Building Sandcastles and Making Memories
The moment we arrived, we were greeted by the fresh sea air and the wide expanse of beach just begging to be explored. My son wasted no time getting stuck into building sandcastles, while Penny happily trotted along the sand, nose to the ground. The tide was perfect for a dip, and before long we were splashing and swimming in the sea, shaking off the routine of everyday life. Good to note there are toilet and wash facilities onsite & were clean and well-maintained—always a relief when traveling with kids and saved having to trek back to the mobile.
Crabs, Seaweed, and Paddle Boards
Exploring the shoreline we turned up a surprise treasure trove—tiny crabs hiding beneath the seaweed, which my son was thrilled to carefully collect and examine before setting them free. Later, we booked a session with Geology Rocks where we both had a blast trying our hand at paddle boarding. It was our first time, but the instructors were fantastic and made it easy for beginners to feel confident on the water.
Refuelling the Fun
All that activity worked up an appetite, so by we made our way to the on-site coffee cart for a much-needed caffeine fix (for me!) and a hot chocolate for my son. Right next door, the chippy was serving up fresh, hot chips—crispy, salty, and just what we needed to fill our bellies. And of course, no seaside trip is complete without a stop at the onsite shop for some sweets and an ice cream—a little sugar boost to keep the energy going.
Play Parks, Outdoor Gyms & Evening Strolls
We made the most of the outdoor play park, where my son burned off even more energy while I took a moment to relax before he found the outdoor gym equipment that we both where able to avail of – you can imagine my delight.
As the sun began to dip, we took a peaceful evening stroll along the shore, with Penny trotting beside us, ears flapping in the breeze. The sky lit up with soft pinks and oranges, and the sound of waves gently lapping at the shore was the perfect backdrop to end our day.
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Whether you're a local or visiting from further afield, Cranfield Beach is a gem for families looking to unplug, explore, and make memories together.
Cranfield West offers a gently sloping, mainly sandy beach located at the entrance to Carlingford Lough, an area designated as being of Special Scientific Interest.
Tucked between the majestic Mourne Mountains and the sparkling waters of Carlingford Lough lies one of Northern Ireland’s best-kept secrets – a delightful alpaca adventure that’s equal parts cuddly, quirky, and captivating and winner of the Best Small Tourism Experience in Northern Ireland!
At Geology Rocks Adventure we offer adventurous activities based mainly in the Mourne Mountains, but we also operate in Northern Ireland wide.
