East Strand Portrush, one of the main Beach Portrush destinations along with West Strand, borders the Whiterocks and starts at the Arcadia, merging into Curran Strand and heading out to the Causeway headlands. It boasts a continuum of sand approx 2.5 km of soft golden sands, seamlessly connecting East Strand with Curran Strand and Portrush Whiterocks Beach, and is backed by an extensive dune system hosting the Royal Portrush Golf Course. Situated along the scenic North Antrim Coast, East Strand offers stunning views and easy access to nearby attractions within walking distance.
A public sculpture, entitled ‘To the People of the Sea,’ celebrates Portrush’s maritime culture, boat building history, and the historical significance of boat building to the local community, highlighting the legacy of artisan James Kelly and Ireland’s finest boat builders. Landscaped gardens, curved walkways, and play and seating areas will allow you to soak up the East Strand’s atmosphere and make this a premier Northern Ireland’s causeway coast destination.
The East Strand Beach received the Seaside Award in 2021. The beach frequently attains prestigious accolades such as the Blue Flag Award, reflecting its high standards for cleanliness, safety, and environmental management.
Introduction to East Strand Beach
East Strand Beach is a breathtaking golden sandy beach nestled in the heart of Portrush, one of Northern Ireland’s most beloved coastal resorts. Stretching for approximately 2.5 km, this golden sandy beach forms a seamless continuum with Curran Strand and Whiterocks at its eastern extremity, creating a spectacular beachscape that is both inviting and expansive. The extensive dune system hosting the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Course provides a dramatic backdrop, while the pedestrian promenade offers easy access and stunning views of the Causeway headlands. Whether you’re looking to enjoy water sports, horse riding along the shoreline, or simply a leisurely walk, East Strand Beach is the perfect destination. Its spectacular beach forms, dramatic cliffs, and merging sands make it a must-visit for anyone eager to experience the natural beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Northern Ireland’s coastline.
The Golden Sandy Beach Is Popular With Visitors and Locals Alike
Located on the eastern side of the Portrush Peninsula, Curran Strand or Portrush East Strand is a Blue Flag Beach that frequently attains the Blue Flag Award, reflecting its ongoing commitment to high standards in environmental management, safety, and facilities. As one of the main Beach Portrush destinations along the North Antrim Coast, this golden sandy beach is perfect for sand and water activities of all types. It is uniquely situated behind the sand dunes overlooking the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, offering breathtaking views of East Strand Beach. The beach forms a continuum of sand approx 2.5 km, seamlessly connecting with Curran Strand and Whiterocks, providing an extensive, unbroken coastline.
East Strand is an inclusive beach and part of a network of inclusive beaches, with accessible facilities for all visitors, including partnerships with organizations like the Mae Murray Foundation. The beach is open and welcoming year round, making it suitable for water sports, family outings, and recreation in every season. Many amenities and attractions are within walking distance from the beach, enhancing convenience for visitors. Facilities include toilets and outside cold showers for added comfort after swimming or water sports.
Walking (including with dogs except with summer restrictions), swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, horse riding, diving, jogging, fishing, or kayaking can all be done on East Strand. From June 21 until September 7 daily between 11 am and 7 pm a seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service is offered at the east strand site. The local community has a strong connection to the beach, which plays a significant role in local heritage and maritime culture.
Eight of the beaches in Northern Ireland have been awarded the ‘Blue Flag’ and the three Portrush beaches—East Strand, West Strand, and Portrush Whiterocks Beach—all qualify as main Beach Portrush destinations. Enjoy the amazing views stretching across the North Atlantic Ocean and the North Antrim Coast, including the Skerries, a small group of rocky islets only a few miles offshore and along the causeway coast. While visiting, be sure to observe the variety of sea birds and following sea birds such as fulmar, eider, gull, guillemot, gannet, and tern along the shoreline, highlighting the area’s rich maritime ecosystem.
Location on the Causeway Coast
Set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of the Causeway Coast, East Strand Beach enjoys a prime location in one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic and sought-after destinations. The beach is just steps away from the lively, busy seaside resort of Portrush, where visitors can find an array of coffee shops, restaurants, and local shops to explore. The area is renowned for its mountain and cliff scenery, with domineering sand dunes framing the golden sands and offering panoramic views of the wild North Atlantic Ocean. The proximity to the famous Royal Portrush Golf Course adds to the allure, making East Strand Beach a favorite for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you’re drawn by the dramatic cliff scenery, the thrill of horse riding along the shore, or the vibrant energy of the coastal resort, East Strand Beach is a true highlight of the Causeway Coast.
The 1920s Arcadia building
The East Strand beach entrance can be accessed at Arcadia via the great steps leading from Main Street to a rocky outcrop with a small sandy bay. The historic Arcadia building, built in the 1920s, overlooks the bay and is within walking distance of the main beach entrance and other local amenities.
This landmark, unique to Portrush, has served as a fashionable ballroom that opened in 1953, a popular Victorian seaside cafe, and today thrives as a Gallery, Cafe, and Well Being Centre. The Arcadia has long held historical and ongoing significance to the local community, reflecting its cultural heritage and community identity. Pilates, Yoga, Dance Classes, and Tai Chi for children and adults are offered, while there are also regular musical concerts and art exhibitions.
Old photographs from the 1800s depict this stretch of the East Strand being used as a Ladies Bathing Beach.
Enjoy The Curvy Pedestrian Promenade With Its Undulating Walkways
The Promenade with its undulating walkways is part of an inclusive beach and a wider network of inclusive beaches, designed to be accessible and welcoming to people of all ages and abilities. It can be reached via a leisurely stroll past the play area and pool, and is within walking distance of the main attractions. The Promenade leads to the East Strand toilets with disabled access, outside cold showers, East Strand Car Park, and Watersports Centre. The promenade and its amenities are available year round, ensuring everyone can enjoy the facilities in every season. With the easy-to-manage steps from Main Street, the magical new lighting provides a glowing after-dark experience.
Along the Promenade, visitors have the opportunity to observe sea birds and following sea birds, such as fulmar, eider, gull, guillemot, gannet, and tern, highlighting the rich maritime ecosystem of the area. The manicured gardens and parks, combined with the ‘To the People of the Sea’ public art, offer an inviting welcome to Portrush East Strand beach and reflect the heritage and values of the local community. The car park is located off Causeway Street and is the main beach access, providing more than 600 parking spaces. World-class facilities are also available at the Watersports Centre.
Nearby Beaches and Bays
The Causeway Coast is home to a collection of stunning beaches and bays, and East Strand Beach is perfectly positioned for visitors to explore them all. Just a short stroll away, you’ll find Curran Strand and Whiterocks Beach—each with its own unique charm. Whiterocks Beach is famed for its striking white chalk cliffs and hidden caves, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers alike. Curran Strand is a hotspot for water sports and horse riding, offering wide open spaces and a lively atmosphere. For those seeking a more secluded escape, Mill Strand and Downhill Beach provide tranquil settings and breathtaking cliff scenery. With such a diverse range of beaches and bays, the Causeway Coast is a paradise for anyone who loves the outdoors, from sunbathers and surfers to walkers and wildlife enthusiasts.
Parkrun On The East Strand Portrush Beach On Saturday Mornings
PortrushParkrun is one of many in Northern Ireland and is held year round on the East Strand beach every Saturday at 9.30 am. The run is free and timed, and runs along East Strand beach to the Whiterocks and back. The course starts on the beach at the Watersports Centre, which is within walking distance of key amenities. This is the first beach Parkrun globally that is run entirely on sand.
East Strand is an inclusive beach and part of a network of inclusive beaches, supporting accessibility for all participants. The local community is actively involved in organizing and participating in these events, making everyone feel welcome. During the run, participants can enjoy the chance to observe sea birds and following sea birds, adding to the unique coastal experience.
In June every year, the CausewayCoast Triathlon takes place at East Strand Portrush and goes all the way to Bushmills.
Spectacular Golf In A Magical Setting At Royal Portrush Golf Course
The world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Course is located behind the sand dunes and is within walking distance of East Strand Beach. This proximity allows both the golf course and the beach to be easily accessible year round for visitors and residents alike. The golf course holds significant importance for the local community, contributing to local heritage and identity while keeping the area behind the beach beautifully ‘green’ and in pristine condition. The ruins of Dunluce Castle overlook the Royal Portrush Dunluce Links Course, home to the Open Championship Golf, which is also located behind the sand dunes.
Facilities at East Strand Beach Entrance
East Strand Portrush is an inclusive beach and part of a network of inclusive beaches, offering accessible facilities for visitors of all ages and abilities. Amenities include toilets, outside cold showers, and accessible equipment, all available year round. These facilities are within walking distance of the main beach and nearby attractions, making them convenient for everyone. While using the facilities, visitors can enjoy observing sea birds and following sea birds such as fulmar, eider, gull, guillemot, gannet, and tern, highlighting the area’s rich maritime ecosystem. The local community plays an important role in supporting and maintaining these facilities, ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
Car Parking
There is a large car park within walking distance of the beach and main facilities. The car park provides accessible parking to support the inclusive beach and the wider network of inclusive beaches, ensuring everyone can enjoy the golden sand. Parking is available year round, with the local community actively involved in providing and maintaining these facilities. Near the car parking area there are outdoor cold showers, disabled toilets, and a range of shops.
Food and Drink with Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards
There is a range of coffee shops and restaurants within walking distance of the beach, many of which are supported by the local community. The area offers inclusive beach and inclusive beaches amenities, including accessible dining options for all visitors. Many food and drink establishments are open year round, ensuring you can enjoy a meal or refreshment at any time. While dining, you may also have the opportunity to observe sea birds and following sea birds, adding to the unique coastal experience.
Transport
The Strand is only a short walk up the grass bank adjacent to 55 Degrees North Restaurant to West Strand and the Portrush Train station, with transport links all within walking distance of the beach and main attractions. Hourly train services and a daily bus service are available year round, supporting the inclusive beach and the wider network of inclusive beaches with accessible options for all visitors. The local community is actively involved in providing and maintaining these transport services to ensure everyone can enjoy the area.
