East Strand Portrush is a beach in Northern Ireland that spans over two miles and is known for its soft golden sands. It is bordered by the Whiterocks and merges into Curran Strand, leading to the Causeway headlands. The beach is backed by an extensive dune system and is home to the Royal Portrush Golf Course.
East Strand holds Blue Flag status for 2025/26, confirmed via Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s own beach and marina awards results - one of eight Blue Flag sites across the borough, alongside Portrush West Strand and Whiterocks.
Portrush East Strand Beach Is Popular With Visitors and Locals Alike
Curran Strand, also known as Portrush East Strand, is located on the eastern side of the Portrush Peninsula. It’s highly popular among visitors due to its golden sandy beach and suitability for various sand and water activities: walking (dogs allowed, except during summer restrictions), swimming, bodyboarding, surfing, horse riding, diving, jogging, fishing, and kayaking. A seasonal RNLI Beach Lifeguard Service typically operates over the summer months.
The 1920s Arcadia Building
The East Strand beach entrance is at Arcadia, accessed via steps leading from Main Street to a rocky outcrop with a small sandy bay, overlooked by the historic Arcadia building, constructed in the 1920s. It has served various purposes throughout its history, including a ballroom and a Victorian seaside café, and now functions as a gallery, café, and well-being centre offering classes including Pilates, Yoga, Dance, and Tai Chi.
The Curvy Pedestrian Promenade
The promenade leads to the East Strand toilets, car park, and Watersports Centre. The car park, off Causeway Street, offers over 600 parking spaces and is the main beach access point.
Parkrun on East Strand
A free, timed weekly Parkrun runs on Saturday mornings at 9.30am, following a route from East Strand beach to the Whiterocks and back - one of the few beach-based Parkruns entirely on sand.
Facilities
The car park includes disabled parking, concrete access ramps, outdoor cold showers, and disabled toilets, with several coffee shops and restaurants nearby. Portrush train station is a short walk away, with services to Coleraine (connecting to Belfast, Derry/Londonderry, and Dublin).
