A long sandy beach towards Whiterocks / PORTRUSH

East Strand

Choose East Strand for a spacious beach outing with views of the Skerries and a longer walk towards the limestone coast. The sand continues through Curran Strand towards Whiterocks, while the town end has a promenade and nearby places to eat. You can keep the visit short without completing the whole stretch.

Before you go

Check tides and the RNLI’s current patrol dates before planning time in the water. East Strand’s autumn cover is not daily, and the long walk to Whiterocks still needs a return plan.

The practical details

Where to find it: East Strand promenade and Dunluce Avenue, Portrush
Directions and arrival information ↗
Tickets and booking: No beach admission ticket is needed. Parking, equipment, lessons and food have separate costs or booking terms. Check current beach signs, weather and patrol flags; the adjacent golf course is not part of the public beach route.
Access and getting around: Concrete ramps lead onto the beach at both ends of the promenade, but soft sand is a separate mobility challenge. The council lists accessible toilets and parking. Specialist beach equipment needs advance booking through the Mae Murray Foundation; confirm suitability, availability and collection arrangements.
Official access information ↗
Visiting with children: Sand play and a picnic can be the outing without entering the sea. Keep children close near waves and give horses space when they are exercising on the beach. Follow current dog and horse restrictions, and leave time for toilets and food before a longer walk.

Practical information checked 15 September 2026. Confirm anything essential to your visit with the venue.

Make it part of your day

Allow 1–3 hours for the visit, plus travel and breaks. This is a suggested planning allowance; opening times, access and availability may affect your plans.

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