Things to Do in Portrush, Northern Ireland
Things to Do in Portrush – Celebrated by The Derry Girls as a holiday destination, I discovered Portrush by accident when I was looking for a coastal location to stay when we visited the Giant’s Causeway. We discovered a traditional seaside holiday town with the most beautiful beaches, and this is why we loved it.
Giant’s Causeway
FREE to National Trust (for Scotland) members – The unique rock formation, the Giant’s Causeway, is what brought us to Portrush. We’re talking over 40,000 basalt columns, formed some 60 million years ago. Situated approximately half an hour’s drive away, it’s Northern’s Ireland only Unesco World Heritage site and definitely worth booking in advance. It’s great for kids. You start at an uber modern visitor centre (where they even allocate parking spaces, it’s that organised) where the geology and folklore around the site are explained. There are hands-on games for kids, and display boards aimed at youngsters too. A cafe and gift shop are also found in the Visitor Centre.
When it’s time for your tour, your group gathers and an enthusiastic tour guide takes you all on a hike towards the site – about 20 minutes in total. En route there are several stops to highlight facts, stories and details. Our guide was great with the kids – involving them in a story featuring children harvesting seaweed from the shore, apparently they were about the right size for the job.
Book half day trips from Portrush to the Giant’s Causeway here.
The rocks themselves are so intriguing. You can walk on them, explore, clamber up them, there’s nothing precious or roped off. It’s so beautiful. It was a bucket list destination for me and did not disappoint. It’s a National Trust site so NTS members can also get in free – bargain!
Funfair – Things to Do in Portrush
This is what my kids (and the Derry Girls) came for. A traditional fun fare by the sea called Curry’s Fun Park and Kiddieland Amusements. The log flume is water-tastic, the Giant Wheel holds a family in each carriage, there’s a ghost train, you name it, it’s there! You’ll spend a small fortune! [If you looked up seaside holiday in the dictionary, it might just say Portrush.]
Beaches
FREE Portrush is a haven for great beaches. I read that Northern Ireland boasts 8 Blue Flag beaches are 3 are found in the small town of Portrush, and they all have lifeguards in high season. If it’s windy on one side of town, simply seek shelter on a beach on the other side of town. There are several amazing beaches to choose between.
West Strand is a beautiful Blue Flag beach. Gorgeous golden sand, near amenities and right now to Curry’s Fun Park and Kiddieland Amusements, walk along the promenade or paddle in the waves, or chill out all day on the sand.
Whiterocks beach is named after the white limestone cliffs that surround the golden sands. It’s more natural, unspoiled and wilder, so a slightly different vibe to the town’s other beaches.
It’s also worth taking a stroll around Portrush’s harbour. It’s cute as a button, with fantastic restaurants nearby (such as Ramore, see below).
We spent most of our time on East Strand beach. Again it is Blue Flag with lifeguards in high season, over two miles of soft golden sands, a Saturday morning Park Run runs on East Strand as well, and the elegant 1920s Arcadia is situated there.
Arcadia – outdoor children’s paddling pool
FREE This historic 1920s building, Arcadia is home to a gallery, seasonal cafe and wellbeing centre. The main attraction for little ones is its modern outdoor playground (think sand toys, rope swings climbing frames) plus a toddler and junior paddling pool.
Eat at Ramore – Things to Do in Portrush
A friend recommended this hugely Ramore, an umbrella term for 6 different restaurants. Definitely book, it’s child friendly, date friendly, group friendly, it works for everyone. We enjoyed our hearty meals but the Dessert Counter is the talk of the town. It’s a thing of beauty, like an old skool dessert trolley. Take a look at the pics above.
Bob & Berts
Our self-catering accommodation was right next to the relaxed Bob & Berts cafe, so ice cream stops, coffee stops, and more ice cream stops were the order of the day. It dishes up all day breakfast, lunch, light bites, shakes, smoothies and more.
Shopping -Things to Do in Portrush
I escaped the kids to nip along Portrush’s Main Street. I loved the independent department store, The White House, that stocked labels I wasn’t familiar with and big Irish names such as Orla Kiely furniture. Popular cafe there too. I also bought Christmas presents for friends in gorgeous galleries on Main Street such as Frankie Crieth Art.
Speedboat Trips – Things to Do in Portrush
This is something we didn’t try, but if you feel the need for speed, consider North Coast Speedboat Trips that depart from Portrush and even take you out to the Skerries islands.
Dunluce Castle
We stopped here on the way back from the Giant’s Causeway. The ruined Dunluce Castle is a 7 minute drive from Portrush, and juts out to see on a rocky outcrop. Apparently it featured in Game of Thrones as Pyke Castle of House Greyjoy on Pyke Island. You can appreciate a fair amount of the castle for free from the outside (like we did), but to enter the ruins ticket prices are here.
Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
FREE to National Trust (for Scotland) members – A 25 minute drive from Portrush, the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge was first put up by salmon fishermen in 1755. It’s hangs suspended almost 100ft above the Atlantic Ocean, so enjoy an exhilarating jiggly crossing to the rocky island of Carrick-a-Rede. Pre-booking is essential, but note that this experience is VERY weather dependent. We signed up for tickets on two days, both were cancelled due to wind (sad face) so it needs to be a very calm day.
Fantastic Central Accommodation
I was delighted with the two-bedroom self-catering apartment I found right in the heart of Portrush. So clean, streamlined, white and welcoming. It was so central that we had to park the car a few minute’s walk away, but that was no problem for such a beautiful apartment. Every local attraction, restaurant and beach were just a few minutes on foot. Check out prices and availability here.
Portrush feels like a traditional seaside holiday and we really hope this guide helps you to make the most of it.
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