Attractions on Northern Ireland's North Coast
East Strand (Curran Strand)
Stretching out from the east side of the Portrush peninsula towards the Whiterocks and the famous Causeway Coast, is the beautiful 4km (2mile) long Curran Strand.
Bathing is perhaps more popular and safer at the town end of the beach due to shelving sand and sand bars around Curran Point (midway along). Curran Point is a seaward build up of sand resulting from the shelter afforded by the chain of the Skerry Islands (meaning 'sea rocks'). The oncoming waves wrap themselves around the Skerries and approach the shore from the east and west at enough of an angle to drive the sand towards the centre of the beach and into a point.
The seaward dunes are a little fragmented and eroded but most of the 360 acre dune system is home to both Rathmore and Royal Portrush Golf Clubs.
Access: Again backed for part of the way by a concrete promenade the beach is easily accessible. No vehicles are permitted on the beach. Nearby free parking (with height barrier). Access to the dunes is restricted.
Council Beach Guards (during July and August) are stationed at the town/west end of the beach in the newly built Watersports Centre.
The Watersports Centre provides a First Aid room, hot showers, changing facilities and toilet facilities including disabled toilets. The watersports centre also includes a training room and group changing facilities, to book contact Leisure Services at Coleraine Borough Council Tel: 028 7034 7234.
To view the Beach Safety Guide click here...
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