Pillboxes on the Strand

The beautiful beaches of Portrush and Portstewart were used for training during the Second World War and due to the number of airfields, camps and troops in Antrim and Londonderry, defences against attacks were very necessary as the perceived threat of invasion from the sea was high.

There are two pillboxes along Portstewart Strand which can still be viewed. Pillboxes are concrete dug in guard posts, normally with loopholes through which to fire weapons. These would have been staffed around the clock. One is overlooking the harbour in Kerr Street and the other along the promenade on the East Strand. This pillbox is in the back of a private house and has been blocked up.