Drain's Bay

Beach/ComboCo. Antrim🐾 Dog-friendly all year

A small, level sandy beach 6km north of Larne on the Antrim Coast Road, DAERA 'Good' rated, adjoining Carnfunnock Country Park.

📍 View on the map

Beach & safety

Water quality: Good

Hazards: No RNLI lifeguard cover found; no specific hazard advisory located. Unlifeguarded.

Amenities: car-park · playground · toilets

Dogs

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirms Drain's Bay (along with Portmuck) has 'no limitations' on dogs, asking only that owners use good judgement and keep dogs under adequate control if off-lead.

Official source: View the rule at source →

Family

Level, wheelchair-suitable sand, picnic benches, a children's play park, and Carnfunnock Country Park (café, adventure playground, golf driving range) a short walk away — a strong, low-hassle family option.

Fishing

Mixed sand, shingle and rock can support bass, pollack, wrasse and mackerel, with flatfish and dogfish over cleaner ground.

Species reported: Bass, Pollack, Ballan wrasse, Mackerel, Flounder, Lesser-spotted dogfish

Access & parking

Sizeable car park directly opposite the beach on the A2 Coast Road.

Researched 2026-07-24 — sources & disclaimer

https://www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/things-to-do/parks/the-coastline-and-beaches/dogs-on-beaches-legislation

https://visitlarne.com/see_listings/drains-bay-beach/

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/publications/2025-bathing-water-profiles

https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-bathing-water-quality

Rules and conditions change, so always check current signage and tides before you go. We do our best to keep this accurate but can't promise it's error-free.