Ballycastle Beach
Ballycastle, County Antrim
About Ballycastle Beach
The coast of north Antrim is spectacular, boasting the Giant's Causeway, the gateway to the Glens of Antrim and Ballycastle beach, with views on a clear day over to the Mull of Kintyre. The sand beach is set in a bay framed to the east by sheer 600ft cliffs, while to the west the ruins of Kinbane Castle sit on an imposing limestone outcrop. The sand is slightly coarse and gravelly, which makes it perfect for both sandcastle making and walking if you don't want to swim - which you can do in the shallows with relative safety despite there being no lifeguard cover. There's a promenade and seafront at Ballycastle with tennis courts, and an inner harbour and marina. In the distance offshore sits the small inhabited island of Rathlin, you can take one of the daily boat trips out there to go bird watching, or diving to see one of the many wrecks that lie beneath the occasionally treacherous waters around the island. The satnav address is to get you to nearby car parking.
Opening Times
Daylight access year round. No lifeguard cover at any time. Dogs have restricted access from May to September.
Pricing & Tickets
No entry fee, parking charges may apply.
Book in advance for cheapest tickets
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Last Updated: 14:12 26/02/2026
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