Ballycastle

WHERE

📍Ballycastle BT54 6BW

INFORMATION

💷Free

🅿️ Free parking & P&D car parks

🚾Toilets

☕️Plenty cafes & restaurants

Ballycastle seafront is one of those easy family days out that works for all ages. Whether you’re visiting for an hour or spending the whole day there, everything is close together and simple to manage with kids.

The beach itself is perfect for younger children. There’s loads of sand for digging, shallow water for paddling on calmer days and enough room that everyone can spread out a bit without feeling on top of each other. We usually end up spending far longer here than planned because the kids are happy simply doing the basics, collecting shells, throwing stones and getting sandy from head to toe.

The promenade beside the beach is flat and ideal for prams, scooters and bikes, making it a good option for younger children too.

There are benches and grassy areas along the seafront, so it’s easy to stop for a snack or picnic while the kids play nearby. Public toilets and cafés are all within walking distance, which always makes family trips a bit easier.

The marina is always worth a wander too. Kids love watching the boats coming and going, and on a clear day you can even spot the coast of Scotland across the water. You’ll also find the ferry point that links with Rathlin Island.

If you’re planning a visit, it’s worth bringing:

• Buckets and spades

• A change of clothes for the kids

• Picnic snacks or beach treats

• Coats, even on sunny days

Parking is available close to the seafront, so you don’t need to walk far with bags or tired children at the end of the day.