Browns Bay

Browns Bay beach is a stunning sandy bay on the Northern Tip of the Islandmagee peninsula, nestling between Skenaghan Point and Barrs Point in a horseshoe-shaped bay.

The perfect location for walkers, family picnics, romantic seaside walks, water activities and swimming or simply enjoying the ‘Great outdoors!’ The sheltered bay gives a real sense of peace, with fantastic views out across the Irish Sea towards the Maidens and all five Headlands up the Antrim Coast, out to Scotland and across to Larne. Surrounded by beautiful countryside cliffs and hills, it’s a beautiful place to visit and enjoy a day enjoying nature and the beauty of Larne and its surroundings.

If you follow the coastal path along Browns Bay you will find the beautiful National Trust Nature Reserve known as Skernaghan’s Point, consisting of grassland and old farmland with spectacular coastal views of the East Antrim Coastline and Larne Town. Situated here is a large rock known as the Rocking Stone which was routinely rocked from side to side during the 19^th and early 20^th century by tourists who flocked to the East Antrim Coastline for holidays (you can find out more here: The Rocking Stone – Islandmagee, Northern Ireland – Atlas Obscura). Looking to the north gives you a fantastic view of the “Maidens rocks” far out in the North Channel, and their two lighthouses, only one of which is now in operation.

A footpath follows the road to the west of Browns Bay, past Larne Golf Club and golf course to another sandy beach, Ferris Bay. This bay is bounded at the western side by Ferris Point which stands the lighthouse that guides ships into the busy Port of Larne.

If you are seeking refreshments there is the Stable Shop café, a coffee Tuk Tuk open for sweet treats and refreshments. You can also call into Larne Golf Club just a short walk or drive away for a delicious meal with phenomenal seaside views, or of course, a round of golf (please telephone in advance to check).

Browns Bay has been awarded the Seaside Award for achieving the required standard of bathing water quality for its general cleanliness and provision of information and facilities. You can find out more about water quality here: www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/bathing-water-quality .Browns Bay is currently rated ‘Good’ for water quality.

Facilities:

– A large car park with toilet block. There is a wide grassy area suitable for wheelchairs. There are also public toilets available nearby at Ballylumford harbour.

Toilets are open seasonally, Larne Borough Council website provides opening times:

Ballylumford Harbour:
April – Sept
All week 9am to 9pm

Oct to March
All week 9am to 4.30pm

Browns Bay toilet block (currently closed for refurbishment). Temporary toilets are placed here in the interim:

April to Sept
All week 9am to 9pm

October to March
All week 9am to 4.30pm

Dogs are welcome but restrictions apply, please see below:

https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/causeway-coastal-route/dogs-on-beaches-legislation

Photos by: Michelle Montgomery.