20 Blackhead Path, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, County Antrim BT38 9PB

Blackhead Lighthouse and Coastal Path

route · Coastal walk

Place photograph

7.2

Wildland

1–2 hours

Time

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Cost

Dramatic

Feel

CoastalVillageWalkersPhotographers

Why it's Wildland

7.2

A shoreline walk from Whitehead to a lighthouse above Belfast Lough, with rocky coast, grassland, a small woodland known locally as the Magic Forest and steep steps on the approach to the lighthouse.

This is a short coastal outing with a clear destination: a lighthouse reached by a cliffside path above Belfast Lough. The steep steps add effort, while the changing shoreline and views make the walk more than a simple stroll.

Dramatic · Wild

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20 Blackhead Path, Whitehead, Carrickfergus, County Antrim BT38 9PB

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The experience

Walk the coastal path from Whitehead Boat Park towards Blackhead Lighthouse and return the same way. Expect shoreline scenery and steep steps near the lighthouse; check access and conditions before setting off.

Things to do

Walk the coastal path to the lighthouse

Follow the shoreline route from Whitehead Boat Park to Blackhead Lighthouse. The supplied source describes rocky shoreline, grassland and steep steps on the approach.

Roughly 2.2 miles linear according to the supplied source; return distance and duration are not specified.

Pause to look across Belfast Lough

The path overlooks Belfast Lough; the supplied source notes the area’s bird population. No specific species or viewing point is identified.

Notice the Magic Forest

Look for the small woodland locally known as the Magic Forest, described as one feature along the route.

Make a day of it

Quick escape · Allow 1–2 hours; confirm the time locally.

Quick Escape: out to the lighthouse and back

01
Start at Whitehead Boat Park.
02
Follow the coastal path towards Blackhead Lighthouse, taking care on the steep steps.
03
Return along the same path.

Hidden details

The small woodland on the route — The route description names a small woodland known locally as the Magic Forest. Its exact position and any further history are not specified.

When to go

· No source-supported recommendation; check weather and conditions before visiting.

The supplied sources do not establish a best season.

Check current weather and path conditions before setting out, particularly given the coastal setting and steep steps.

The route

surface: Rocky shoreline and grassland are described; full path surface is not specified.
distance: About 2.2 miles one way, as described by the supplied source; return distance is not stated.
difficulty: Includes steep steps; overall difficulty is not formally rated.
route shape: Linear route to the lighthouse; return arrangement not specified by the source.
start point: Whitehead Boat Park, according to the supplied route description.
parking start: The source describes car parking near the start; check current arrangements.

Blackhead Lighthouse
Rocky shoreline
Grassland
Small woodland known locally as the Magic Forest
Views over Belfast Lough

Worth pairing with

Whitehead village

The supplied route description notes cafés and public toilets in the village; check their current availability before relying on them.

What to look for

Notice the transition from rocky shoreline and grassland to the small woodland known locally as the Magic Forest. The route overlooks Belfast Lough, noted in the supplied source for its bird population.

The story

Lighthouse and maritime navigation

Best time to go

Check local conditions before visiting; no source establishes a best season.

No source establishes an ideal time of day. Check weather and path conditions before setting out.

How long to spend

1–2 hours

Perfect for

Walkers · Photographers

Route at a glance

Duration

1–2 hours

Terrain

Coastal, Village

Parking / start

The source describes parking near the route start; check current arrangements before travelling.

Before you go

Website Google Maps

Address

20 Blackhead Path, Whitehead, Carrickfergus BT38 9PB

Website

irishlights.ie

Listed hours

Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours

Check before visiting.

Google rating

4.8 · 820 reviews

Practical information

Opening & access

The route is described as a coastal walk from Whitehead Boat Park to Blackhead Lighthouse. Check current access and path conditions before setting out.

Check before visiting

Parking

The source describes parking near the route start; check current arrangements before travelling.

Check before visiting

Toilets

Check before visiting.

Check before visiting

Food & drink

Whitehead village is described as having cafés; check current opening details before visiting.

Check before visiting

Dogs

Check before visiting.