What is the current status of Portstewart Strand and Downhill beaches?

Portstewart Strand and Downhill beaches in Northern Ireland have temporary bathing advisories in place due to the presence of blue-green algae at "red-alert level".

How can the blue-green algae affect visitors to the beaches?

The blue-green algae can be dangerous if people come into contact with it, causing potential health effects like diarrhea, nausea, skin irritation, and breathing difficulties. Visitors are advised to avoid swimming, fishing, or wading in the water, and to keep children and pets away from the shoreline.

What is the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) doing about the algae situation?

DAERA has been monitoring the water quality and detected the high levels of blue-green algae at Portstewart Strand. They have issued the temporary bathing advisories and will continue to provide updates on the situation next week.

Home / Environment / Toxic Algae Warnings Prompt Swim Bans at Northern Ireland Beaches

Toxic Algae Warnings Prompt Swim Bans at Northern Ireland Beaches

27 Sep, 2025

•

Summary

Temporary bathing advisories issued for Portstewart Strand and Downhill
Blue-green algae detected at "red-alert level" at Portstewart Strand
Visitors urged to avoid contact with water and keep pets away from shoreline

Toxic Algae Warnings Prompt Swim Bans at Northern Ireland Beaches

As of September 27th, 2025, visitors to Northern Ireland's north coast are being advised to avoid swimming at Portstewart Strand and Downhill due to the presence of blue-green algae. The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) detected the algae at "red-alert level" at Portstewart Strand earlier this week.

While Portstewart Strand and Downhill remain open to the public, officials are urging caution and advising people to steer clear of the water. The National Trust, which manages Portstewart Strand, has warned visitors not to swim, fish, wade, or use watercraft in the affected areas. Families and pet owners, in particular, are being asked to keep children and animals away from the shoreline.

The algae bloom has also been detected at Castlerock Beach, but no bathing ban is currently in place there. DAERA has stated it will continue to monitor the water quality and provide an update next week. The recent weather conditions have led to portions of the algal mats traveling along the Lower Bann River to the north coast, contributing to the outbreak.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.