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About
East Strand Beach, at the heart of the coastal resort of Portrush, forms a continuum of sand, approx. 2.5 km / 1.6 miles long, merging into Curran Strand and Whiterocks at its eastern extremity.
East Strand Beach is popular for water sports all year round, especially surfing. It is also very popular for family activities, including walking, and horse riding. The beach is bounded by a pedestrian promenade and an extensive dune system hosting the world famous Royal Portrush Golf Course. There are excellent views of The Skerries and the Causeway headlands.
The beach frequently attains The Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2025.
Facilities include:
Car parking (fee applicable): 50p per hour: 8:30am - 6:30pm Monday - Sunday inclusive, all year (approx. 537 spaces). Car Parking restrictions apply during The Open Golf Tournament.
Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 10am - 6pm daily)
Dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th September)
Horse riding (restrictions apply 1st May – 30th Sept, permitted before 11am and after 7pm). Please note: the beach is popular with racehorse trainers exercising their horses along the length of this beach between Whiterocks and East Strand
Toilets and outside cold showers
Disabled toilets and disabled parking
Concrete access ramps onto beach at both ends of promenade.
Wide range of amenities and facilities, including coffee shops, restaurants and shops, within walking distance of the beach
Portrush (East Strand) is an inclusive beach, run in partnership with Mae Murray Foundation, (during July and August) which allows people of all ages and abilities to take part, have fun, and be included. Inclusive beaches offer free beach equipment loan schemes including all-terrain wheelchairs and mobility aids. Membership is free and available via the Mae Murray Foundation. www.maemurrayfoundation.org/book-inclusive-beach-equipment-now/
Did you know?
The piece of public sculpture on the grass bank adjacent to the beach is entitled 'To the People of the Sea' (Sculptor: Holger Lonze). The concept for this artwork reflects Portrush's rich maritime culture and the boat building history of the East Strand site. It celebrates not only one of Ireland’s finest boat builders, James Kelly, but also the elements that have determined the daily life of the local community for generations: boats and the sea.
Look out for the following sea birds; fulmar, eider, gull, guillemot, gannet and tern
Facilities
Accessibility
- Toilets for disabled visitors - nearby on Kerr Street
Catering
- Picnic Area
Children & Infants
- Baby changing facilities
Establishment Features
- Toilets
- Wifi
Parking & Transport
- Off site parking - Other public car parks nearby, fees apply
- On site parking - Fees apply (all year round)
- Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors - Fees apply (all year round)
Provider Preferences
- Dogs accepted by arrangement - Restrictions apply 1st June to 1th September.
