Ireland’s Smallest Church in the Charming Village of Portbraddon in Northern Ireland

Alas, the beauty of Northern Ireland continues. My recent adventures here have surprised and inspired me more than I ever could have imagined. While overlooking Whitepark Beach, which is just a few miles from the village of Ballintoy, I took the walk west from the beach, working my way over the sand and rocks to uncover yet another gem: the hamlet of Portbraddon.

Portbraddon, Northern Ireland.

This small settlement is as uncommercial as they come. Make no mistake about it – Northern Ireland’s North Antrim Coast is one of the most beautiful spots I’ve been to and Portbraddon does a great job of exuding the best of the hidden beauty here.

Arrival in Portbraddon is tranquil, exposed and delightful. There is a road down to get there but only with your own car as they don’t provide any public transport.

There are less than 10 houses here and a population of less than 20, which will rise slightly in summer months, as some people have “second houses” for summer holidays only.

Downtown Portbraddon, Northern Ireland. Walking along the beach and rocks to discover Portbraddon is nothing short of paradise.

There’s no school. There’s no local shop. But there is one absolute must see here. On the main seafront street, up a shy driveway sits a remarkable church: St. Gobban’s Church, which is Ireland’s smallest operational church.

There’s a bell, a cross, a name plaque saying it’s a church and inside bibles and hymn books and an altar, but this was not originally a church. A local myth states that Portbraddon contains the smallest church in Ireland, but St. Gobban’s “Church” was actually built in the 1950s as a small cow shed. The government listed it (which means it can’t be touched/knocked down) assuming this was Ireland’s oldest church.

Once in Portbraddon, be sure to check out the pier, a yacht club, great views over the Atlantic Coast and a small “local pub” called the Braddon which opens during summer months.

Get onto the Ulster Way, and walk round the coast to discover Portbraddon Cave as well. It is an absolutely wonderful experience to visit such a remote settlement here on Northern Ireland’s North Coast.

Jonny Scott Blair

Jonny Blair is a self confessed traveling nomad who founded and blogs at Don't Stop Living. He sees every day as an adventure. Since leaving behind his home town of Bangor in Northern Ireland ten years ago he has traveled to all seven continents, working his way through various jobs and funding it all with hard work and an appetite for travel. Don’t Stop Living, a lifestyle of travel' contains over 1,000 stories and tips from his journeys round the globe. He wants to show others how easy it is to travel the world, give them some ideas and encourage them to do the same but most of all he aims to constantly live a lifestyle of travel. He is currently based in Hong Kong and on Twitter @jonnyblair.