Portmuck Harbour

About

Just 5 km from Brown’s Bay at the tip of Islandmagee, Portmuck is a peaceful and scenic spot that captures the wild beauty of Northern Ireland’s east coast. With its small, sheltered beach, traditional fishing pier, and panoramic views over the Irish Sea, it’s the perfect place for a quiet seaside escape. The dramatic headlands of the Antrim Coast stretch out in the distance, and on clear days, you can spot P&O ferries crossing the horizon.

From the car park, two quite challenging walking trails invite visitors to explore the coastline - north to Skernaghan Point, managed by the National Trust, and south toward the Isle of Muck, a striking but sensitive wildlife reserve. While the island is a spectacular sight, public access is strictly prohibited to protect nesting seabirds and rare habitats. The surrounding waters are also known for strong tidal currents, making them hazardous and unsuitable for landing or swimming near the island.

Despite its remote feel, Portmuck offers convenient facilities including a small car park, picnic tables, public toilets, and wheelchair-accessible viewing areas. The site is accessed via a narrow 1 km road from Mullaghboy, with steep gradients that are not suitable for buses or large vehicles -making it ideal for those seeking a quieter, less-travelled destination.

Portmuck is a designated bathing water site, with clean waters tested regularly to meet high environmental standards. The official bathing season runs from June 1 to September 15, making it a lovely spot for a summer dip or paddle.  Latest 

As part of a protected Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), Portmuck is also popular with geology enthusiasts, thanks to its fascinating rock formations and fossil-rich cliffs.

The beach is sometimes a landing place for kayakers who want to navigate the eastern waters of Islandmagee especially the dramatic Gobbins bridges and cliffs only 7km to the south.

Whether you come to walk, watch wildlife, or simply relax by the sea, Portmuck offers a unique and unspoiled slice of Northern Ireland’s natural heritage.