Portrush Beach is a shoreline that attracts holiday makers from Belfast in the summer. It is split into several picturesque parts with their own distinct charms. Visit a different section of beach each day for a varied experience of dunes, sandy stretches and a tall sculpture that adorns the coastline.
The central hub Portrush Beach is East Strand Beach, which stretches across 2.5 miles (4 kilometres) of sandy terrain. High winds and waves contribute to the area’s surfing culture. Walk with the family and take the kids horseback riding along the shore.
A modern promenade runs through a network of dunes, where you will find the Royal Portrush Golf Club. Enjoy the views of the Causeway Headland and the Skerries group of rocks. Encounter the To the People of the Sea bronze sculpture, which reaches a height of 13 feet (4 metres).
Spot flocks of seabirds, including gulls, terns and fulmars. A little farther east is Whiterocks Beach, recognizable by its white limestone cliffs. Explore the network of caves and arches formed by erosion. Climb to the Magheracross lookout and take photos of the headlands in the sea. Body boarders and surf kayakers are drawn to the big waves here.
Take part in the 3-mile (5-kilometre) Saturday morning Portrush Parkrun from East Strand Beach to Whiterocks Beach. Continue east along the coast to reach Dunluce Castle.
The western portion of Portrush’s coastline is West Strand Beach. Visit its bustling harbour. From here you can paddle along some of the 80 miles (70 nautical miles) of the North Coast Sea Kayak Trail. See the porpoises just off shore. Try paddleboarding, surfing or many other watersports choices at one of the activity providers.
Lifeguards patrol the beaches daily from late morning until evening in July and August. Access to the beaches is free at all times.
Portrush Beach covers many miles across the coast of Northern Ireland. Enter East Strand Beach near the Portrush Train Station. Regular buses transport holiday makers between the sandy bays. Leave the car at one of the parking lots that serve the beaches.
