Benone / Downhill Surf Report
Benone / Downhill — surf & tide guide
Benone / Downhill is a beach in Derry, Ireland. It works best on a NW–NNE swell with SE–SSW winds blowing offshore. The beach faces NNW. Ideal size is 0.6–2.5 m at 8–14 s.
- Break type
- Beach break
- Best swell
- NW–NNE · 0.6–2.5m
- Best wind
- SE–SSW offshore
- Best tide
- Most tides
- Best period
- 10–16s
- Skill level
- Beginner+
- Best season
- Sep–Apr
- Parking
- Beach car park
11 km north-facing strand · mid is best · Benone Tourist Complex; beach drive-on subject to tide.
Benone / Downhill has semidiurnal (two highs a day) tides with an approximate moderate range of 2.3 m. Works most tides. More Derry spots →
About Benone Strand
Benone - sometimes called Benone / Downhill - is an 11 km arc of golden sand on Northern Ireland's north coast, running from Castlerock east past Downhill and Magilligan. Above the western end sits the cliff-top Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Ireland.
The beach faces NNW and catches plenty of Atlantic swell. It handles size well and has space for everyone - peaks shift along the strand so even on a busy day you can usually find a clean section to yourself. Cars are permitted on parts of the beach (subject to conditions). The Benone Tourist Complex sits at the western end with parking, cafes and accommodation.
Hazards & Notes
- Strong currents at the mouth of the Bann river to the west
- Rips between sand bars on bigger swells
- If driving on the beach - mind the tide
- Cold North Atlantic water year-round
14-Day Forecast
Tap any day for hourly detail.
Other Derry Spots
All conditions and 14-day forecast for every Derry break: view the full Derry page →