The east strand beach at Whiterocks Portrush along the Causeway Coastal Route is ideally situated adjoining Portrush East Strand Beach, and between them, they form a 3 mile golden sandy beach, just outside the small town of Portrush. Portrush town is renowned for its three main beaches: Whiterocks Beach, Portrush East Strand Beach, and West Strand Beach (also known as West Strand, West Bay, or Mill Strand). Each of these beaches offers unique features and appeal, from dramatic cliffs and natural dunes to scenic promenades and relaxed atmospheres, making them standout attractions along the North Coast. The golden sandy beaches are popular among regular visitors and are accessible on a year round basis, attracting water sports enthusiasts, walkers, and tourists throughout all seasons.
Whiterocks beach frequently attains the prestigious Blue Flag award, and the long wide beach, sweeping golden sands, giant sand dunes, and crashing ocean waves make this stunning natural location one of nature’s gorgeous playgrounds. Situated just northeast of Portrush town, Whiterocks Beach is easily accessible and connects seamlessly with Portrush East Strand Beach, offering visitors a continuous stretch of scenic coastline.
Northern Ireland, known for its notable geographical and cultural features, is home to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This unique geological formation, surrounded by legends, is a must-visit destination.
Portrush Coastal zone is also home to many coastal and marine exhibitions.
Portrush White Rocks Beach in Whiterocks Coastal Park
The Whiterocks beach is safe and clean, and provides a vibe that is completely different from the two Strands in town. Whiterocks is an idyllic spot for people of all ages, and is well loved by water sports enthusiasts, especially surfers, for boating, surfing, swimming, diving, paddle boarding, surf kayakers, horse riding, fishing, and many other types of watersports. The site surf outlet is a seasonal facility that provides equipment for water sports enthusiasts, particularly surfers, body boarders, and surf kayakers.
There are Lifeguards on duty at Whiterocks Beach in high season between June 21 and September 7 daily between 11 am and 7 pm, and on the weekends in May and June.
The east strand at Whiterocks Beach is accessed via a narrow access road from the A2. The drive winds down to the ocean, and there are a number of picnic and free car parking spots and a large car park on the way down. There is convenient board walk access from the car park directly onto the beach, making it easy for visitors to reach the sand and sea. Shower and toilet facilities are available at the bottom. Whiterocks can be reached by taking a bus, biking, or walking. Along the access road, you can find pull-in areas where visitors can stop, enjoy sea views, and take in the coastal scenery.
The landscape features grassy knolls along the beach that are ideal for picnics and offer beautiful sea views, providing a perfect setting for relaxation and outdoor leisure.
Especially children fall in love with this beach as there are so many things to stir their instinctual love of nature and stimulate their imagination. The beach is also dog-friendly; beach dogs are allowed, though there are some restrictions during peak summer months, typically from 1st June to 15th September.
Running free and wild down the dunes, climbing on the black rocks at the edge of the ocean, building sand castles, swimming, throwing a Frisbee, just about anything is possible.
Whiterocks Beach with Limestone Cliffs
Magical experiences that we all treasure so much can easily be created right here at Whiterocks Beach on the Causeway Coast. The huge white limestone cliffs are covered with grass and are the origin of the beach’s name. They are truly majestic and at times run in double tiers. The rocky area continues around the coastline up to Dunluce Castle. Hunt around the sedimentary rocks below for cavernous caves that can be explored—these caves, formed within the limestone cliffs, are of significant geological interest. Many of these caves and arches serve as a hunting ground for seabirds and raptors, making the area ecologically important. For those that are not water sports enthusiasts, simply relax and enjoy the views of the headlands that jut out into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Whiterocks Coastal Park enjoys a stunning natural location with the majestic limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce. These cliffs have formed fascinating shapes over the years, which are well worth exploring, including the Wishing Arch and Elephant Rock. Apart from Elephant Rock, there is also the Lion’s Paw, a distinctive headland recognized for its unique shape, and among the many caves and arches, Shelagh’s Head stands out. Shelagh’s Head is a prominent limestone headland, notable for its unique form and position among the dramatic coastal formations, alongside the Wishing Arch.
Panoramic views of the Islands of Scotland, Donegal and the Causeway Coastal Route
The headlands and limestone cliffs at Whiterocks Beach offer spectacular views of the islands of Scotland, Donegal and the Causeway Coast, and have been designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).
At Magheracross, a custom-built area allows sensational views of Whiterocks and Portrush in one direction and the Dunluce Castle in the other. This is a perfect setting to watch the sunset.
The closest place to get some food is at the Royal Court Hotel, which is located across from the access road to the beach and overlooks the Whiterocks.
They have a restaurant and licensed bar that serves snacks and meals daily.
Facilities and Amenities at Whiterocks Beach
Whiterocks Beach, nestled along the breathtaking North Antrim Coast, is renowned not only for its dramatic limestone cliffs and golden sands but also for its excellent facilities that make every visit comfortable and memorable. As part of the Whiterocks Coastal Park, this stunning natural location offers everything you need for a perfect day by the sea, whether you’re a regular visitor or discovering the area for the first time.
Arriving at Whiterocks Beach is a breeze, thanks to the ample free car parking available in the main car park and additional pull-in areas along the main coast road. These spots provide incredible views of the headlands, the Atlantic Ocean, and the unique limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle. For those seeking easy access, a well-maintained board walk leads directly from the car park to the beach, making it simple for families, water sports enthusiasts, and those with mobility needs to reach the sand.
The beach is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with surf kayakers and body boarders taking full advantage of the Atlantic waves. Horse riders are also a common sight, enjoying the continuous stretch of strand beach from Whiterocks to East Strand Beach. If you’re bringing your four-legged friend, beach dogs are allowed year-round, though some restrictions apply during the busy summer months to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.
Whiterocks Beach is proud to hold the prestigious Blue Flag award, a testament to its high standards of cleanliness, safety, and environmental management. Visitors will find modern toilet facilities, including disabled toilets, and convenient shower cubicles to freshen up after a day in the sea. The large car park and pull-in areas make it easy to find a spot, even during peak times, and the nearby town of Portrush offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops for those looking to extend their day out.
The location of Whiterocks Beach along the Causeway Coastal Route means you’re never far from some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions. With panoramic views of the coastline, dramatic cliffs, and easy access to sites like Dunluce Castle and the Giant’s Causeway, it’s the perfect base for exploring the north Antrim coast. Whether you’re drawn by the soft sedimentary rocks, the stunning views of the headlands, or the golden sands that stretch from strand to Dunluce Castle, Whiterocks Beach offers a unique blend of natural beauty and visitor-friendly amenities.
Open and welcoming year-round, Whiterocks Beach is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re planning a day of adventure on the ocean, a relaxing stroll along the sand, or simply want to soak in the incredible views, this coastal park has everything you need for an unforgettable experience on the Causeway Coast.
Getting to White Rocks
White Rocks is only a short drive along the magnificent coastal drive past Royal Portrush Golf Club, home to the Open championship, from Portrush County Antrim. Car parking is a available in the small main car park and Portrush whiterocks car park.
You can also walk along east strand to curran strand to dunluce castle, where you will see the lion’s paw are headlands of distinguishable forms which rise out along the north coast.
