West Bay, Portrush

General Beach Description

West Bay, also known as West Strand or Mill Strand, is a popular resort beach in the heart of the busy seaside town of Portrush. The beach is bounded at its northern end by the habour and flanked along its eastern boundary by a pedestrian/cycle promenade. There is easy access to and from the town centre and all associated amenities/services. 

Keep an eye out for the resident pod of harbour porpoises just off the shore.

West Strand Beach regularly attains the international Blue Flag Award, most recently in 2024. 

Facilities include:

• free car parking
• dogs allowed (restrictions apply 1st June - 15th Sept)
• Seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguards Service (July & August 10am-6pm)
• disabled toilets and disabled parking
• cycle parking
• coffee shops, restaurants, shops and amusements nearby

Did you know?

West Strand Beach is protected through ASSI designation due to buried peat deposits and ancient sands beneath the beach. Embedded within the peats are the fossilised remains of ancient trees including alder and birch that once populated the area some 9,000 - 7,000 years ago.