Runkerry Beach is a striking, crescent-shaped sandy beach and nature reserve near Portballintrae, ranking high among the best things to do with kids in Portballintrae. Operating as an open-access coastal beach and outdoor recreational landscape, it offers families wide stretches of golden sand, dramatic Atlantic ocean waves, and panoramic views toward the Giant’s Causeway.

Prices start from £0.00 as visiting the beach, sand dunes, and coastal walking paths is completely free for all visitors. Convenient parking access nearby makes it a budget-friendly option for a day out by the sea.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this outdoor coastal spot combines raw natural beauty with fresh sea air. Children can build sandcastles, explore sand dune pathways, spot local marine wildlife, and watch steam trains pass along the nearby heritage railway track.

What are the key features for families?

• Interactive Exhibits: Natural coastal interpretation boards explaining sand dune ecology, marine life, and local tidal conditions.
• Educational Day Out: Children learn about coastal erosion, dune conservation, ocean waves, and local wildlife habitats.
• Sensory Play and Nature: Crashing surf sounds, soft golden sands, cool ocean breezes, and natural dune grasses.
• Outdoor Exploration: Miles of open sand, dune walking trails, and direct links to the scenic Giant’s Causeway coastal footpaths.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

• Sandcastle Building: Endless space across golden sands for kids to dig, build fortresses, and carve out water channels.
• Sand Dune Trails: Exploring winding footpaths through tall grass dunes that shelter rare coastal plants and butterflies.
• Giant's Causeway & Bushmills Railway: Spotting the classic heritage train chugging past along the track bordering the sand dunes.
• Coastal Walking Routes: Taking safe footpaths across the cliffhead directly towards Runkerry House and the Giant’s Causeway.
• Wave Watching: Observing powerful Atlantic swells and surf rolling against the shore from safe viewing spots.

Beyond the Main Attraction

• Giant’s Causeway: Located 1.5 miles east, offering iconic volcanic basalt columns and a modern visitor centre.
• Old Bushmills Distillery: Situated 2 miles south in Bushmills, offering historic distillery tours and gift shopping.
• Dunluce Castle: Positioned 4 miles west, featuring cliff-edge medieval castle ruins.
• Portballintrae Harbour: Located 0.5 miles west, providing a quiet shelter for small boats and peaceful bay walks.