The Irish North Coast, which stretches across both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, is a beautiful mix of wild landscapes and rich history — beyond the well-known pubs, whiskey and Guinness.
During my time there, I experienced this remarkable region through a range of outdoor activities that allowed me to not only connect with the rugged terrain, but also the vibrant culture.
Guided by passionate locals who live, play and stay here, I summited mountains, explored hidden coves, abseiled (rappelled) down a cliff and kayaked through the remote sea caves. Each adventure pushed my physical limits but still gave me a chance to experience the area’s wild beauty through the eyes of those who know it best.
Surfing in Benone Strand
When I arrived at Benone Strand, the longest beach in Northern Ireland, I was immediately struck by the 7 miles of pristine golden sand, framed by the dramatic Binevenagh headlands. The sweeping views across to Donegal were breathtaking, and the beach itself was surprisingly free of rocks, seaweed or shingle (gravel or pebbles). The rolling sand dunes only add to Benone’s charm, making it a favorite retreat for both nature lovers and locals who come here to relax and play.
Credit: 2025 Karthika Gupta
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One of the best ways to experience this beach is surfing with Long Line Surf School. Ireland may not be the first place that comes to mind for surfing, but Dan Lavery and his team are water skills academy-accredited and offer lessons for all levels. Once I got past the initial shock of the cold Atlantic waters and accepted that I would be whipped around by the waves, I let go of my fear and began to appreciate the untamed beauty of this coastline.
Hiking in Binevenagh and Giants Causeway
If clients prefer to stay on land, Ella Mor Outdoor Adventures, based in nearby Limavady, offers immersive hikes that connect travelers to the environment and its heritage.
My journey began with a pickup from Benone beach, where Ella More owner Heather Nicholl guided me on a hike up Binevenagh Mountain. Perched on the Antrim plateau, it offers breathtaking views of Lough Foyle, and on clear days, even Scotland. As we passed countless sheep farms along winding country roads, a light fog rolled in, adding a mystical touch to the hike.
Credit: 2025 Karthika Gupta
At the summit, with the Atlantic stretching before us, Nicholl shared childhood memories of exploring this area with her siblings. Also a wellness coach, Nicholl taught me techniques to fully engage with the land: Eyes closed, we both listened to the wind and felt the moist grass beneath our feet, trying to embrace a few moments where nothing else mattered.
Nicholl additionally leads off-the-beaten-path tours of the Giant’s Causeway where, instead of fighting tourist crowds, clients will explore hidden coves with dramatic coastal views. Along the way, she shares local folklore, including the legend of Finn McCool, an Irish giant said to have built the Causeway as stepping stones to Scotland to face his rival, Benandonner.
Abseiling in Donegal
One of the most unforgettable experiences of my trip was abseiling in Donegal with Iain Miller of Unique Ascent. A seasoned rock climber and mountaineer who has spent years exploring the sea cliffs, sea stacks and rugged terrain of County Donegal — and a pioneer of some of Ireland’s most daring sea stack ascents — Miller is the perfect guide for clients who want to push their limits while adventuring here.
Credit: 2025 Karthika Gupta
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We abseiled at Cnoc an Affrain, with views of the Derryveagh Mountains unfolding around us. Miller’s calm expertise and deep knowledge of the area made it both exhilarating and reassuring. His passion for climbing is contagious, and his personal stories of shifting tides, towering rock formations and the routes he has pioneered added a new depth to the experience. Under his guidance, I found the confidence to step over the edge (literally) and descend a cliff in the wilds of Donegal.
Sea Kayaking in Donegal
Another equally challenging way to experience the north’s rugged coastline is in a sea kayak with Eco Atlantic Adventures. I did the Portsalon Caves Kayak Tour with owner Hugh Hunter, a route that took us beyond the beaches to areas only accessible via a paddle. In a few hours, we covered almost 4 miles and discovered breathtaking spots such as Cathedral Cave, where sunlight streams through the entrance, and Dark Cave, which has an eerie but thrilling ambience. The coastline here is awe-inspiring, with secret beaches, dramatic sea stacks and hidden coves.
Credit: 2025 Karthika Gupta
Hunter has a wealth of local knowledge, and his focus on safety made me feel comfortable on these somewhat rough, cold waters. While the weather can affect scheduling, it only adds to the thrill of being at the mercy of the wild Atlantic and offers an unforgettable way to see the coastal regions of the Irish North.
