Portrush East Strand
The most practical all-round Portrush choice: a long town beach, established instruction and enough space to match different abilities when conditions cooperate.
Choose a beach
Compare suitability, access, facilities and local trip options.
Portrush West Strand
A convenient town-backed beach and useful Portrush alternative, with straightforward facilities and generally more shelter than the open Whiterocks end.
Whiterocks
The standout scenic surf beach near Portrush, combining open Atlantic exposure with excellent facilities and dramatic limestone scenery.
Portstewart Strand
A spacious, family-friendly strand with many peaks and unusually convenient beach parking, but vehicle rules, soft sand and access times need attention.
Benone Strand
The strongest Northern Ireland choice in this set for a first lesson or mixed family surf day, with space, established instruction and inclusive facilities.
Downhill Beach
A dramatic and more exposed extension of the Benone shoreline, best treated as a condition-led choice rather than the default beginner beach.
Castlerock
A scenic, quieter village surf base with useful facilities and rail access, but the nearby Bann estuary makes local current awareness important.
White Park Bay
A beautiful coastal walk and wildlife stop, but not a Surfbooker-recommended swimming or beginner-surf destination because the National Trust warns of dangerous rip currents.
Ballycastle Beach
An attractive, accessible town beach for a flexible family day, but an inconsistent surf destination that requires the right swell direction.