Millisle Beach: A Family-Friendly Day Trip in Northern Ireland"

Explore the picturesque Millisle Beach, a perfect family day trip with fun activities and stunning scenery.

Mourne Mountains from Beach, County Down © Chris Hill Photographic Image courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

If you're looking for a perfect day trip destination in Northern Ireland, look no further than Millisle Beach. Located on the Ards Peninsula's east coast, this beautiful beach offers excellent seaside facilities that make it perfect for a family day out.

The man-made sea lagoon is the highlight of the beach, refreshed by seawater at every high tide. With a large car park, many picnic tables, promenade, green spaces, and stretches of natural shoreline, Millisle Beach is a great place to relax and explore. The southern half of the shoreline is sandy, perfect for building sandcastles and paddling, while the northern half is a rocky shoreline with many rock pools to explore.

If you're travelling with children, they'll love the Pirate Ship and Play-park, where they can run and play to their hearts' content. Just a short walk away, the village of Millisle offers plenty of options for refreshments, from chips to ice cream.

Aside from its natural beauty, Millisle Beach has been awarded Seaside Awards for its facilities and water quality. However, please take care when visiting as there is no lifeguard service at the beach. Toilets and a public play park are nearby, making it easy to stay for the whole day.

If you're looking to extend your trip, there are plenty of other things to do in the area. Just a few miles away is the National Trust's Mount Stewart House and Gardens, a stunning 18th-century mansion with beautiful gardens to explore. The nearby town of Newtownards is also worth a visit, with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore.

For nature lovers, the Strangford Lough Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty offers picturesque landscapes, excellent birdwatching opportunities, and a variety of outdoor activities. The Ards Peninsula is also a great spot for cycling, with its quiet country roads and breathtaking views.

For those interested in history, the Grey Abbey and Donaghadee Harbour & Lighthouse are must-visit spots. Grey Abbey is a beautiful Cistercian monastery founded in 1193, while the Donaghadee Harbour & Lighthouse is an iconic, historic landmark that offers panoramic views of the surrounding coastline.

Millisle Beach facilities include accessible parking, toilets, and a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're planning on taking part in activities such as canoeing, horse riding, walking, or kitesurfing, Millisle Beach is an ideal location.

Getting to Millisle Beach is easy. It's situated at the shorefront of Millisle Village, off the Ballywalter Road on the coastal Ards Peninsula. The village of Millisle is located along the B172 from Newtownards and along the A2 from Donaghadee and Bangor. Vehicular access is from Shore Road and Ballywalter Road (designated car parking reached via the Ballywalter Rd). Millisle Beach is clearly signposted within Millisle.

So, whether you're looking to soak up the sun on the beach, explore the surrounding area, or enjoy outdoor activities, Millisle Beach is a hidden gem that should not be missed. Make your next family day trip to this picturesque destination and discover the beauty of Northern Ireland's coast.