Explore the Beauty of Portrush East Strand on the Causeway Coast
East Strand Portrush is a beach in Northern Ireland that spans over two miles and is known for its soft golden sands. It is bordered by the Whiterocks and merges into Curran Strand, leading to the Causeway headlands. The beach is backed by an extensive dune system and is home to the Royal Portrush Golf Course. Visitors can also explore landscaped gardens, curved walkways, and play and seating areas. The East Strand Beach received the Seaside Award in 2021 and is considered a premier destination on Northern Ireland’s causeway coast.
Portrush East Strand Beach Is Popular With Visitors and Locals Alike
Curran Strand, also known as Portrush East Strand, is a Blue Flag Beach located on the eastern side of the Portrush Peninsula. It is highly popular among visitors to Northern Ireland’s Causeway coast due to its golden sandy beach and suitability for various sand and water activities.
Various activities such as walking (including with dogs, except during summer restrictions), swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, horse riding, diving, jogging, fishing, or kayaking are available on East Strand. Additionally, a seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service is offered at the east strand site from June 21 until September 7, daily between 11 am and 7 pm.
Eight beaches in Northern Ireland have received the prestigious ‘Blue Flag’ award, including the three Portrush beaches. These beaches offer stunning views of the North Atlantic Ocean, with the added bonus of the Skerries, a group of rocky islets just a few miles away from the shore along the causeway coast. East strand also has extensive dune system hosting a range of wildlife and peaceful walks at its eastern extremity.
The 1920s Arcadia building
The East Strand beach entrance is located at Arcadia and can be accessed via a set of steps leading from Main Street to a rocky outcrop with a small sandy bay. The bay is overlooked by the historic Arcadia building, which was constructed in the 1920s.
This landmark in Portrush has served various purposes throughout its history, including a ballroom, a popular Victorian seaside cafe, and now functions as a Gallery, Cafe, and Well Being Centre. It offers a range of classes for both children and adults, including Pilates, Yoga, Dance, and Tai Chi. Additionally, it hosts regular musical concerts and art exhibitions.
Historical photographs from the 1800s show that this section of the East Strand was utilized as a designated bathing beach area for women to bathe.
Enjoy The Curvy Pedestrian Promenade With Its Undulating Walkways
The Promenade can be reached by walking past the play area and pool. It leads to the East Strand toilets, East Strand Car Park, and Watersports Centre. Accessible steps from Main Street provide a well-lit experience at night.
The gardens and parks in Portrush East Strand beach, along with the ‘To the People of the Sea’ public art, create a welcoming atmosphere in this historic area. The car park, located off Causeway Street, offers over 600 parking spaces and is the main beach access point. Additionally, the Watersports Centre provides world-class facilities.
Parkrun On The East Strand Portrush Beach On Saturday Mornings
The Portrush is a weekly event held in Northern Ireland on Saturdays at 9.30 am. It takes place on the East Strand beach and is free and timed. The run follows a route from East Strand beach to the Whiterocks and back. The course begins at the Watersports Centre on the beach. It is the first beach Parkrun in the world that is entirely on sand.
The Causeway event occurs annually in June, starting from East Strand Portrush and extending to Bushmills.
Spectacular Golf In A Magical Setting At Royal Portrush
The Royal Portrush Golf Course is located behind the sand dunes. This helps maintain the area behind the beach in great condition and provides a fantastic golfing experience. The Dunluce Castle ruins overlook the Royal Portrush Dunluce Links Course, which is home to the open Championship Golf.
Facilities at East Strand Portrush
East Strand Portrush offers a variety of facilities, as is typical for a coastal resort on the North Coast of Northern Ireland.
Car Parking
The car park provides ample space and includes disabled parking, concrete access ramps for easy access to the sandy beaches, as well as outdoor cold showers, disabled toilets, and various shops nearby.
Food and Drink
There are several coffee shops and restaurants located on the eastern edge of the town center.
Transport
To get to The Strand from 55 Degrees North Restaurant, simply walk up the grass bank. The Portrush Train station is nearby, offering hourly train services to Coleraine, where you can transfer to trains heading to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, and Dublin. Additionally, there is a daily bus service that stops at this location.
