Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush Beach featuring a beach, general coastal views and a coastal town
Portrush East Strand Beach
Portrush Beach showing general coastal views, a beach and cruising
Portrush Beach showing a bay or harbour, general coastal views and a coastal town
Portrush Beach which includes a coastal town, a beach and general coastal views

Ride a horse along the varied coastal terrain that features sand dunes and limestone cliffs. Appreciate the views of distant headlands.

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.

Plan a trip to see Portrush East Strand Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Rostrevor Valley Hometel

Rostrevor Valley Hometel

3.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
8 Sept - 11 Sept
found 10 hours ago
Return flight included
London (LON) to Belfast (BFS)
No reviews
Ocho Homes by Eight Continents

Ocho Homes by Eight Continents

2 out of 5
Belfast City Centre
Save 100% on your flight
per person
5 Sept - 8 Sept
found 18 hours ago
Return flight included
Birmingham (BHX) to Belfast (BFS)
No reviews
Stay Lagom Lodge

Stay Lagom Lodge

3.5 out of 5
Save 100% on your flight
per person
22 Sept - 26 Sept
found 15 hours ago
Return flight included
Manchester (MAN) to Belfast (BFS)
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Lovely property - very quiet, clean and well laid out. We wished there had been a bottle of water in the room when we arrived from a long day of travel. And the breakfast was very minimal. 4/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Popular places to visit

Portrush West Strand Beach

Portrush West Strand Beach

Why not spend a care-free afternoon at Portrush West Strand Beach during your travels in Portrush? While you're in the area, stroll along the seaside.

Portrush West Strand Beach
White Rocks Beach

White Rocks Beach

Next to wide, grass-covered limestone cliffs, this magnificent sandy beach is particularly popular with families, photographers and watersports lovers.

White Rocks Beach
Dunluce Castle which includes rugged coastline, a castle and building ruins

Dunluce Castle

Dramatically located on a steep headland that plunges straight into the sea off the North Antrim coast, Dunluce Castle is the ruined former home of the legendary MacDonnell clan.

Dunluce Castle
Royal Portrush Golf Course

Royal Portrush Golf Course

Enjoy a round of golf in Bushmills at Royal Portrush Golf Course. Stroll along the area's seaside or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.

Royal Portrush Golf Course
Old Bushmills Distillery showing signage

Old Bushmills Distillery

A visit to Northern Ireland would not be complete without sampling some of the Irish whiskey produced in the country. Old Bushmills Distillery takes you back through time and lets you see first-hand how this well-known whiskey is hand-crafted and produced in small batches.

Old Bushmills Distillery
Giant\'s Causeway which includes heritage elements, rugged coastline and general coastal views

Giant's Causeway

The Giant’s Causeway is one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic and most photographed beauty spots, instantly recognisable the world over. It is the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in all of Ireland, having earned this rare distinction back in 1986. Yet only through personally experiencing the many moods and overlooked facets of the wild north-east coast’s ancient volcanic bays, cliffs and beaches is it possible to appreciate their true splendour as wonders of the natural world.

Giant's Causeway

Top Hotel Deals

Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection By Hilton

3.5 out of 5
39 - 41 Main Street, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Marcus Hotel Portrush, Tapestry Collection By Hilton
Inn on the Coast

Inn on the Coast

3 out of 5
50 BALLYREAGH ROAD, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Inn on the Coast
Portrush Atlantic Hotel

Portrush Atlantic Hotel

3 out of 5
73 Main Street, Co Antrim, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Portrush Atlantic Hotel
Antrim House Guest Rooms & Suites

Antrim House Guest Rooms & Suites

3.5 out of 5
14 Eglinton St, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Antrim House Guest Rooms & Suites
The Port Hotel

The Port Hotel

3 out of 5
53-57 Main Street, Portrush, Northern Ireland
The Port Hotel
Prospect House

Prospect House

3 out of 5
20 Lansdowne Crescent, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Prospect House
Dunluce Lodge

Dunluce Lodge

5 out of 5
Dunluce Lodge, Dunluce Road, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Dunluce Lodge
Portrush Adelphi

Portrush Adelphi

5 out of 5
67-71 Main Street, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Portrush Adelphi
Bank Apartments

Bank Apartments

3 out of 5
Main Street, Portrush, Northern Ireland
Bank Apartments
See all 733 properties in Portrush East Strand Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush East Strand Beach offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors. You can enjoy surfing at the beach, with surf schools available for beginners looking to catch some waves. Sand activities provide a delightful way to relax, while designated picnic areas make it perfect for a family outing. For those seeking adventure, swimming in the refreshing waters adds to the fun of a day spent at this beautiful coastal destination.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Portrush East Strand Beach, visit the Causeway Speciality Market, located 3.1km away, offering a vibrant public market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Castlecroft Square is 6.8km away, providing a family-friendly market vibe, while Fairhill Shopping Centre is 16.8km away, featuring a mix of city and family-oriented shops.

Recreation

Royal Portrush Golf Club offers stunning coastal views and a challenging course just 1.6km from East Strand Beach, perfect for golf enthusiasts seeking outdoor recreation. Portstewart Golf Club, located 2.5km away, provides a similar experience with its picturesque landscape and vibrant sports atmosphere.

Adventure

Waterworld, a vibrant waterpark located 311m from Portrush East Strand Beach, offers thrilling slides and family fun. For a different adventure, visit Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 5.0km away, for exciting watersports. Lastly, enjoy the scenic Millennium Riverside Walk, 16.2km distant, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.

Nightlife

Portrush East Strand Beach offers a vibrant nightlife with cosy pubs like The Harbour Bar, perfect for a pint. For a lively atmosphere, visit the famous Barry's Amusements, where you can enjoy games and rides late into the night, creating unforgettable seaside memories.

Find the best attractions near Portrush East Strand Beach

Portrush East Strand Beach offers a delightful mix of attractions including stunning beaches, rocky landscapes, and nearby castles. Visitors can explore the beautiful West Strand Beach and other local gems like Portrush Beach and the town's iconic landmarks. This vibrant area caters to those seeking beach relaxation, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for all types of travellers.

  • Giant's Causeway: Marvel at this UNESCO World Heritage Site, famed for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. The dramatic coastal scenery offers breathtaking views, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers alike.
  • Portrush West Strand Beach: Enjoy the golden sands and gentle waves of this beautiful beach, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or a leisurely stroll. Its family-friendly atmosphere and stunning sunsets make it a lovely place to relax and unwind.
  • Dunluce Castle: Explore the romantic ruins of this medieval castle perched on a cliff, offering stunning views of the coastline. With its rich history and hauntingly beautiful setting, it's a captivating destination for history buffs and romantics.

Best time to go to Portrush East Strand Beach

The best time to visit Portrush East Strand Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Portrush East Strand Beach falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Portrush East Strand Beach falls in January and February. February has moderately low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Portrush East Strand Beach

To save money on your trip to Portrush East Strand Beach, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January, February, and November, when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay approximately one month in advance can also help you secure better rates. Look out for last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia, particularly on Tuesdays, the cheapest day to stay. Free activities like beach walks and exploring the local scenery can enhance your experience without additional costs. Additionally, combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can lead to further savings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Portrush East Strand Beach are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Portrush East Strand Beach is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Portrush East Strand Beach is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Portrush East Strand Beach is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase available sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels. To find the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Portrush East Strand Beach with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.