The Unforgettable Beauty of Ballintoy Harbour on the Causeway Coast of Northern Ireland

Located on the Causeway Coastal Route between the Giant’s Causeway and Ballycastle, Ballintoy is a small village with only about 200 inhabitants. It lies 5 miles west of Ballycastle and 17 miles north east of Coleraine, both of which are only a short drive away. This makes a Ballintoy beach cottage the perfect base to explore the rest of the Antrim Coast, renowned for its scenic beauty and proximity to attractions like Ballintoy Harbour, Carrick a Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway, Dark Hedges, and Royal Portrush. Ballintoy Harbour is located alongside the B15 coast road, providing easy access for visitors exploring the Causeway Coastal Route. The harbour is just one kilometre from the village, making it easily accessible on foot.

The village was originally built with only a single street. The presence of two churches, which are notable landmarks in the small village, adds to its traditional rural charm. In Irish, Ballintoy means “the northern townland” (Baile an Tuaigh), and the village is one of the locations where the HBO television series, Game of Thrones was filmed.

Ballintoy is in the area covered by Glens Council, formerly Moyle District Council. Ballintoy Beach is well-sheltered, making it ideal for swimming.

Introduction to the Causeway Coast

The Causeway Coast in Northern Ireland is a breathtaking stretch of coastline renowned for its dramatic cliffs, wild North Atlantic Ocean vistas, and a series of picturesque villages and harbours. This iconic coastal route is dotted with spectacular beach forms and busy harbours leading to some of Europe’s great cliff-top and wild beach walks. Along the way, visitors encounter inhabited off-shore islands such as Rathlin Island and Sheep Island, both of which add to the region’s sense of adventure and natural wonder.

The stunning harbour location at Ballintoy is just one of many highlights along the Causeway Coast, where the nearby beach played host to memorable scenes from HBO’s epic series Game of Thrones, including Euron’s dramatic drowning and rebirth. The area’s unique landscape, shaped by the relentless force of the wild North Atlantic Ocean, offers a mix of rugged beauty and tranquil charm.

Travelers exploring the coastal route will discover a charming array of small shops, two historic churches, and welcoming communities in picturesque villages like Ballintoy. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, a famous rope bridge linking the mainland to a small island, is a must-see attraction, offering stunning views and a thrilling experience. Whether you’re seeking a busy harbour, a spectacular beach, or simply a place to enjoy wild beach walks and dramatic cliffs, the Causeway Coast promises unforgettable moments and endless opportunities for exploration.

Picturesque Village of Ballintoy

The village was originally built with only a single street. In Irish, Ballintoy means “the northern townland” (Baile an Tuaigh), and the village is one of the locations where the HBO television series, Game of Thrones was filmed.

Ballintoy is in the area covered by Glens Council, formerly Moyle District Council. Ballintoy Beach is well-sheltered, making it ideal for swimming. The idyllic harbour provides a picturesque and tranquil setting, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities. This is the picturesque Ballintoy Harbour, renowned for its scenic beauty and tranquil setting.

Whilst touring the Causeway Coastal Route, visitors should make a stop at Ballintoy to experience its unique charm and local culture.

Ballintoy Harbour

Ballintoy Harbour From the air – IMage by @redandrandom

Enjoy the trip down to the small Ballintoy fishing harbour, which can be found less than a mile from the village and is steeped in history. The harbour is located near the Atlantic Ocean, offering breathtaking views of the coastal attractions. The small narrow steep road winds down past Knocksaughey Hill to the harbour, adding to the scenic journey, and passes the white Ballintoy Parish Church, which stands proudly on the hill.

There is a car park available for visitors, though it can fill up quickly during peak times. Take the time out to sample homemade Irish fare in the picturesque and quaint Ballintoy Harbour Café, or enjoy some coffee with cake. Picnic facilities are also available near the harbour, making it a great spot for outdoor dining.

Ballintoy Harbour will take you on a trip back in time. Explore the rocks with your kids, relax while watching birds and boats go by, walk along the cliff path, or get your feet wet at the water steps. The coastline is dotted with dramatic sea stacks and rocky islands, contributing to the harbour’s wild and rugged beauty.

Ballintoy Harbour as a Game of Thrones Filming Location

When the harbour became a Game of Thrones filming location, its popularity hit the roof. It is the Game of Thrones filming location for Lordsport, the main port of Pyke. As seen in HBO’s epic series Game of Thrones, Ballintoy Harbour is one of the most iconic Thrones filming locations, serving as the backdrop for exterior Pyke shots and key Iron Islands scenes. One of the Iron Islands, Pyke is the home of Theon and Yara Greyjoy.

In A Song of Ice and Fire, Pyke is described as an island rich with mines containing iron, lead and tin. Due to its rocky landscape, Ballintoy Harbour was considered to be the perfect location to recreate the island. The harbour’s dramatic setting was ideal for capturing exterior Pyke shots, including scenes featuring Theon and Yara Greyjoy. Additionally, the sandy Ballintoy beach was featured in the series, adding to the coastal setting’s appeal.

We see this location for the first time in Season 2 of GOT. Here, Theon returns home after his time as a ward in Winterfell. Here, we are first introduced to Yara, whom Theon does not recognise and mistakes her for a commoner, whom he then attempts to seduce.

In the next episode of the season, we see Theon baptised in the name of the Drowned God, a scene on the beach area by the harbour. This was a featured scene in the series, highlighting the significance of the location. In episode 5 of season 2, the harbour is again used as Lordsport Harbour, where Theon is given a crew, none of whom respect him.

In episode 2 of Season 4, this same beach is used as a Dragonstone location in the scene where Melisandre burns those bannerman who have refused to stop worshipping the original seven gods.

Finally, Ballintoy was used for scenes in Season 6 of Game of Thrones. In episode 2, the beach was used as the location for the funeral of Balon Greyjoy. In episode 5, we see Euron drowned and reborn as ruler of the Ironborn here—this episode features Euron’s drowning and rebirth, a pivotal moment in the series—and we also see Yara and Theon flee the Iron Islands with their followers and fleet. The Sea Bitch, Theon Greyjoy’s ship, also appeared in scenes filmed at Ballintoy Harbour.

The Secret Beach

Ballintoy Secret Beach Looking towards Sheep Island – Photh @anne_kellyart

The secret Beach, next to Ballintoy Harbour, is also used for several scenes from Game of Thrones. Including the landing of Bran and Tiron Lanister. From Ballintoy Harbour, visitors can enjoy a beautiful scenic walk to White Park Bay, offering picturesque views and a charming outdoor experience.

This inclusion has led to a surge in tourism in the summer months, transforming Ballintoy Harbour into a must-see destination for fans of the series globally.

Watersports at Ballintoy Beach.

After you are done with the Ballintoy Harbour Game of Thrones tour, you can spend some time at Ballintoy Beach.

This Northern Ireland beach is known for soft sand, clear water, and rock pools. It is perfect for taking a dip or simply lazing around on the golden sandy beach, which is ideal for walking and relaxing while being surrounded by natural beauty and notable attractions.

The beach is secluded and usually busy, mostly in summer. The safe shore makes it ideal for kids and families.

If you are looking for more adventure, kayaking in Ballintoy is a popular activity.

There are many kayaking tours that you can be a part of to soothe your eyes with stunning views of rugged coastlines and clear waters.

Most of these tours leave Ballycastle and cover the route, including Ballintoy. But you can also rent a kayak and explore the sea around the small fishing harbour.

Ballintoy Harbour Caves

At first glance, you may find Ballintoy Harbour a little sleepy location. The North Coast offers unique coastal experiences, with beautiful surroundings, wildlife, and local attractions. But take a walk around the harbour, and you will find many small caves.

These caves, or, let’s say, hollows, are interesting to explore. There are not any tunnels that connect these caves and the caves are also not exactly deep.

But it makes for a nice attraction to stop by while taking a tour of Ballintoy Game of Thrones locations.

Crossing the Carrick a Rede Rope

No visit to County Antrim’s north coast is complete without experiencing the thrill of the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. This iconic rope bridge, located along the scenic coastal route, links the mainland to the small island of Carrick-a-Rede and offers visitors a unique vantage point over the wild North Atlantic Ocean and the dramatic cliffs that define this part of Northern Ireland.

The bridge is a picturesque coastal nook, perfect for those seeking adventure and stunning views. As you cross, you’ll be treated to panoramic sights of the surrounding coastline, with the sound of waves crashing below and seabirds soaring overhead. The nearby beach is a tranquil spot, ideal for a moment of reflection or a leisurely stroll, while the small fishing harbour and harbour café provide a welcoming place to relax and enjoy local fare.

Ballintoy village, just a short distance away, offers a range of tourist accommodation, commercial and social facilities, and a picturesque coastal town atmosphere. Here, you’ll find a charming array of small shops and friendly locals, making it an excellent base for exploring the area. The Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is not only a highlight for walkers and nature lovers but also a photographer’s dream, with the wild seascape and rugged cliffs providing a dramatic backdrop for unforgettable memories. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a taste of Irish rural life, this bridge links you to the very heart of Northern Ireland’s coastal beauty.

Birds, Orchids, and Butterflies

Located close to Portbradden hamlet, with access gained via a short walk along the coastal rocks, Whitepark Bay boasts a magical white sandy beach on a curve that is 3 miles long, with it its rocky west side bordered by massive limestone cliffs. The beach is well worth a visit.

For those looking for nearby accommodation, Harbour Cottage in Ballintoy offers stunning views and cozy amenities, making it an ideal choice for both family holidays and romantic getaways.

The dunes and rolling green hills provide an impressive location for guests who visit the area and provide homes for fauna and wildlife. This beach is very popular for its swimming and surfing and has stunning views towards the Scottish Island of Islay and Rathlin Island. This whole area is also great for bike riding and walking.

This area is protected by the National Trust of Northern Ireland, and it provides online information about the orchids, butterflies, birds, and wildlife of Whitepark Bay. ((((http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/white-park-bay/wildlife/))))

One bird species found at Whitepark Bay is the Spring Fulmar, which patrols the cliffs while entertaining guests with their distinctive cries. They only come to land during the breeding season and spend the rest of the year out at sea. They are related to the albatross and are identified easily by their stiff-winged flight.

9 different orchid species can be found at White Park Bay

17 Butterfly species will be seen fluttering from flower to flower during the butterfly season from April to September.

Help With Conservation Efforts

The National Trust uses members of the public and visitors to help record special bird species along this part of the coast. They see White Park Bay as a valuable conservation site, and there are several bird species that they are keen to record, as some of them are Species of Conservation Concern. These included the meadow pipit, fulmar, and ringed plover. Others are even at greater risk and are classified as Priority species, including the song thrush, grasshopper warbler, skylark, and Linnet.

Portbraddan, Ballintoy

One of the most relaxing locations along the entire Causeway coast must surely be Portbraddon, which is close to Ballintoy. It is located on Whitepark Bay’s west side, and Ballintoy Harbour is at its east end.

Find Harbour Cottage as an ideal coastal getaway near Ballintoy, perfect for families and couples, with its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and picturesque surroundings.

Many individuals worldwide and in Northern Ireland have fallen in love with the outstanding natural beauty of this secluded and beautiful tiny hamlet and harbour that is nestled under the cliffs.

Although the drive to the harbour is windy and steep, it provides spectacular views of Whitepark Bay.

The gorgeous church at Portbraddon is believed to be Ireland’s smallest church.

As there is no parking, you won’t be able to stay too long, unless, of course, you are fortunate enough to stay at a self-catering seaside cottage.

About the author

Originally from Scotland, Colin now resides near the beautiful seaside town of Portstewart on the Causeway Coastal Route. By day he works in IT and by day off he spends much of his time travelling around the Island with his young family, writing about his experiences for many sites both locally and nationally.