Portstewart has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland

Portstewart has been named as the best place to live in Northern Ireland in this year’s Sunday Times guide — with the judges hailing it as Northern Ireland’s “most graceful seaside town”.

Additionally, the seaside town of Donaghadee in County Down and the Ormeau area of Belfast received notable mentions in the guide, which is set for publication this weekend.

The judges highlighted that Portstewart's essence lies in its vibrant community spirit, which is active throughout the year. They commended the town's efforts in beach cleaning, litter collection, and the dedication of volunteers organising the annual Red Sails festival as shining examples of the community's pride.

Central to Portstewart's lifestyle is its expansive two-mile sandy beach, which is complemented by a selection of quality shops, cafes, and restaurants and the cultural vibrancy found at the Flowerfield Arts Centre.

Helen Davies, Sunday Times editorial projects director and Best Places to Live editor, said: “This guide is a celebration of towns, cities and villages that are each a fantastic place to live in 2024.

“These are all places where you can feel grounded as well as upwardly mobile: they have a mature sense of community, lively, supportive high streets and an eye to the future, whether that is eco-friendly measures, transport and regeneration, or imaginative inclusion of new housing.”

Alderman Richard Stewart and Councillor Peter McCully, Alliance councillors representing the Causeway DEA, proudly welcome the news that Portstewart has been named the best place to live in Northern Ireland in the prestigious Sunday Times Best Places to Live Guide.

The annual guide, compiled by expert judges who visited all the locations, assesses various factors including schools, transport, broadband speeds, culture, access to green spaces, and the health of the high street. Placing Portstewart at the No. 1 spot, the Sunday Times judges praised the town's year-round community spirit, describing it as the beating heart of Northern Ireland's most graceful seaside town.

Commenting on the recognition, Alderman Richard Stewart expressed his delight, saying, "This accolade is a testament to the exceptional qualities of Portstewart and the dedication of its residents to making it a vibrant and welcoming community that I’m proud to call home. From beach cleans and litter picks to the annual Red Sails festival, the local pride on display is truly inspiring and it’s great to see this being acknowledged."

Councillor Peter McCully echoed Alderman Stewart's sentiments, adding, “The stunning Portstewart strand Beach, the promenade with its array of shops, cafés, restaurants, including the award-winning Morellis Ice cream, and cultural offerings at the Flowerfield Arts Centre, make it a standout destination for residents and visitors alike. This recognition is well-deserved."

Alderman Stewart and Councillor McCully extend their heartfelt congratulations to the residents, businesses, and community organisations of Portstewart for their contributions to making it the best place to live in Northern Ireland. They look forward to continuing to work together to ensure Portstewart remains a thriving and vibrant community for years to come.