Ballintoy Beach

What You'll Find

Ballintoy Harbour is one of those little North Coast spots that's well worth stopping at with the kids. With its winding road down to the harbour, rugged rocks, little coves and beautiful sea views, it feels like a proper wee adventure before you've even got out of the car!

It's not your typical sandy beach with buckets and spades. Instead, you'll find rocky stretches, little patches of sand and plenty of places for curious wee explorers to investigate.

The rock pools are a big attraction for children who love searching for tiny sea creatures. Bring a bucket and see what you can spot among the rocks, from little crabs to shells and seaweed. Just be careful where you're stepping, as the rocks can be very slippery.

The harbour itself is lovely to wander around, with little fishing boats, stone buildings and waves rolling in along the coastline. Older children might also recognise it as one of the filming locations from Game of Thrones!

There's a little café beside the harbour, Roark's Kitchen, which is handy for a coffee or something to eat after exploring. It's worth checking opening times before travelling, especially outside the busier months.

Ballintoy is also a great stop if you're exploring the Causeway Coastal Route. You could easily combine it with Carrick-a-Rede, Whitepark Bay or another nearby North Coast attraction.

It's not somewhere I'd bring a buggy for a long walk, but if your kids love climbing over rocks, looking for sea creatures and exploring somewhere a little different, they'll have a brilliant time here.

Wee Ones Will Love...

• ✓Exploring the little rocky coves and searching for rock pools
• ✓Looking for tiny crabs, shells and other sea creatures
• ✓Watching the fishing boats and waves around the harbour
• ✓Discovering the little patches of sand tucked between the rocks
• ✓Exploring somewhere that feels completely different from a normal beach

Before You Visit

The road down to Ballintoy Harbour is narrow and winding, so take your time, especially during busy summer days.

The shoreline is rocky and uneven, with slippery surfaces and sudden drops into deeper water. Keep younger children close and check the tide and sea conditions before exploring.

A baby carrier is much easier than a buggy if you're planning to explore beyond the harbour area.

The little harbour café may operate seasonal or reduced hours, so don't rely on it being open all year.

⭐ Wee Adventurers Top Tips

• ⭐Bring wellies or sturdy shoes with good grip. The rocks can be very slippery, especially when wet.
• ⭐Take a little bucket for rock pooling, but remember to return any creatures gently to where you found them.
• ⭐Check the tide times before visiting. Some of the little coves and rock pools are easier to explore when the tide is out.
• ⭐If you're visiting during summer, try arriving earlier in the day before the little harbour gets too busy.
• ⭐Combine your visit with Whitepark Bay or Carrick-a-Rede if you're spending the day along the North Coast.