Ballintoy

Northern Townland

Ballintoy is a small village on the Causeway Coastal Route between Ballycastle and the Giant's Causeway. It is 17 miles north east of Coleraine, 5 miles west of Ballycastle and is home to under 200 people.

The village was originally built around a single street. Ballintoy means "the northern townland" in Irish (Baile an Tuaigh) and the village is one of the locations used to film the HBO Game of Thrones television series.

The village is in the area covered by Moyle District Council.

Steeped in History

Enjoy the down to the small fishing harbour of Ballintoy which is less than a mile from the village. Pass by white Ballintoy Parish Church which stands proudly on the hill on the steep winding road down to the harbour. 

There is plenty of parking, except perhaps in the height of summer! Take time for a coffee and cake or something more in the quaint and picturesque Ballintoy Harbour Cafe serving homemade Irish fare!

Relax in the company of boats and birds, explore the rocks with the kids, dip your toes in at the water steps, or walk along the cliff path. Ballintoy Harbour will bring you back in time.

Butterflies, Orchids and Birds

Whitepark Bay is an impressive 3 mile long white sandy beach on a curve, with huge limestone cliffs on its rocky west side closest to Portbradden hamlet, which is just a short walk along the costal rocks. The rolling green hills and sanddunes provide an amazing backdrop for visitors and delicate homes for wildlife and fauna. This beach is well loved for its surfing, and swimming with care, and the most stunning views out towards Rathlin and the Scottish Island of Islay. This entire area is great for walks and bike riding.

The National Trust protects this area and shares information online about the butterflies, orchids, wildlife and birds of Whitepark Bay. ((((http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-park-bay/wildlife/))))

• Butterfly Season: April to September 17 species in total
• Orchids: 9 different species to spot at White Park Bay.
• Birds: Spring Fulmars patrol the cliffs with their distinctive cry. They come to land to breed, spending the rest of the year at sea. A relation of the albatross, they are easily identified by their stiff winged flight.

Conservation First

Help the National Trust record special species: "White Park Bay is a valuable site for conservation and there are a number of bird species which we are keen to record. Some of these birds such as ringed plover, fulmar and meadow pipit are Species of Conservation Concern. Others which are at greater risk are called Priority species and include grasshopper warbler, song thrush, linnet and skylark."

Portbraddan, Balintoy

Portbraddon is one of the most idyllic locations along the entire Causeway coast. Located on the west side of Whitepark Bay with Ballintoy Harbour at the east end.

You will totally fall in love with this beautiful and secluded wee harbour and hamlet nestled under the cliffs.

It is a windy steep drive down to the Harbour. You have wonderful views of Whitepark Bay from here.

There is a gorgoeus church which is said to be the smallest Church in Ireland.

There's nowhere to park so you can't stay long, unless you are lucky enough to be in one of the seaside cottages!