West Strand — also called Mill Strand or West Bay — runs between the black rocks at West Strand Road and the South Pier, right along the town centre. Blue Flag certified, with a lifeguard on duty 1 July–30 September, 11am–7pm.
The beach
Good for surfing, kitesurfing, paddleboarding, windsurfing, and swimming, plus horse riding, cycling, and walking along the promenade. At low tide, at the northern end, you can sometimes see buried peat deposits — remnants of ancient trees under the sand.
Walking from the harbour past Barry’s Amusements and on toward Ramore Head takes in most of the town’s waterfront in one go — restaurants, bars (Kiwi’s Brew Bar, The Springhill Bar, The Harbour Bar), and the promenade’s grassy parkland, good for a picnic.
Getting there
A short walk from Portrush train station (hourly services to Coleraine, connecting to Belfast, Derry~Londonderry, and Dublin). Car parking, including disabled parking and access, is at the eastern end near the railway arch.
