Groomsport Beach, NI - A Hidden Gem

The summer weather in Northern Ireland can be fairly unpredictable but the latest heatwave is still somehow holding up, so been trying to make the most of it.

Decided it was time to try and cool off a bit, we're simply not built for this many days in a row of strong sunshine, so a beach visit was the way forward.. but where to go, all the mainstream beaches will be thronged. Decided to pay a lil visit to Groomsport!

Groomsport is a tiny coastal village in County Down, Northern Ireland. It's situated on the southern shore of Belfast Lough and the north coast of the Ards Peninsula. Probably about 4 miles east of Bangor, not a huge place but bags of charm.

• More importantly almost always guaranteed a 'quiet' peaceful beach visit 😇

The Groomsport Harbour and beach is all combined in a handy area, the Harbour car park is free parking and right beside the beach, local amenities also available.

An impressively short walk from the car park and you arrive at the beach. Clean, tidy and well maintained 🌊

There's a rock outcrop that actually divides the beach into two distinct beach spans, interestingly a bit of a viewpoint or turret has been built on it.

The secondary beach span is much larger than the first, with some interesting cave like areas to explore at low tide at the far end.

The houses that back up to the seafront here along this span are basically living the dream. I mean for all intents and purposes it probably feels like you have your own private beach, a stones throw from your house! 🥰

The sea was pretty damn refreshing, the water is far from warm, there's lots of waves, likely due to the geographical area mentioned earlier. It also isn't unusual to see a tanker ship or cruise liner in the distance.

There is a fair bit of seaweed on the beach but, didn't bother me, I know some people aren't a fan, also the sand near the sea edge can be coarse, not super soft underfoot.

Had a great visit, weather held up, sea was great, had a few nice conversations with other beach goers.

Ran out of time to visit the Groomsport Inn while in the neighbourhood.. another time!