White Park Bay is a crescent-shaped white sand beach on the northern coast of County Antrim in Northern Ireland. Framed by limestone cliffs and grass-covered dunes, it stretches for roughly two kilometres between the villages of Ballintoy and Portbraddan. Difficult to reach by car, it remains unspoilt and quiet outside peak season. The site is managed by the National Trust and forms part of the Causeway Coast Way walking route.

Essential Information

• Access: National Trust car park on Portbraddan Road; descent on foot via a steep path (approximately 10-15 minutes).
• Entry: beach free; car park fee managed by the National Trust.
• Recommended duration: 1.5 to 3 hours depending on whether you walk to Ballintoy.
• What to wear: walking shoes recommended for the access path and dunes.
• Accessibility: challenging for visitors with mobility issues due to unmade trail.
• Swimming: water cold year-round; no lifeguard on duty.

What to See

The beach stands out for its fine white sand, rare along this basalt-dominated coastline. The limestone cliffs bordering it to the east contrast with the dunes to the west, stabilised by marram grass. At low tide, rocks emerge and reveal rock pools teeming with anemones and crabs. The coastal path runs alongside the beach and connects Ballintoy Harbour to the east.

History and Background

Archaeological excavations have uncovered Neolithic remains within the dunes, including flint tools and hearth deposits dating back thousands of years. The bay was a natural crossing point for Stone Age coastal populations. The National Trust has managed the site since the mid-20th century to protect both its natural and archaeological heritage.

Highlights of Your Visit

Walking on White Sand

The contrast between pale sand, dark cliffs and grey-green sea is striking. The beach is long enough to walk without encountering crowds, even during summer.

The Trail to Ballintoy Harbour

Continuing east, the Causeway Coast Way climbs the cliffs and offers sweeping views over the bay. Ballintoy Harbour, a charming fishing village, lies roughly 2 km away.

The Dunes and Wildlife

The dunes host wild orchids in spring and early summer. Rabbits are frequently spotted here. The area is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI).

Photography Tips

Morning light from the east shines directly on the white sand and limestone cliffs. Late afternoon light skims across the dune textures. For wide-angle shots, climb onto the dunes on the western side of the beach. On windy days, waves create photogenic spray against the rocks.

Location and Access

White Park Bay sits on the northern coast of County Antrim, roughly 6 km west of Ballycastle and about twenty kilometres east of the Giant's Causeway. The coastal road B15 runs along the cliff above the beach. Ulsterbus services the Antrim coast from Ballycastle and Coleraine, with a stop near the car park. Accessibility for visitors with mobility issues remains difficult due to the steep descent.

Nearby

• Ballintoy Harbour — charming fishing village accessible on foot via the coastal path, known for its Game of Thrones locations.
• Giant's Causeway — UNESCO World Heritage site, about twenty kilometres to the west.
• Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — spectacular suspended bridge linking cliff to rocky islet, roughly 5 km to the east.
• Ballycastle — coastal town with port, market and ferry access to Rathlin Island.