Located nearly midway between Carrickfergus and Lame, Whitehead is a small seaside town on the east coast of County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
Situated at the base of Muldersleigh Hill, and on the shores of Belfast Lough, Whitehead is in a small bay between the limestone cliffs of Whitehead and the black volcanic cliff of Blackhead, with the Blackhead Lighthouse on top. Whitehead is about 32 kilometres from Belfast.
Whitehead developed in the 19th century as a Victorian and Edwardian holiday resort, attracting visitors from Belfast and beyond with its promenade, bathing facilities, and picturesque coastal walks. Its origins as a settlement predate the tourism boom, but it was the arrival of the railway in 1863 that transformed the settlement into a thriving destination. The town's carefully planned roadways, distinctive period architecture, and seafront businesses reflect its heritage as one of Northern Ireland's earliest purpose-built seaside resorts.
Historically, Whitehead was known for its clean air and reputation as a health retreat. It earned the nickname "The Town With No Street" due to its early layout of crescents and avenues rather than traditional street grids. Today, it retains much of its early charm, with colourful seafront houses, the Blackhead Coastal Path leading to the Blackhead Lighthouse, and the Whitehead Railway Museum, which commemorates the town's railway heritage. The surrounding area offers opportunities for sailing, angling, and coastal explorations, making it both a residential community and a visitor attraction.
Economically, Whitehead is a commuter town for Belfast, yet it maintains a strong local identity, supported by independent shops, cafes, community groups, and heritage organisations. Its population consists of long-standing residents and newcomers drawn by its coastal setting and transport links.
Websites suitable for inclusion in this part of our guide might include local government and community pages, historical and heritage sites, tourism and visitor portals, accommodatiaon providers (guesthouses, B&Bs, hotels, and self-catering rentals), local business directories and service listings, sports clubs, sailing associations, and recreational groups, cultural and arts organisations based in Whitehead, places of worship, and educational institutions, including primary schools and community learning centres.
Although Whitehead has a population below 4,000, as of this writing, its blend of history, scenic beauty, and community spirit makes it a distinctive entry in Northern Ireland's coastal towns, appealing to residents, visitors, and those researching the region's history and heritage.
Recommended Resources
Balmoral Estates is an independently owned estate agency based in Whitehead on the East Antrim coast of Northern Ireland. With roots in the local communities of Whitehead, Ballycarry, and Islandmagee, the team combines market knowledge with a personal approach to property transactions. Its services include home sales, residential rentals, commercial sales, commercial lettings, land, sites, and developments. Open listings are featured on the site, along with contact details.
http://www.balmoralestates.co.uk/
The 4-star boutique holiday cottage is situated in a rural headland in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It offers an upstairs suite with vintage-inspired decor, plus exclusive access to a secluded Secret Garden and a newly added Victorian-style Summer House with uninterrupted sea views. Key features include its Upstairs Suite, Secret Garden, Summer House, self-catering amenities, wild coastal setting, and added luxuries, such as complimentary WiFi, private parking, and premium cotton robes.
https://www.pinkcottage.co.uk/en
The Whitehead & Islandmagee Parish comprises two Church of Ireland worship centres in County Antrim: St. Patrick's Church in Whitehead and St. John's Church in Islandmagee, united under one rectorate in the Diocese of Connor. The Whitehead church is the heart of town. Its telephone number, email address, and service schedules are published on the website, along with a church history, leadership information, membership details, volunteer opportunities, and photos.
https://whitehead-islandmagee-parish.co.uk/
Walking the Blackhead Path in Whitehead, Northern Ireland
Maintained by a woman identified as Debs, a Northern Irish mother of five, who shares her real-life family adventures, parenting hacks, and creative projects from her home in Northern Ireland, this article (or blog post) describes and includes several scenic photographs of a hike she made along the Blackhead Path in Whitehead, along with her children. Photos and descriptions include scenes from along the path, as well as the Blackhead Lighthouse, and the views available from the lighthouse.
https://superbusymum.net/walking-the-blackhead-path-in-whitehead/
Located on Slaughterford Road in Whitehead, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, Whitehead Baptist Church is affiliated with the network of independent local Baptist churches across Northern Ireland, and upholds the doctrines of believer's baptism by immersion, congregational governance, and the authority of Scripture. Its location, mission, a statement of beliefs, service times, and leadership structure are posted, and a sermon archive is maintained on its YouTube channel.
https://www.whiteheadbaptist.co.uk/
Whitehead Community Association
The Whitehead Community Association owns and manages the Whitehead Centre on King's Road in Whitehead, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The organisation began after residents bought the former cinema in 1977 to form a community hub in the town's Conservation Area. The facilities (main hall with seats for up to 230, an upstairs conference room seating 60, a smaller meeting room used for counselling services, three office spaces for start-up businesses, and lift access) are featured.
https://whitehead-ni.com/
Situated in the centre part of Whitehead, a coastal town in Mid and East Antrim, Northern Ireland, within walking distance of Whitehead Post Office and Whitehead Library, and 800 feet north-west of the Whitehead railway station, the congregation is affiliated with the Presbyterian Church in Ireland. It conducts regular worship services and Bible teaching, prayer meetings, and outreach activities, which are highlighted on its website. A contact form is available.
https://www.whiteheadchurch.com/
Whitehead Primary School and Nursery Unit
Situated in Whitehead, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the controlled, co-educational institution is managed by the Education Authority's North Eastern region. Its nursery unit caters to part-time pre-school children, aged 2-4, while its primary school caters to 4-11-year-olds. Its indoor facilities include a waiting area and cloakroom, a large, well-equipped classroom, a carpeted quiet room, children's toilets, storage facilities, and a staff/parent room. Outdoors is a large playground.
https://www.whiteheadps.com/
Created in 2016, Whitehead Storehouse is a volunteer-run community food bank based in Whitehead, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It provides emergency food parcels and support to residents of Whitehead, Islandmagee, and Ballycarry. The project is governed by a board of trustees and operated day-to-day by volunteers, with donations stored centrally at the local Presbyterian Church and distributed in consultation with statutory and voluntary agencies. Sponsors and local businesses are featured.
https://www.whiteheadstorehouse.com/
