Runkerry Beach
Golden sands meet dramatic cliffs at Runkerry Beach, a scenic gem on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, perfect for walks and experienced surfers.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Runkerry Beach
Best Time
Peaceful strolls, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Golden sands meet dramatic cliffs at Runkerry Beach, a scenic gem on Northern Ireland's Causeway Coast, perfect for walks and experienced surfers.
"A stunning stretch of golden sand on Northern Ireland's north coast with dramatic scenery."
⚠️ Respect the Riptides
No swimming allowed due to strong currents. Enjoy the views and walks instead!
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Portballintrae car park for free access to the beach.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Golden Sands and Coastal Views
Northern Ireland's North Coast
A stunning stretch of golden sand framed by dramatic headlands and distant Giant's Causeway views. Perfect for walks.
Surfer's Paradise
Runkerry Beach
Experience the thrill of strong waves and challenging currents, ideal for experienced surfers.
Scenic Walk to Giant's Causeway
Runkerry Beach to Giant's Causeway
Enjoy a free, approximately 8km walk to the Giant's Causeway, bypassing the visitor center.
Portballintrae Village Charm
Portballintrae
Explore this charming seaside village with its own harbor, offering a peaceful atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Currents
Parking and Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
⚠️ Respect the Riptides
No swimming allowed due to strong currents. Enjoy the views and walks instead!
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Portballintrae car park for free access to the beach.
🚶♀️ Walk to Giant's Causeway
A scenic and free 8km walk to the Giant's Causeway is a great option.
🥪 Post-Beach Snack
Grab a delicious grilled cheese from the Mini Maegden caravan.
Tips
from all over the internet
⚠️ Respect the Riptides
No swimming allowed due to strong currents. Enjoy the views and walks instead!
🚗 Free Parking Nearby
Utilize the Portballintrae car park for free access to the beach.
🚶♀️ Walk to Giant's Causeway
A scenic and free 8km walk to the Giant's Causeway is a great option.
🥪 Post-Beach Snack
Grab a delicious grilled cheese from the Mini Maegden caravan.
🐶 Dog-Friendly (Check Rules)
Generally clean with little waste, but always check local dog policies.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Breathtaking coastal beauty perfect for photography.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Runkerry Beach is praised for its stunning golden sands, dramatic coastal scenery, and suitability for experienced surfers. Visitors appreciate the free parking and the scenic walk to the Giant's Causeway. However, the strong riptides make it unsafe for swimming, which is a significant drawback for many.
"Be aware that there is a car park at the Google location of Runkerry Beach but it is private. Also no swimming on this beach due to riptides."
Roseanne Smith
"Runkerry Beach, also known as Bushfoot Strand, is a stunning stretch of golden sand on Northern Ireland's north coast. Dramatic scenery surrounds the beach, with the imposing Runkerry Headland on one side and a glimpse of the Giant's Causeway in the distance.
This beach is a paradise for surfers. The strong waves and currents make it a challenge, but for experienced surfers, it's a thrill. However, swimmers should be very cautious. The same strong currents pose a serious risk, and there are no lifeguards.
Despite the swimming restrictions, Runkerry Beach is a great spot for a walk. Explore the rock pools at low tide, watch the surfers tackle the waves, or simply admire the breathtaking views.
For a post-beach treat, you can grab a delicious grilled cheese sandwich from the nearby Mini Maegden caravan."
Jaldeep Patel
"The Runkerry beach offers a beautiful scenery if you wish to take a walk to visit giant's causeway FOR FREE, far from its over publicized and over expensive visitor centre. Approx 8km total walk. Parking at Runkerry beach is fee of cost (August 2024)"
Elisa Flora Bezze
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Runkerry Beach is located near Portballintrae on the Causeway Coast. You can drive and park at the Portballintrae car park, which offers free parking and access to the beach via a footbridge.
Some visitors arrive via bus or train to nearby Portrush and then travel onward.Yes, there is free car parking available in the Portballintrae car park adjacent to the beach. Be aware that a car park at the Google location of Runkerry Beach itself might be private.
Yes, it's possible to walk along the coast from Portrush to Runkerry Beach, which is part of the scenic Causeway Coastal Route. This walk can be combined with a visit to the Giant's Causeway.
From Belfast, you can drive approximately 1.5 to 2 hours to reach Portballintrae and Runkerry Beach. Alternatively, you can take a train to Coleraine and then a bus or taxi to the coast.
Public transport options are available, with buses serving the Portballintrae area. You might need to combine bus travel with a short walk or taxi ride.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Runkerry Beach is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee. Access is free, and the Portballintrae car park is also free to use.
The beach itself is free to access. Parking at the Portballintrae car park is also free.
Runkerry Beach is accessible at all times, as it is a natural coastal area. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and enjoyment.
There is no dedicated visitor center at Runkerry Beach. The nearest major visitor attraction is the Giant's Causeway, which has its own visitor center.
No booking is necessary for Runkerry Beach as it is a natural attraction. You can simply visit at your leisure.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, swimming is not recommended at Runkerry Beach due to strong riptides and currents. The beach is more suited for experienced surfers and for walking.
You can enjoy scenic walks, explore rock pools at low tide, watch surfers, and admire the dramatic coastal scenery. It's also a great spot for photography.
Yes, public toilets are available at the Portballintrae car park adjacent to the beach.
While children might enjoy the large sand dunes to run down, the strong currents make it unsafe for swimming. Supervised exploration of the beach and dunes is possible.
You can observe various birdlife, including Oystercatchers and Plovers. The sea itself often looks clean and vibrant.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities directly on Runkerry Beach. However, the nearby village of Portballintrae has options, and the Mini Maegden caravan offers grilled cheese sandwiches.
The Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae is a popular spot for lunch and dinner, known for its views and food.
You can also find cafes and restaurants in the nearby town of Portrush.Yes, Runkerry Beach is a great spot for a picnic. You can bring your own food and enjoy the scenic surroundings.
Portballintrae offers a range of dining options, from hotel restaurants like the Bayview Hotel serving lunch and dinner, to casual spots.
Dining options vary in price. The Bayview Hotel's lunch menu is noted as reasonably priced.
Exploring local cafes can offer more budget-friendly choices.📸 📸 Photography
Runkerry Beach offers stunning opportunities to photograph the golden sands, rolling waves, dramatic headlands, and the coastline stretching towards the Giant's Causeway.
Sunrise and sunset can provide beautiful golden light for photography. Overcast days can also create dramatic moods for capturing the rugged coastal scenery.
While you can see a glimpse of the Giant's Causeway in the distance from Runkerry Beach, it's not the primary viewpoint for close-up photography of the formations.
The Runkerry Headland itself offers elevated views. Nearby viewpoints like Gortmore Viewpoint also provide excellent photographic perspectives of the coastline.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for isolating details or wildlife. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance the sea and sky.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a safe and engaging experience, focus on beachcombing, sandcastle building, and enjoying the vast open space. The walk to the Giant's Causeway is also a family-friendly adventure, offering a chance to stretch legs and see a world-famous natural wonder.
🏄♀️ Surfers and Adventure Seekers
While the waves are a draw, safety is paramount. Due to significant riptides, swimming is strongly discouraged. Surfers should be highly skilled and aware of the conditions. For those seeking adventure beyond surfing, the dramatic coastal scenery and the walk to the Giant's Causeway offer a different kind of thrill.
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Enthusiasts
The scenic 8km walk to the Giant's Causeway is a highlight, providing breathtaking views of the coastline and a rewarding way to experience the area. Birdwatchers can also find enjoyment here, with various seabirds often spotted along the shore. The dramatic landscapes and the clean sea air make it an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Portballintrae and Runkerry
The Runkerry Headland, which frames the beach, adds to the dramatic landscape. Historically, this area has been a point of interest for its natural beauty and strategic coastal position. The beach itself, also known as Bushfoot Strand, has been a popular spot for locals and visitors for generations, offering a more tranquil alternative to some of the busier nearby attractions.
Today, Runkerry Beach and Portballintrae are appreciated for their scenic beauty and the peaceful atmosphere they offer, providing a glimpse into both the natural splendor and the historical resilience of the Northern Ireland coast.
Surfing and Water Safety at Runkerry Beach
However, these same conditions make Runkerry Beach unsafe for casual swimming. The presence of strong riptides poses a significant risk, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Visitors are strongly advised to heed the 'no swimming' signs and prioritize safety. For those interested in surfing, it's crucial to be an experienced surfer or to go with local guides who understand the sea conditions.
While swimming is off the table for most, the beach remains a fantastic location to watch skilled surfers navigate the waves, offering an exciting spectacle for onlookers.
Exploring the Causeway Coast from Runkerry Beach
A popular and free activity is the scenic walk to the Giant's Causeway. This approximately 8km round trip allows visitors to experience the coastline at their own pace, enjoying the views and avoiding the crowds and fees associated with the main visitor center. Other notable attractions within easy reach include Dunluce Castle, a dramatic medieval fortress perched on a clifftop, and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, offering thrilling views over the sea.
Visitors can also enjoy the picturesque village of Portballintrae itself, with its harbor and local amenities, making Runkerry Beach a well-rounded destination for both relaxation and exploration.
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