Towards the end of July, I ended up one day along Northern Ireland’s North Coast, and in particular the stretch of coastline between Portrush and Ballintoy.

It was meant to be the middle of summer, but instead of the blazing sun hitting off the water, it ended up being probably the dullest day of July.

Still, that didn’t stop me from exploring some of the lesser known sights along this stretch of the Causeway Coastal Route – no Giant’s Causeway, Carrick a Rede or Bushmills on this visit, they will just have to wait for another time.

Instead, for the first time ever I ended up on Whiterocks Beach just outside Portrush and then Portbradden (passing the wonderful Dunluce Castle along the way).  Portbradden is a wonderful small village/harbour located on the edge of White Park Bay – famous itself for the resident cows that enjoy bathing on the beach – sunny or not.  Portbradden is also home to St. Gobban’s Church, believed to be Ireland’s smallest church.

My final stop along this 13 mile stretch of coastline was to Ballintoy Harbour – a picturesque harbour, now made famous by its appearance in hit TV series, Game of Thrones.  Alongside the harbour, is a great walk along the shoreline that is part of the Causeway Coastal path.

Some more photos of the day can be seen on my flickr page – clicking here.