Newcastle Beach Tours and Activities



Snap photos of the Irish Sea flanked by the green Mountains of Mourne on this popular urban beach with a lively walkway.

Newcastle Beach is a picturesque stretch of sand and pebbles backed by a popular promenade. Shops and restaurants line the back of the beach in the Victorian resort town of Newcastle. Bring your kids to the bustling streets surrounding this beach to find amusement centers and other fun attractions.

Sunbathe on the pebbles and sand of this pretty beach on a warm summer day. Go for a brisk swim in the frosty water of the Irish Sea. Enjoy views of the green, hilly cliffs of the Mountains of Mourne, which provide a dramatic backdrop. Let your kids clamber over the piles of stones and rocks that add character to the sandy haven.

Stroll along the wide bay. Do some beachcombing with your family for shells and intriguing pebbles. This section of beach is about 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) long. Traverse the elegant, white footbridge over the Shimna River at the southern end of the beach and enjoy the views of the point where the river meets the Irish Sea.

Relax with snacks and refreshments at one of the area’s many cafés and restaurants and enjoy the serenity in this calm resort town on the sea.

Consider the region’s intriguing history, recorded in various signs and plaques spread across the town. In 1910, engineer Harry Ferguson flew a plane across the beach in one of the earliest engine-powered flights in Ireland. The town escaped the worst parts of the long-lasting 20th-century Irish conflict, with Catholic and Protestants living peacefully together.

The beach is free to access and remains open at all times. Note that lifeguards patrol the stretch of sand at busy times and the beach has life-saving equipment.

Newcastle Beach is on the eastern coastline in the central part of the city. Leave your car in a parking lot at the back of the beach. Visit nearby attractions at the southern end of this sandy haven, such as the Joyland Amusement Centres, the Newcastle Visitor Information Center and Coco’s Children’s Adventure Playground.

Popular places to visit


Top Newcastle Beach Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Slieve Donard

Slieve Donard

5 out of 5
Downs Road, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Slieve Donard
Avoca Hotel

Avoca Hotel

3.5 out of 5
93-97 Central Promenade, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Avoca Hotel
Burrendale Hotel Country Club & Spa

Burrendale Hotel Country Club & Spa

3 out of 5
Castlewellan Rd, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Burrendale Hotel Country Club & Spa
Enniskeen Country House Hotel

Enniskeen Country House Hotel

3 out of 5
98 Bryansford Rd, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Enniskeen Country House Hotel
Drumee Lodge

Drumee Lodge

2 out of 5
79 Dundrinne Rd, Castlewellan, Northern Ireland
Drumee Lodge
Dundrum Inn

Dundrum Inn

3 out of 5
143 Main St, Newcastle, Northern Ireland
Dundrum Inn
Denvir's of Downpatrick

Denvir's of Downpatrick

3.5 out of 5
14 English St, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Denvir's of Downpatrick
Kilmorey Arms Hotel

Kilmorey Arms Hotel

3 out of 5
41-43 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel, Co.Down, Newry, Northern Ireland
Kilmorey Arms Hotel
Kinelarty Luxury Glamping Pods

Kinelarty Luxury Glamping Pods

2 out of 5
55 Drumnaconagher Road, Downpatrick, Northern Ireland
Kinelarty Luxury Glamping Pods
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach in Northern Ireland is perfect for a relaxing beachfront stroll, where you can soak in the stunning views. Enjoy local attractions such as the nearby Mourne Mountains and the charming village. The beach also offers great swimming spots for a refreshing dip. Don't miss out on beach shows and events that showcase local talent, making your visit a memorable experience filled with fun and culture.

Shopping

For a shopping experience near Newcastle Beach, visit Portaferry Country Market, a vibrant spot 29.0km away. If you're up for a drive, check out Victoria Square Shopping Centre and St. George's Market, both 43.5km away, offering a mix of entertainment and local goods.

Recreation

Tollymore Forest Park offers stunning natural beauty with tranquil walking trails, perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation. Just a short stroll from Newcastle Beach, La Belle Femme Nail Bar & Beauty Lounge provides indulgent body treatments for a pampering experience. For sports enthusiasts, Downpatrick Golf Club features picturesque greens and outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of archery at Mourne Archery Centre, located 3.2km from Newcastle Beach, where you can hone your skills in a stunning outdoor setting. For hiking enthusiasts, the Granite Trail offers breathtaking scenery 25.7km away, while Jetpack Adventures, 41.8km away, promises exhilarating water sports excitement.

Nightlife

Catch a film at Newcastle Community Cinema, just 644m from the beach, where you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere. For some adventure, head to Clearsky Adventure Centre, located 27.4km away, and immerse yourself in exciting arcade experiences.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Newcastle Beach

Newcastle Beach in Northern Ireland is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering breathtaking views of the nearby mountains and a picturesque lake. Visitors can enjoy the beautiful beach, perfect for relaxation or a leisurely stroll. Golf lovers will find excellent courses to play at, making it an ideal spot for a memorable getaway filled with scenic experiences and beachside adventures.

  • Royal County Down Golf Course: Renowned for its stunning scenery and friendly atmosphere, this prestigious golf course offers a luxurious experience just 1.4km from Newcastle Beach. Perfect for both avid golfers and casual visitors, it showcases breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains.
  • Slieve Donard: Standing at 850 metres, Slieve Donard is the highest peak in Northern Ireland, located 3.2km from the beach. This mountain presents exhilarating outdoor adventures with spectacular panoramic views, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.
  • Murlough National Nature Reserve: Located only 483m from Newcastle Beach, Murlough National Nature Reserve offers a serene escape with diverse wildlife and stunning coastal scenery. It's an ideal spot for relaxation and leisurely walks amidst nature's beauty.

Best time to go to Newcastle Beach

The best time to visit Newcastle Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Newcastle Beach falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Newcastle Beach falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June55.8°F (13.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
October52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Newcastle Beach

To save money during your visit to Newcastle Beach, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure better rates, and Monday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter for budget-friendly options, and check for last-minute deals if needed. You can also maximise savings by booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities. For transport, explore the area on foot or utilise local buses for an economical way to get around.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Newcastle Beach are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to July, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Newcastle Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Newcastle Beach is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Newcastle Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your Newcastle Beach hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia