White Park Bay

Three-mile curve of sand between chalk cliffs, grazed by cattle and cared for by the National Trust since 1938

White Park Bay is a three-mile beach between Ballintoy and Portbradden, framed at each end by cliffs of white chalk. Cattle and sheep graze the slopes and sometimes the sand itself. The National Trust has looked after it since 1938, and the Causeway Coast Way runs along the shore.

Look closely at the chalk and you may find fossil belemnites, squid-like creatures from the Cretaceous seas that once covered Ireland. Swimming is not recommended because of rip currents; this is a beach for walking, not bathing.

things to do sight beach walking