Nearest Beach to Kilrea
Nearest beach
Portobello BeachEdinburgh, Scotland
Distance
~151.5mi
Drive
~236min
Water
Good⚠ Distances are straight-line estimates. Exact road distances for Kilrea are coming soon.
Is Kilrea near a beach? Kilrea, Northern Ireland is well inland — the nearest beach is Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, approximately 151.5 miles away (straight-line), roughly between 1.5 and 2 hours in normal traffic. Portobello Beach holds good water quality status from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, making it a reliable choice for swimming. Morecambe Beach is the second closest at approximately 159.8 miles. Portobello Beach is dog-friendly, making it a good option for families travelling with pets. For the cleanest water in the area, Gullane Beach has an Excellent rating.
5 nearest beaches to Kilrea
How far is Kilrea from the sea?
Frequently asked questions — Kilrea & the nearest beach
What is the nearest beach to Kilrea? +
The nearest beach to Kilrea, Northern Ireland is Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, approximately 151.5 miles away as the crow flies. The second nearest is Morecambe Beach at approximately 159.8 miles.
How far is Kilrea from the sea? +
Kilrea is approximately 151.5 miles from the nearest beach (Portobello Beach, Edinburgh). The drive takes roughly between 1.5 and 2 hours in normal traffic conditions.
How long does it take to drive from Kilrea to the beach? +
From Kilrea to Portobello Beach takes roughly between 1.5 and 2 hours by car in normal conditions. Morecambe Beach is a similar distance at around between 1.5 and 2 hours. Allow extra time during summer weekends.
Is Kilrea near the sea? +
Kilrea is well inland — the nearest coastline is approximately 151.5 miles away at Portobello Beach, Edinburgh.
What is the water quality like at the nearest beach to Kilrea? +
Portobello Beach has Good water quality according to the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) (2024 assessment). For the best water quality nearby, Gullane Beach has an Excellent rating.
Is there a dog-friendly beach near Kilrea? +
Portobello Beach (approximately 151.5 miles from Kilrea) is dog-friendly. Note: Dogs allowed all year.. Check individual beach pages for seasonal dog restrictions, as these often apply May–September.
What is the nearest sandy beach to Kilrea? +
The nearest sandy beach to Kilrea is Portobello Beach in Edinburgh, approximately 151.5 miles away.
Is there a Blue Flag beach near Kilrea? +
None of the 5 nearest beaches to Kilrea currently hold a Blue Flag award. Gullane Beach has Excellent water quality however.
Are there lifeguards at the nearest beach to Kilrea? +
Blackpool Beach (approximately 161.2 miles from Kilrea) has RNLI lifeguard cover during May–Sep. Outside these hours the beach is unpatrolled — always check flags and conditions before swimming.
Is the nearest beach to Kilrea suitable for families? +
Portobello Beach is accessible by car with parking available. There are toilets on site. A café or food vendor is nearby. Lifeguard cover is available at Blackpool Beach during May–Sep.