Ballycastle Beach

Ballycastle Beach is a wide sandy bay at the northern tip of County Antrim, looking across the Sea of Moyle to Rathlin Island and, on clear days, the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland. The beach has an open, accessible character with the promenade at the eastern end transitioning into a more natural setting as the golf course backs much of its length. The sand is good quality and the bay provides reasonable shelter from all but northerly winds. The Causeway Coast stretches away to the west, and the Glens of Antrim to the east, placing Ballycastle at the meeting point of two of Northern Ireland's finest coastal landscapes.

Dogs are welcome year-round on this dog friendly beach with no seasonal restrictions, making it a reliable option on a stretch of coast that draws visitors to the nearby Giant's Causeway. The sand provides good running terrain and the mix of open beach and shingle patches near the promenade creates varied scent interest — salt air, seaweed, dried shell and tidal debris. The water access is straightforward with a gentle sandy entry suitable for paddling dogs. The beach offers ample space for off-lead exploration at most tide states. Toilets and cafes are available in Ballycastle town, a short walk from the beach.