Portrush (Irish: Port Rois, meaning "Promontory Port") is a resort town on the north coast of Northern Ireland. It's a good place to base yourself for a visit to the Giant's Causeway and the other attractions on the Irish North Coast. With a population of 6,500 in 2011, it is a small town, but in the summer months this number increases significantly with visiting tourists, although the number of local holidaymakers has dropped in recent years, primarily due to the influx of low-cost flights to sunnier destinations from Northern Ireland. In the winter months the town has been traditionally a quiet place, but the proximity to the University of Ulster in Coleraine has led to many students taking up residence in Portrush during the winter.
The town centre has been somewhat neglected due to the decline in seasonal visitors and the property crisis, meaning that there are a few half-built apartment blocks and derelict buildings. However, in the build-up to hosting the 2012 Golf Irish Open, the government invested a significant amount in improving the aesthetics of the town.
Portrush is home to three fine sandy beaches, which normally have blue-flag status.
- The West Strand. Closest to the town centre is flanked by Barry's Amusement Park, which is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland, dating back to 1925.
- The East Strand. On the other side of town, it is larger and is backed by rugged sand dunes. It is great for a picnic or a party in the summer
- . If you walk the length of the East Strand, you will reach the White Rocks Beach, often quieter Beyond that is Dunluce Castle and Giant's Causeway. Without kids, you can walk Portrush-->Dunluce Castle-->Portballintrae-->Giant's Causeway, and take the bus back from Giant's Causeway-->Portrush in one day (leaving around 11AM and return around 7PM).
- Ramore Head. A great spot to visit, at the head of the peninsula that Portrush is built upon. It offers great views of the town and the surrounding coastline, particularly spectacular on clear days.
- Dunluce Castle. A ruined medieval castle.
- Coastal Zone, 8 Bath Road, +44 28 7082 3600. Visitor centre.
The West Strand. Closest to the town centre is flanked by Barry's Amusement Park, which is the largest of its kind in Northern Ireland, dating back to 1925.
The East Strand. On the other side of town, it is larger and is backed by rugged sand dunes. It is great for a picnic or a party in the summer
Ramore Head. A great spot to visit, at the head of the peninsula that Portrush is built upon. It offers great views of the town and the surrounding coastline, particularly spectacular on clear days.
Dunluce Castle. A ruined medieval castle.
Coastal Zone, 8 Bath Road, +44 28 7082 3600. Visitor centre.
- The beaches are splendid, and appeal in all weathers - a stormy day when the sea is rough, or the rare sunny spell. All the beaches in the town are also popular destinations for surfers, although the waves can vary so best to check with the locals or online before heading out.
- Royal Portrush Golf Club. Recognised as one of the best link golf courses in the world. It will host the Open Championship, one of the four major championships of men's golf, in 2019. The Rathmore Golf Club next door is also of an extremely high standard, and has a smaller 9-hole pitch and putt for the less experienced.
- Barry's Amusements. The largest theme park in Northern Ireland.
Royal Portrush Golf Club. Recognised as one of the best link golf courses in the world. It will host the Open Championship, one of the four major championships of men's golf, in 2019. The Rathmore Golf Club next door is also of an extremely high standard, and has a smaller 9-hole pitch and putt for the less experienced.
Barry's Amusements. The largest theme park in Northern Ireland.
The harbour area has 5 fine restaurants, one of which was voted the best in Northern Ireland by local television viewers. Tea-time (5-7PM) and lunchtime menus are often cheaper, particularly outside busy tourist periods.
- Ramore, 1 Harbour Road, +44 28 7082 4313. They serve Irish and international cuisine. Wine Bar, Harbour Bistro, Coast, the Mermaid, Neptune & Prawn.
- 55 Degrees North, 1 Causeway St, +44 28 7082 2811. Another popular restaurant, which has glorious views over the Atlantic and East Strand. Deals around tea-time and on set menus are common. The various hotels in the area such as the Royal Court and the Magherabuoy Hotel also serve food.
Portrush Yacht club at the Harbour also do breakfast/brunch and lunches open until 3PM in the winter and later during the summer but do check, they are just past the Harbour bar and are open to non yacht club members.
Ramore, 1 Harbour Road, +44 28 7082 4313. They serve Irish and international cuisine. Wine Bar, Harbour Bistro, Coast, the Mermaid, Neptune & Prawn.
55 Degrees North, 1 Causeway St, +44 28 7082 2811. Another popular restaurant, which has glorious views over the Atlantic and East Strand. Deals around tea-time and on set menus are common.
Portrush has a variety of pubs for the thirsty traveller. The Harbour Bar (no prizes for guessing location!) is well renowned for a quality pint of Guinness, and has a traditional feel downstairs with a livelier bar upstairs. Rogues Bar across the harbour on Kerr Street is a great place for live music and sports, whilst the Springhill Bar (Causeway Street) is popular on a Thursday night for live Irish traditional sessions, with other live music events common most nights of the week. The Atlantic Bar (Atlantic Avenue) is hidden just off the Main Street, and can either provide a place for a quiet pint, or a wide range of live entertainment, including bands, DJ nights and open-mic. Kiwi Brew Bar is a great location for craft beer lovers, providing a wide range of bottled local and international craft beers.
Portrush is also home to one of Northern Ireland's best known nightclubs. The Kelly's complex consists of a multitude of bars and clubs and is Northern Ireland's largest nightclub complex. It includes the nightclub Lush! which attracts many of the world's top DJs. The main clubbing nights are Wednesday and Saturday.
- Giant's Causeway
- The surrounding area has glorious coastlines, fine golf courses and great walks. The nearby town of Portstewart is another popular destination for tourists.
- Take a day trip to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. Take the bus or drive to Ballycastle to catch the morning ferry (schedules). Return on the afternoon ferry, and explore the town of Ballycastle. If you are interested in a guide for your trip to Rathlin Island, consider Paul Quinn. Paul was very knowledgeable about the history of the island and was an exceptional guide. Highly recommended.
- Bushmills
- Coleraine