An award-winning beach in the shadow of the impressive Mourne Mountains, Tyrella Beach is a must-visit to breathe in the salty sea air.
Located in Dundrum Bay, Downpatrick, County Down, Tyrella Beach is a small enclosed beach and dune conservation area, which features a two-kilometre sandy strand and 25 hectares of dunes that are home to an array of local flora and fauna.
This secluded beach in the shadow of the Mourne Mountains is the perfect place to sunbathe or take a dip in the ocean on a sunny day or take a stroll by the water on a chilly afternoon.
So, no matter what your reasons for heading to the seaside, here is everything you need to know about visiting Tyrella Beach.
When to visit – a beautiful spot all year round
Open all year round, the time you choose to visit Tyrella Beach depends entirely on what you hope to get out of the experience.
Due to its secluded location, the sandy shore is never overcome with visitors the way neighbouring beaches such as Murlough Beach and Newcastle Beach do when the sun shines.
The beach centre is open, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer season, so if you’re looking to take a dip in the ocean, this is the best time to visit.
However, if you want to breathe in the salty sea air and take a relaxing stroll by the water’s edge, any time of year is perfect.
What to see – a beautiful conservation area
As well as the golden sands and crashing waves, you can also see the 25 hectares of impressive dunes that are home to the area’s local flora and fauna.
From the shore, looking to the south, you can take in an amazing view of the Mourne Mountains and Newcastle town in the distance. Looking to the north, you can see St John’s Point Lighthouse in Killough jutting out into the Irish sea.
Things to know – insider info
Tyrella Beach is a car-free zone, but off-beach parking, including accessible parking, is available.
Parking in the car park behind the beach is free throughout the year, apart from in the summer season when parking costs £4 for cars, £2 for motorcycles, £10-£15 for minibuses, and £30 for coaches.
The beach is also a dog-free area and offers several amenities, including toilets and accessible toilets.
Since 1997, Tyrella Beach has been awarded the prestigious Seaside Award every year, as well as maintaining the Blue Flag award since 2011 recognising the cleanliness of the beach. It has also held its Green Coast Award since 2008.
The beach is also popular with horseriders; however, the Blue Flag zone is closed to horses between 10 am and 6 pm from May to September.
What’s nearby – explore South Down
Just ten minutes from Tyrella Beach is the historic St John’s Point Lighthouse, a lighthouse tower recognisable for its vibrant bands of black and yellow paint.
Twenty minutes from the beach is the beautiful seaside town of Newcastle, which is the perfect place to walk along the promenade, grab an ice cream, and take a look into the local shops and cafes.
If you have plenty of time to work with, it’s also worth heading to the fantastic Mourne Mountains, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and one of the most defining features of County Down.
The Mournes are a great place to take in the stunning natural scenery or head for a hike to stretch your legs.
Where to eat – delicious food
Due to its location near a tourist-focused seaside town, there are plenty of great places to eat near Tyrella Beach.
French’s Café and Bistro in Clough serve a range of delicious and traditional dishes, including a variety of roast dinners, seafood and chips, and much more.
Mourne Seafood Bar in Dundrum is a must for seafood lovers. Serving a wide variety of fresh fish and shellfish dishes, there is something to suit everyone.
The Maghera Inn in Castlewellan is another great option to enjoy delicious food in a traditional Irish pub setting.
According to their website, the walls of the 200-year-old pub have “resounded to the sound of laughter, craic, gossip and scandal… plus the occasional profanity and the odd bit of murder…”.
So, if you want to cosy up by the fire with a Guinness and some craic with the locals, this is the place for you.
Where to stay – fantastic accommodation
There are loads of great places to stay in Newcastle, which is only a 20-minute drive from Tyrella Beach.
One of the best options is the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, an award-winning hotel and spa set in 6 acres of immaculate private grounds offering fantastic views of Newcastle Beach and the Mourne Mountains.
For a unique stay, book a night in St John’s Point Lighthouse, which offers comfortable and self-catering accommodation in one of the two lightkeepers’ cottages that are managed by the Irish Landmark Trust.
