Whitepark Bay is about seven miles west of Ballycastle, a wide bay opening straight onto the Atlantic. It’s reachable from a car park at the top of a steep climb, or on foot from Ballintoy Harbour, just around the headland to the east.
Neolithic people settled here — a tumulus is still visible among the dunes. In the bay’s north-west corner is Portbraddan, a tiny cluster of houses that’s home to Ireland’s smallest church: a thatched building about 10 by 6 feet, dedicated to St. Gobhan, patron saint of builders.
The beach has dangerous currents and sand shelves, so it’s not suitable for swimming — which keeps it quiet and makes it more of a spot for walking, photography, and the occasional hang glider making the most of the steep limestone cliffs and strong winds.
Getting there
Head west on the B15 coast road from Ballycastle, through the village of Ballintoy — Whitepark Bay is about two miles further on.