Northern Ireland’s Coastal Walks
Northern Ireland’s coast is spectacular—a dramatic combination of headlands, sandy beaches, cliff paths, and historic sites. From the famous Giant’s Causeway in the east to the Causeway Coast in the west, the coastline offers walking for every ability and scenery that rivals anywhere in Britain.
This guide reveals Northern Ireland’s essential coastal walks, explaining what makes each special, how to plan your visit, and experiencing this extraordinary coastline responsibly.
Understanding Northern Ireland’s Coast
Northern Ireland’s coast is characterised by:
Dramatic Cliffs: The Antrim Coast’s basalt cliffs create some of Ireland’s most dramatic coastal scenery.
Sandy Beaches: Down the Antrim Coast, sandy beaches provide contrast to the cliffs and offer easier walking.
Headlands: The Causeway Coast’s distinctive headlands create varied coastal walking with spectacular views.
Geological Features: The Giant’s Causeway’s hexagonal basalt columns are just one of many geological features along the coast.
Coastal Villages: From the busy resort of Portrush to the quiet villages of the Causeway Coast, coastal communities give character and facilities.
What makes Northern Ireland’s coast special is its variety and accessibility—you can walk dramatic cliff paths one day and sandy beaches the next, all within a relatively compact coastline.
Essential Coastal Walks
1. The Giant’s Causeway Coastal Walk
While visitors flock to the Giant’s Causeway itself, many miss the spectacular coastal walk that connects the causeway with the surrounding coastline. This walk offers dramatic cliff views, geology, and opportunities to see the causeway from different angles.
What makes this walk special is its perspective. Seeing the hexagonal columns from the coast rather than just at the causeway itself gives a different understanding of their scale and context in the landscape.
Start/End: Park at the Giant’s Causeway car park, walk along the coastal path to the west. Return along the clifftops via the coastal path.
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (5 km) circular
Time: 1.5-2 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)
Best for: Those who’ve visited the Giant’s Causeway and want to see it in broader context.
2. Whitepark Beach to Portballintrae
This walk connects two of Antrim’s most popular beaches via cliff paths and coastal scenery. The walk offers dramatic cliff views, seabirds, and the famous Portballintrae cave.
What makes this walk special is its variety—from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs to a historic cave. You’ll experience different coastal environments in one walk.
Start Point: Whitepark Beach car park
End Point: Portballintrae village
Distance: Approximately 3 miles (5 km) one-way
Time: 1.5-2 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some cliff path sections)
Best for: Those wanting to experience Antrim’s coastal variety in one walk.
3. The Gobbins Coastal Path
The Gobbins is a lesser-known coastal area with dramatic cliffs and coastal walking. The path offers spectacular views across the North Channel and is surprisingly quiet given its location.
What makes the Gobbins special is its drama and relative obscurity. The cliffs are as dramatic as the more famous Antrim Coast areas but see far fewer visitors, creating a sense of discovery and wilderness.
Location: Near Portstewart
Access: Park at Portstewart and walk east towards the Gobbins
Distance: Approximately 2 miles (3 km) there-and-back
Time: 1-1.5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate (cliff path walking)
Best for: Those seeking dramatic coastal scenery without crowds.
4. The Causeway Coast Circular Walk
The Causeway Coast is Northern Ireland’s westernmost area and offers spectacular walking around its distinctive headlands. This circular walk covers some of the coast’s best features, from sandy beaches to cliff paths.
What makes the Causeway Coast special is its headlands and varied coastal landscapes. You’ll experience everything from sandy beaches to rocky headlands to historic sites in one walk.
Start Point: Cushendun village
End Point: Circular walk back to Cushendun
Distance: Approximately 4 miles (6.5 km) circular
Time: 2-2.5 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some rocky sections)
Best for: Those wanting to experience the Causeway Coast’s varied character in one walk.
5. Downhill Beach to Portrush
Downhill Beach is one of Antrim’s most beautiful sandy beaches, connected to the famous resort of Portrush by a coastal path. This walk offers excellent coastal walking and opportunities to see Antrim’s spectacular coastal scenery.
What makes this walk special is its combination of sandy beaches, cliff paths, and resort town. You’ll experience both wild and developed coastal environments.
Start Point: Downhill Beach
End Point: Portrush town centre
Distance: Approximately 2 miles (3 km) one-way
Time: 1 hour depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy (sandy beach and cliff paths)
Best for: All abilities, especially those wanting accessible coastal walking with facilities nearby.
Hidden Coastal Gems
6. Murlough Bay
Murlough Bay is a hidden gem of a coastal location on the Causeway Coast. The bay has a beautiful sandy beach, dunes, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels remote despite being relatively accessible.
What makes Murlough Bay special is its sense of isolation. The bay is surrounded by dunes and headlands, creating a sheltered, peaceful feeling that’s increasingly rare on developed coasts.
Location: Near Ballycastle
Access: From Ballycastle, walk approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) to the bay
Opening: 24/7 access
Cost: Free
What to expect: Sandy beach, dunes, peaceful atmosphere. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Facilities: The bay has no facilities. Bring everything you need.
7. Ballintoy Beach
Ballintoy Beach is a hidden sandy beach on the Antrim Coast, offering dramatic views and peaceful atmosphere away from the more popular beaches.
What makes Ballintoy Beach special is its dramatic setting and relative quiet. The beach is backed by cliffs and offers views across the North Channel that rival the more famous Antrim locations.
Location: Near Ballygally
Access: From Ballygally, walk approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) to the beach
Opening: 24/7 access
Cost: Free
What to expect: Dramatic cliff-backed beach, North Channel views. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Views: The North Channel views across Scotland are particularly spectacular on clear days.
8. Ramore Head
Ramore Head is a dramatic headland on the Causeway Coast with spectacular cliffs and coastal walking. The headland is relatively unvisited and offers dramatic scenery and wildlife.
What makes Ramore Head special is its wildness and wildlife. The cliffs are home to seabirds, and seals can often be seen in the water below. The coastal walking is spectacular and relatively untouched.
Location: Near Ramore
Access: From Ramore, walk approximately 0.5 miles (0.8 km) to the headland
Location: Near Cushendun
Opening: 24/7 access
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spectacular cliffs, coastal walking, wildlife. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Wildlife: Look for seabirds and seals—the area is known for its wildlife.
9. The Brown’s Bay
The Brown’s Bay is a hidden coastal location with a beautiful beach and dramatic cliffs. The bay offers a perfect combination of sandy beach and cliff scenery in a relatively unvisited location.
What makes the Brown’s Bay special is its combination of beach and cliffs in one location. Many coastal locations have either one or the other, but this bay offers both.
Location: Near Castlerock
Access: From Castlerock, walk approximately 1 mile (1.5 km) to the bay
Opening: 24/7 access
Cost: Free
What to expect: Beach and cliff scenery, peaceful atmosphere. Allow 30-45 minutes.
Combination: The beach and cliffs create a photogenic coastal scene.
10. The Benbane Head
The Benbane Head is a spectacular headland with dramatic cliffs and coastal walking, offering views across the North Channel towards Scotland. The headland is relatively unvisited and offers a sense of wildness.
What makes the Benbane Head special is its views and wildness. The headland offers some of the best views across the North Channel towards Scotland, visible on clear days, and the coastal walking is dramatic and wild.
Location: Near Ballintoy
Access: From Ballintoy, walk approximately 1.5 miles (2.5 km) to the headland
Opening: 24/7 access
Cost: Free
What to expect: Spectacular headland, North Channel views, dramatic walking. Allow 45-60 minutes.
Views: On very clear days, you can see towards Scotland and the Isle of Man.
Coastal Walk Planning
Antrim Coast (East)
The Antrim Coast has good public transport links and facilities:
By Bus: Translink services connect Belfast to Portrush, Whitepark, and other Antrim Coast locations.
By Car: Car parks are available at most beaches (small charge applies). Driving gives flexibility to explore multiple coastal locations.
Facilities: The Antrim Coast has good facilities—cafés, toilets, and accommodation are widely available.
Causeway Coast (West)
The Causeway Coast is more remote but has facilities in key locations:
By Car: Essential to explore the Causeway Coast. Parking is available in villages like Cushendun, Ballycastle, and Portballintrae.
Facilities: Facilities are more limited but available in the main villages.
Mobile Reception: Mobile reception can be poor in more remote coastal areas.
Coastal Walk Safety
Cliff Safety: The Antrim Coast cliffs are unstable. Stay well back from edges and never climb on cliffs for photographs.
Tides: Check tide times before coastal walks. The Antrim Coast can be dangerous in certain conditions.
Weather: The coast is exposed. Check forecasts and be prepared for strong winds and changing conditions.
Footwear: Sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip are essential on cliff paths and rocky beaches.
Tell Someone: Always let someone know your walking plans and expected return time.
Stay on Paths: Never go off marked coastal paths or across private land.
Coastal Walk Photography Tips
The Giant’s Causeway: See the famous hexagonal columns from the coastal path for different perspectives. Overcast days can be better than bright sun for showing detail.
Cliffs: The Antrim Coast cliffs are spectacular in any light, particularly in early morning or late afternoon golden hour.
Seabirds: The coast is rich in seabirds. Use a telephoto lens to capture birds in flight or on nests (from a respectful distance).
Coastal Scenes: Include elements like boats, lighthouses, or headlands in your coastal shots to show human connection to the coast.
Golden Hour: The hour after sunrise and before sunset offers beautiful golden light on cliffs and beaches.
Coastal Walk Etiquette
Respect Private Property: Much of the Northern Ireland coast is private land. Don’t access beaches across private property without permission.
Keep Noise Down: The coast is a peaceful place for many. Keep voices down, especially near wildlife.
Don’t Litter: Take all rubbish with you. The coast is beautiful and should be kept that way.
Respect Wildlife: Keep your distance from seabirds and other wildlife. Never disturb nesting birds or seals.
Respect Fishermen: The coast is a working place. Don’t interfere with fishing boats or activities.
Seasonal Coastal Walking
Spring (March-May): Good weather for coastal walking, wildflowers in dunes, longer daylight hours. Seabirds returning to cliffs.
Summer (June-August): Best weather, but most crowded. Early morning offers quieter periods. Longest daylight hours.
Autumn (September-November): Good light for photography, cooler temperatures. Beautiful autumn colours in dunes and cliffs.
Winter (December-February): Quietest time, but days are short and weather can be harsh. Coast is atmospheric in winter light and storms.
Combining Coastal Walks with Other Activities
Antrim Coast:
- The Giant’s Causeway is a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a spectacular tourist attraction.
- Dunluce Castle is a historic castle with coastal views.
Causeway Coast:
- Portballintrae Cave is a spectacular sea cave accessible by boat tours.
- The town of Donegal offers good facilities and character.
- Glenveagh National Park is nearby for hill walking and lake scenery.
A Final Thought
Northern Ireland’s coast is one of Britain’s most spectacular coastlines—a dramatic combination of basalt cliffs, sandy beaches, headlands, and geological wonders. The Giant’s Causeway is deservedly famous, but the coast has so much more to offer.
The key to enjoying the coast is to explore beyond the obvious. Yes, visit the Giant’s Causeway—it’s essential. But also discover the Gobbins’ dramatic cliffs, the Causeway Coast’s headlands, and hidden gems like Murlough Bay and Ballintoy Beach.
The coast offers walking for every ability—from easy sandy beach walks to more challenging cliff paths. The variety means you can find a coastal walk that suits your ability and interests, from family-friendly beach walking to dramatic cliff adventures.
So lace up your walking boots, check the tides, and discover Northern Ireland’s spectacular coastline. The views, geology, and wildlife will create lasting memories and show you why this coast is among Britain’s finest.
The coast is more than just beautiful—it’s a palimpsest of geological processes, wildlife habitats, and human history. Walking it connects you to that deeper story and helps you understand why this coastline is so special.
This guide reveals Northern Ireland’s coastal walks, from the Giant’s Causeway to the Causeway Coast, from Antrim’s dramatic cliffs to hidden gems like Murlough Bay. Northern Ireland’s coast is spectacular and varied, offering walking for every ability. Explore these coastal walks and discover one of Britain’s finest coastlines.