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Whitepark Bay: A Coastal Haven of History and Beauty

Discover Whitepark Bay: A secluded Northern Ireland beach with stunning scenery, rich history, and unique wildlife encounters along the Causeway Coastal Route.

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Whitepark Bay, a stunning three-mile beach on Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast, offers a secluded escape with its white sands, ancient dunes, and grazing cows. Backed by rich grasslands and steeped in history, it's a haven for relaxation, wildlife, and fossil enthusiasts.

A brief summary to Whitepark Bay Beach

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially on sunny days, to secure a parking spot in the limited free car park.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for walking the clifftop trails and exploring the sometimes uneven terrain.
  • Note that swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents.
  • Keep dogs on a lead due to livestock grazing in the area.
  • Explore the nearby Ballintoy Harbour and Dunseverick Castle for additional scenic and historical attractions.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Ballycastle or Bushmills, follow the B146, part of the Causeway Coastal Route, to Whitepark Bay. The beach is approximately 6.5 miles from Bushmills and 7.5 miles from Ballycastle. Look for well-signed directions to the Whitepark Bay car park. Parking is free, but spaces are limited, especially on sunny days. Arrive early to secure a spot.

  • Public Transport

    From Coleraine, take the Ulsterbus 402/172 Causeway Rambler towards Ballycastle. This bus stops at Portbradden, a short walk from Whitepark Bay. Check the Translink website for the most up-to-date schedule and confirm the walking route from the bus stop to the beach. A single bus fare will cost approximately £8.

  • Walking

    If you're already visiting Ballintoy Harbour, a scenic coastal walk leads to Whitepark Bay. Follow the trail west along the headland, taking in the views. Be mindful of high tides, as some sections may be impassable. The walk is approximately 1 mile and will take around 20 minutes.

Unlock the Best of Whitepark Bay Beach

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Discover more about Whitepark Bay Beach

Whitepark Bay, cradled on the North Antrim Coast near Ballycastle, is a captivating blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. This three-mile crescent of white sand, sheltered between two headlands, provides a tranquil escape, even on busy days. Since 1938, the National Trust has preserved this coastline, maintaining its natural charm. The bay's landscape is a testament to time, with ancient dunes and chalk grasslands teeming with rare plants, including diverse orchids. Keep an eye out for the unique 'singing sands' that hum beneath your feet, a phenomenon found in only a few places worldwide. The cliffs themselves are composed of Upper Cretaceous chalk, containing fragments of belemnites, remnants of a bygone marine era. Whitepark Bay's history stretches back to Neolithic times, with evidence of early settlements and a stone axe industry. A cairn stands above the beach, a scheduled historic monument, while a ruined schoolhouse whispers tales of 18th-century education, once attended by Lord Castlereagh. Today, cows graze freely on the beach, contributing to conservation efforts and becoming a beloved photo opportunity for visitors. While swimming is not advised due to dangerous rip currents, Whitepark Bay offers much to explore. Discover fossils, wander the clifftop trails, and perhaps continue to nearby Ballintoy Harbour, a picturesque fishing village with a charming tea room.

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