June 2013

Cranfield is a popular holiday location with a couple of large caravan parks overlooking the beach. We visited on a good summer’s day and, while the beach was busy, there was still enough room for everyone, especially if you were prepared to walk for 5 minutes to a quiet location.

The water was clear and fresh, mainly sandy underfoot with just a few stones here and there. The water was calm and we had a good swim, made even better by the view of the Mourne mountains behind us. Equally, there were plenty of parents and children playing at the water’s edge. The tide was on its way out during our visit and some rock pools were being revealed and children with buckets had started to explore.

In one location there is a ramped access to the beach suitable for wheelchairs and buggies; otherwise a few small steps will get you there. Beside the beach there is a childrens playground and there are also some grassy areas suitable for picnics.

There are toilets and a lifeguard station behind the beach – check locally for lifeguard times as none was there when we visited. We had to park about a 5 minute walk away as parking near to the beach is very limited.

Cranfield is a Blue Flag beach.

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Directions: From Newry take the A2 toward Kilkeel and Newcastle. After Rostrevor but before you come to Kilkeel you will see a right turn signposted for Cranfield. Follow this road and it will take you to the beach