I’ll never forget the drive up to Portrush last summer – well, technically we were aiming for that cosy spot near Benone, just a stone’s throw from Castlerock. Me and the family piled into the car in Belfast, full of sandwiches and high spirits, but about halfway there, disaster struck: a massive flock of sheep decided to stage a sit-in right across the road near the coast. We sat there for what felt like ages, engines idling, while the farmer herded them with all the urgency of a man on holiday himself. I started picturing us sleeping in the car, but eventually we were on our way, hearts racing a bit more than usual.

By the time we rolled up to the caravan park, the late afternoon sun was dipping low over the mountains, painting everything in that golden summer glow that makes Northern Ireland feel like paradise. I’d been buzzing with anticipation all week – visions of beach days and ice creams – and the first impressions didn’t disappoint. Pulling into the off-road spot, there it was: this welcoming open-plan caravan, light and airy, like it was made for kicking back. We unpacked in no time, the kids already eyeing the nearby beach, and stepped into the plush sitting area. It felt like home straight away, with that perfect summer breeze wafting through the windows.

Summer in this corner of County Londonderry is all about those long, lazy days, isn’t it? The season shaped every minute. Mornings kicked off with brekkie at the dining table, plotting our beach assault – Benone’s sands were just a short stroll away, vast and empty save for a few dog-walkers. We’d spend hours building sandcastles that the tide would cheekily flatten, the sea warm enough for paddling without turning blue. Lunch was whatever we rustled up in the kitchen – nothing fancy, but with the sun streaming in, even my dodgy sausages tasted gourmet. Afternoons meant pub runs to the local spot down the way, grabbing a pint and some fish and chips, watching the world go by with those epic mountain views as backdrop.

Evenings were pure magic, thanks to that endless summer light. We’d fire up a barbie outside, dining alfresco with a tipple in hand, the sun setting slow and dramatic over the hills. The kids would chase each other around until they dropped, while I’d sneak off for a quiet moment on the decking, reflecting on how daft I’d been stressing about work back home. Holidays like this remind you life’s too short not to soak it up – especially in summer, when everything feels amplified, from the salty air to the laughter echoing off the dunes.

One night, after freshening up in the shower room and piling into the double or twin beds (plenty of room for our lot), we stayed up late playing cards in the living space, the warm night air keeping sleep at bay. No two days were the same, but the season tied it all together – that carefree vibe where time stretches out. If you’re after a family getaway or mates’ escape, this spot’s a gem. We left tanned, tired, and already plotting a return. Summer here? It’s unbeatable.