Runkerry

Runkerry Beach, Portballintrae

Looking eastwards towards Runkerry headland and Giant's Causeway

General Beach Description

Runkerry Beach, also known locally as Bushfoot Strand, is a geological Area of Special Scientific Interest. It is one of the most exciting beach systems in Ireland with a combination of very strong waves and currents, attractive scenery and natural history. The beach extends eastwards from the mouth of the River Bush towards Runkerry House and the famous Giant's Causeway.

The beach can be accessed via a footpath from the main car park in Portballintrae, before crossing the 'Threequarter' Footbridge.

Popular with experienced surfers, this beach is noted for its strong rip currents and shelving, and accordingly, bathing is inadvisable.

Facilities Include:

  • Free car parking adjacent to beach (in main village car park in Portballintrae)
  • Disabled toilets and disabled parking (in main village car park in Portballintrae)
  • Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June – 15th September)
  • Toilets (in main village car park in Portballintrae)
  • Shop (in main village car park in Portballintrae)

Please note – there is no Beach Lifeguard Service at this beach. The nearest beach with a seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service is Whiterocks Beach approx 3.5 miles westwards towards Portrush.

Gallery - Runkerry Beach Images

Aerial Image of Runkerry Beach

Runkerryaerial

Contact Us

If you would like further information, please contact us


  028 7034 7234

  coast@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk