At one end of this beautiful sweeping bay, sheltered below the cliffs from the prevailing winds lies the small fishing hamlet of Portbraddon and at the other end the myriad basalt islands that surround Ballintoy harbour known as the Park End. This was one of the first settlements of man in Ireland and evidence of these Neolithic settlers are continually being exposed on the raised beach and dune system. Due to the abundance of flint nodules, this was a site of manufacturing and exportation of flint products such as arrowheads and axes, the final polishing of porcellanite axe heads quarried in the glens may have occurred here too. 

Three passage tombs stand on the highest points of surrounding hills overlooking the bay, the most striking being the dolmen known as the Druid's Altar, which was placed on the highest point above the bay. The area is breathtaking in its beauty and pristine landscape and an excellent location to base yourself to explore the wonderful North Antrim coast from. The dune system is a declared area of special scientific interest. The beach area contains rip currents which have claimed lives over the years, before swimming or surfing, you should make yourself aware of them. Knowing where they are and understanding what they do could save your life.

Portbraddon is a beautiful small hamlet with stunning views out across Whitepark Bay to Ballintoy Church and the basalt islands known as the Park End which shelters the harbour of Ballintoy. It is the site of an ancient salmon fishing station and still has a viable slipway for boats. It is possible to walk from Portbraddon to Dunseverick Harbour following a coastal path which passes through Gid Point, a naturally formed hole in the headland. Parking here is restrictive, it is advisable to park at Dunseverick Harbour and walk the few kilometres around the coast or park on the road well above Portbraddon. On a low Spring tide, it is possible to walk from here to White Park Bay beach and on to Ballintoy harbour.

There was a unique building at Portbraddan which was loved by visitors and locals alike, it was promoted as the smallest church in Ireland but was callously demolished when the property by the new owners after Rev Con Auld had moved due to age-related reasons. You could have married here, and though the origins were not an official church it was a unique feature sadly missed by the local community. The ancient church of Templastragh lies a kilometre from Portbraddon on the clifftop towards Dunseverick harbour. The original church is said to have been inland from here and was built by St. Goban in 648 AD, the stone set into the gable of the present ruin is believed to come from that church.