A gentle curve of sand and shingle on Red Bay, right at the edge of Cushendall — the village that calls itself the capital of the Glens of Antrim. A beach, a play area, a promenade, and a proper village a two-minute stroll away.
What you'll do — potter along the shore where sand meets rounded pebbles, look out across Red Bay to the flat-topped Lurigethan headland, and let the kids loose on the play area beside the sand. Then wander into the village for a look at the red-sandstone Curfew Tower and a bite to eat.
Beyond the beach — this is a walking base, not just a paddle. The Glens roll down to the sea here, with the coast road, Layd Old Church and the little harbour all within easy reach.
How long & who for — an easy hour or two on the shore, longer with the village and a walk added on. Great for all ages — a relaxed family stop rather than a big sandy playground.
Cost & parking — free. There's a car park by the beach entrance, opposite the golf club.
Food & toilets — a toilet block sits close to the beach entrance (seasonal hours — check on the day), and the village has pubs, cafés and shops a short walk away for lunch.
No lifeguard. It's an open beach, so take care with paddling and swimming — mind the tide and the kids. The nearest lifeguarded beach is Ballycastle, well up the coast.
Dog rules change in summer. Dogs are welcome, but restrictions apply from 1 June to 15 September — check the signs on arrival and keep them on a lead.
Plan your visit
Can I just turn up? Yes — it's free.
The beach is open and free any day of the year — no booking, no ticket. There's a car park by the beach entrance, opposite the entrance to Cushendall Golf Club, with a toilet block and a children's play area close by. It's a modest strand — a curve of sand and rounded shingle rather than a vast sandy expanse — so it works best as a relaxed shore stop paired with the village and a walk. The big advantage here is what's on the doorstep: Cushendall's pubs, cafés and shops are a two-minute stroll away for lunch.
Children's play areaToilet block (seasonal)Free car parkDogs welcome (summer rules)
Good to know:
There's no lifeguard here — take care with the tide and paddling. The toilets are seasonal, so confirm opening on the day, and check the dog signs between June and mid-September. The village is right there for food and a proper break.
Before you set off
What to wear & bring
🥾Sturdy shoes or sandalsSand meets rounded pebbles here, so comfy footwear you don't mind on shingle beats bare feet.
🧥A coat for the breezeIt's the open coast on Red Bay — a fresh, bracing spot, and gorgeous when the sun's out. Layer up and enjoy it.
🧺Water & a picnicBring your own, or keep it simple and grab lunch in the village — pubs and cafés are a short walk from the sand.
🪣Buckets, a hat & a towelThere's sand to dig and a paddle on a warm day. A hat and some shade make a sunny visit a joy.
Good to know
Everything before you go
Cost
Free. The beach, the promenade and the play area are all free to use, and there's a car park by the beach entrance.
Opening
The beach is open all year in daylight hours — turn up any time. The toilet block runs seasonal hours, so confirm on the day, especially outside summer.
What you'll see
A curve of sand and rounded shingle on Red Bay, a promenade, a children's play area, moored sailing boats, and big views across the bay to the flat-topped Lurigethan headland — and on a clear day, out toward the Mull of Kintyre on the Scottish coast.
Facilities
Car park, toilet block (seasonal) and a children's play area, all close to the main beach entrance. Cushendall Golf Club sits alongside.
Lifeguard
No lifeguard service at this beach. Take care with the tide and paddling; the nearest RNLI-lifeguarded beach in season is Ballycastle, roughly 16 miles up the coast.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome, but seasonal restrictions apply from 1 June to 15 September. Keep them on a lead, clean up after them, and check the signs on arrival.
Food
Nothing dedicated on the sand, but the village of Cushendall — with its pubs, cafés and shops — is a two-minute walk away. Easy to pair a paddle with lunch.
How long
Allow an hour or two on the shore and play area; longer if you fold in the village, the Curfew Tower and a coastal walk.
Questions
Before you go
Is it free?
Yes — the beach, the promenade, the play area and the car park are all free to use. No ticket, no booking.
Is it a sandy beach?
It's a mix of sand and rounded shingle — a gentle curve on Red Bay rather than a big open sandy strand. There's sand to dig and a paddle on a warm day, but bring footwear for the pebbles.
Is there a lifeguard?
No — there's no lifeguard service here, so take care with the tide and swimming, and keep an eye on the kids. The nearest lifeguarded beach in season is Ballycastle, up the coast.
Can I bring the dog?
Yes, dogs are welcome, but seasonal restrictions apply from 1 June to 15 September. Keep them on a lead, clean up after them, and check the signs when you arrive.
Are there toilets and somewhere to eat?
There's a toilet block by the beach entrance on seasonal hours (confirm on the day). For food, the village of Cushendall — pubs, cafés and shops — is a short walk away.
What's the play area like?
There's a children's play area beside the main beach entrance, overlooking the sand — handy for a family stop when little ones tire of the shore.
Getting there
Cushendall Beach, Cushendall, Co. Antrim — just northeast of the village, off Shore Road opposite Cushendall Golf Club, on the Causeway Coastal Route in the heart of the Glens of Antrim. There's a car park by the beach entrance.
Cushendall sits where three of the nine Glens of Antrim — Glenaan, Glenballyeamon and Glencorp — come tumbling down to the sea beneath the flat-topped Lurigethan Mountain. That meeting of glens and coast is why the village likes to call itself the capital of the Glens, and why the beach here comes with such a backdrop: green hills at your back, Red Bay in front, and the Scottish coast on the horizon on a clear day.
Walk two minutes off the sand and you're at the Curfew Tower — a square, battlemented block of red sandstone built in 1817 by the local landlord Francis Turnly, once used to hold "riotous prisoners" and now a quiet village landmark. The old streets around it earned Cushendall its place as one of Northern Ireland's earliest conservation areas, so a trip to the beach doubles as a wander through a village that has held onto its character. Sand, glens, a little history and a good lunch — an easy, unhurried day out on the Antrim coast.