Travel Guide to Ballycastle Strand

Getting There

• By Car

  If you're traveling by car, head towards Ballycastle via the A2 coastal road. From Belfast, take the M2 motorway northbound, then follow the A26 towards Ballymoney. At Ballymoney, take the A44 towards Ballycastle. Upon entering Ballycastle, follow signs for the beach. There is parking available near Ballycastle Strand, but be aware that there may be a small parking fee during peak seasons.

• By Bus

  If using public transportation, you can take a bus from major cities like Belfast or Derry/Londonderry. From Belfast, use the Translink Goldline service (Bus 218) that operates regularly to Ballycastle. The journey takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at Ballycastle bus station, it's a short 10-15 minute walk to Ballycastle Strand. Just follow the main road (The Square) towards the coast, and you’ll reach the strand.

• By Train and Bus

  For a combination of train and bus, take a train from Belfast to Coleraine (approximately 1 hour). From Coleraine, switch to the Ulsterbus service (Bus 172) that goes directly to Ballycastle. This bus ride takes about 45 minutes. Once you arrive in Ballycastle, walk towards the Strand as described earlier. Check the train and bus schedules ahead of time for the most efficient connections.

• Walking from Ballycastle Town Centre

  If you find yourself in Ballycastle town center, reaching the strand is very straightforward. Head south on The Square, then turn right onto the A2 (also known as the Causeway Coast Road). Continue straight for about 0.5 miles, and you'll arrive at Ballycastle Strand. The walk will take approximately 15-20 minutes.