Known as ‘Northern Ireland’s favourite holiday destination’, Portrush is well known for its long, sandy beaches, East and West Strands. East Strand is the quieter of the two, as it does not have the life boat station training centre. It is still a busy beach with plenty of people watching to be done. It has large sand dunes and amazing views along the coast and is an ideal place to explore the Causeway Coast.

Portrush, built mainly on a mile-long penninsular, is a popular and well known town on the Londonderry border. It has hosted the British Golf Open, many open air music festivals and an annual air show in September. Portrush is also home to Barry’s Amusements, the largest amusement park in Northern Ireland. Actor, James Nesbitt, once worked in Barry’s.

rightbeach recommends this beach for young families due to its ease for parking and toilet facilities but also for families with teens who fancy learning to surf. There is a surf school on the beach with surf board and suit hire with changing rooms.

Beach blurb

• Tide and weather »
• Lifeguards: RNLI Lifeguard service June 25th – September 4th
• Water quality: Recommended »
• Dogs: restrictions apply, see signs at beach

See Portrush East Strand beach on a map …

Things to note to ensure your trip goes well:

• Take a wind break as the wide beach means it can get a bit breezy.
• …and a kite to keep Daddy entertained (although Daddy rightbeach is yet to succeed in the kite department!)
• A wet suit to keep the chill out when learning to ride the waves.

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Area	Rating	Observation
Beach		Open beach with plenty of space.
Crowded (1=deserted)		Can get busy due to its popularity.
Surf		Waves here can get very good with the prevailing south westerly winds blowing offshore.
Sand		Sandy, sandy, sandy
Toilets		Clean and tidy with baby changing facilities. Located in car park.
Parking		Massive car park on sea front.
Food		Only a stones throw away from Portrush town.
Shopping		Clothing shops, surf suit hire

Review by Lesley H