Whiterock, Portrush | Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council

General Beach Description

Situated just off the Causeway Coastal Route, Whiterocks Coastal Park enjoys a stunning natural location, with limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle.

Whiterocks Beach frequently attains the prestigious Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2024.

On a year round basis, the beach is a magnet for water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers, but body boarders and surf kayakers are also regular visitors. A seasonal on-site surf outlet provides equipment for hire.

The beach is also very popular with walkers to and from Portrush along the continuous stretch of sand from East Strand to Whiterocks. Enjoy the cliff path, part of the Ulster Way/Causeway Coast Way/IAT, which offers stunning views both east and west, and perhaps venture further eastwards to the award-winning Magheracross viewpoint.

Facilities Include:

Free car parking - in main car park, and overflows, adjacent to beach
Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 10am-6pm daily)
Board walk access to beach
Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th Sept)
Horse riding (restrictions apply 1st May – 30th Sept, permitted before 11am and after 7pm). Horse riders are encouraged to park in the top car park and use the bridle path to access the beach. Please note: this beach is popular with race horse trainers exercising their horses along the length of this beach between Whiterocks and East Strand
Disabled toilets and disabled parking
Amenity block with toilets and covered exterior cold showers facility

Did you know?

The soft sedimentary rocks of Whiterocks have been carved through centuries into a labyrinth of caves and arches. Shelagh’s Head, the Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and the Lion’s Paw are headlands of distinguishable forms which rise out of the ocean. Under the road, there are cavernous caves, accessible only from the sea, home to seabirds and a hunting ground for birds of prey including occasional peregrine falcons.