Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Bay Walk

Route Description for Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Bay Walk

Set along the rugged Antrim Coast, the Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Bay Walk is an easy adventure, although it still features a small amount of uphill walking along the rugged coastal terrain. Be sure to wear proper walking shoes and keep an eye on children in areas where there are steep drop offs. Additionally, Ballintoy Harbour was used as a filming location for the HBO series Game of Thrones, meaning that it sometimes draws an increased number of visitors. To ensure that you secure parking and have a bit of solitude on the trail, be sure to arrive early.

While it may only be a short adventure, this coastal walk offers plenty of spectacular views. Before even beginning the walk, you will be able to explore the scenic location of Ballintoy Harbour that offers a pleasant setting to sit and watch fishing boats come in and out of the port. From there, you will be able to explore the rugged coast and gaze out across the sea, before arriving at White Park Bay. Make sure to bring your swimsuit, as the last thing you want to do is arrive at the beach on a beautiful day and not be able to take advantage of it!

Setting out from the car park, you will make your way to the southwest along the trail and pass by O’Rourkes Cottage on your left after 85 m. From here, you will continue along the coastal trail for 0.9 km, taking in the stunning views across the sea to arrive at a viewpoint overlooking Elephant Rock - a large, elephant-shaped rock formation located just off the coast.

At this point, you can make your way down to White Park Bay if you want to enjoy the beach, or simply head back along the trail to return to Ballintoy Harbour. Once there, you can pop into the Ballintoy Harbour Cafe for some post-walk refreshments or explore the filming location of Lordsport in the HBO series Game of Thrones, before heading back to the car park having completed the Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Bay Walk.

Trail Highlights

Ballintoy Harbour

Located roughly 9.7 km west of Ballycastle, Ballintoy Harbour is a small port that is mostly utilized by pleasure craft and local fishermen in the salmon and lobster industries. The harbour was constructed during the 18th Century to support the shipping of coal to Ireland. The port was also used as a filming location for the town of Lordsport in the HBO series Game of Thrones.

Frequently Asked Questions

In what county is Ballintoy Harbour?

Ballintoy Harbour can be found along the coast of County Antrim.

When was Ballintoy Harbour built?

Ballintoy Harbour was constructed during the 18th Century to facilitate the shipping of coal.

Insider Hints for Ballintoy Harbour to White Park Bay Walk

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for this walk.
• Check out the Ballintoy Harbour Cafe for some pre/post-walk refreshments.
• Bring a swimsuit so enjoy the beaches atr White Park Bay.
• There are some public toilets located near the trailhead.