conditions.