The most stunning sunbathing spots across Northern Ireland
Hello summer āļø
With temperatures soaring across Northern Ireland, we all want to make the most of the sunshine.
There is no better way to catch the rays than with a sunshine picnic and some idyllic scenery.
Northern Ireland boasts some of the most scenic alfresco spots, so whether you are nipping out of your office on your lunch hour or embarking on a road trip with the roof down, you can do it in stylish surroundings with our guide to the best places to soak up the sun.
Check out our top 10 choices:
Belfast City Hall
The grounds of this iconic building are scattered with office workers during lunch hour, taking a break to enjoy the sunshine. If you want a bench you will need to get down early but a blanket on the lawn in the heart of the city is just as enjoyable.
Botanic Gardens, Belfast
This public park set in the grounds of the Ulster museum is an urban oasis. Home to the Palm House and the Tropical Ravine, containing tropical plants and birds of paradise, Botanic Gardens is the ideal spot for a sandwich at lunch hour. Take a walk around the grounds or just relax on the lawn with friends.
Crawfordsburn Country Park
Set on the coast between Bangor and Holywood, this park offers numerous beaches as well as walking trails through meadows and wooded glens culminating in a stunning waterfall.
Tyrella Beach
Tyrella is a blue flag, award winning, two-kilometre-long beach and dune conservation area within Dundrum Bay in County Down. Open all year round with a lifeguard on duty and car park charges during the summer season.
Florence Court, Enniskillen
This 18th Century mansion has gardens with miles of walking and cycle trails on offer. There is also a forest and thatched summer house to take in.
Rowallane Gardens, Saintfield
Rowallane is a 19 Century garden popular with dog walkers and ramblers and is the perfect place for a picnic.
East Strand in Portrush
At the heart of the coastal resort of Portrush you'll find East Strand. Locals and tourists flock to the popular seaside town as soon as the sun pops out. With handy facilities, and top notch cafƩs/restaurants nearby it's definitely worth visiting if you haven't already.
Browns Bay Beach, Islandmagee
Browns Bay Beach is a popular sandy beach at the northern tip of Islandmagee, nestling between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point. You'll feel like you've washed up on a forgotten island at this rural and remote setting. It's the perfect location for picnics and wild swimming.
White Park Bay
Even on a scorching day, this secluded location has plenty of room for quiet a picnic and stroll. The water here is unsafe for swimming due to dangerous rip currents so if you've got little ones, keep your eyes peels at all times.
Stormont Estate
Stormont Estate is a Green Flag Award winning public park, recognised as one of Northern Ireland's best green spaces. With an inclusive children's play park, vast acres of woodland/gardens to explore and its central location, this is a great spot to spend the afternoon with friends and family.
Read more:
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NI's best play parks for adventurous kids this summer