If you’re thinking about staying in Coastal Town of Portrush in Antrim, you’ve come to the right spot.

There are many interesting things you will get to see and do in this beautiful little town by the sea. It’s very close to some really cool places along the Causeway Coastal Route.

Also, there are plenty of delicious restaurants and cozy pubs right next to the beach .So, if you’re looking for a great weekend getaway, this might be the place!

Check out what you can do, where to eat, where to stay and where to drink in Portaš. Enjoy exploring!

Some quick need to know before visiting Portrush in Antrim

When you go to visit Portrush in Antrim, you will find a blend of simplicity and mystery that will makes your trip exciting and enjoyable. Here you will find some important things to know to make your journey better and more enjoyable:

1. Location:

The Portrush Causeway is situated on the north shore of Antrim just close to the coastal route. The site is on the Tamor Head Peninsula and only an hour’s drive from Belfast. It’s a great place to start sight-seeing, with tourist spots like the Old Bushmills Distillery and the amazing Giant’s Causeway nearby.

2. Coastal attractions:

Portrush is full of energy with the sea as its backdrop. It has lots of tourist attractions, pubs and delicious food etc. The town has three beautiful sandy beaches, where you can lie down and enjoy the beautiful golden sand.

3. Gateway to Adventure:

Portrush is a perfect location for exploring Northern Ireland. It is popular with golfers and offers the chance for surfing, scenic walks and sea adventures. Nearby, you can visit Portstewart, the Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery, all surrounded by coastal paths waiting for you to explore.

4. The Greatness of Golf:

Royal Portrush Golf Club is a well-known location in this quiet town. It has been around since 1888 and has hosted many famous golfers. The club has two amazing 18-hole courses: the challenging Dunluce Links Championship Course and the picturesque Valley Links Course.

About Portrush

In the summertime, this small seaside town become crowded with people comes from Ireland and other countries. This small town is one of the closest towns to the Giant’s Causeway and Bushmills Distillery.

There are three beautiful beaches where tourists like to vacation with their families. These are White rocks Beach, West Strand (West Bay), and East Strand (Curran Strand) beaches. They have Blue Flag status and this means it is clean and safe for swimming, surfing and long walks in the water. Aro’s coastline has tall white cliffs with many sea caves, hence the name White rocks Beach!

The town is full of small family-run shops, restaurants and pubs. You can grab a pint of Guinness, try some fresh fish and seafood, or enjoy local entertainment.

Portrush has a promenade where you can walk or cycle and there are also traditional fun rides, If you love fishing, you can join a morning fishing trip to catch your night’s catch fresh from the sea and have a great day of fishing.

Things to do in Portrush

We have a dedicated guide to the best things to do in Portrush, but I’ll quickly tell you about some of our favorite attractions.

We have a dedicated guide to the best things to do in Portrush, but I’ll quickly tell you about some of our favorite attractions.

1. Walk along Portrush Whiterocks Beach:

This beach on the west side of the peninsula is really beautiful. It has beautiful views and great waters for swimming and surfing. It is called the Whiterocks because of the white cliffs along the causeway coastal route from the East Strand to Dunluce Castle. There are cool caves and arches like Shelagh’s Head, Wishing Arch, Elephant Rock and Lion’s Paw. In summer, lots of surfers and body-boarders come here as it is supervised by lifeguards. You can rent equipment and take lessons at certain times of the year.

2. Ride or ride a bike along the Causeway Coastal Route:

The route consists of nine different routes through beautiful scenery, stretching from Carrickfergus to Limavady. You can drive, hike or bike and enjoy the scenery. Visit Antrim’s nine glens, see Slemish Mountain and walk the famous Gobbins Cliff Path. Portrush Causeway is near the western end of the Coastal Route, close to the 26-mile Bann Valley Scenic Route and the 20-mile Binevenagh Scenic Route.

3. Visit the Old Bushmill Distillery:

If you like whisky, you might consider visiting the Old Bushmills Distillery Unit, it is just 10 minutes from Portrush. It is based on some old white cottages and is also Antrim’s oldest licensed distillery, founded in 1608. If you want, you can take a guide to complete the tour, where you can see how they make their whiskey, learn some secrets and have a taste. The tour ends at the gift shop where you can purchase items to take home.

4. Golf at Royal Portash Golf Club:

You can book a tee time and even can play golf where some of the world’s most famous golfers have played. In 2019, Royal Portrush Golf Club arranged the 148th Open Championship. It was won by Irish golfer Shane Lowry, who set a new course record of 61. It’s really impressive!

5. Have fun at Barry’s Amusements:

Barry’s Amusements is a famous spot in Portrush and even actor James Nesbitt used to work there! It has been entertaining people for over 90 years. You can go for free and then have to buy tokens for rides if you want. They have 15 great attractions including roller coasters, water slides and dodgems. If you’re up for a big thrill, try Extreme Orbiter and Airborne Shot!

6. Explore the Giant’s Causeway:

The Giant’s Causeway with its thousands of basalt pillars is a must-see. Some say they were stoned by a legendary hunter-warrior, others think they were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. It is Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can visit the visitor center, see exhibits and hike the 11-mile trail from the site.

Portrush Accommodation

If you’re planning to stay in Portrush in Antrim, you have plenty of places to choose from.

Hotel:

There are many hotels around Portrush. You can find comfortable ones on the main road or fancy ones with sea views Some are family-run and offer luxury with 4-star ratings. If you are a golfer, you may like the Golf Links Hotel, which is close to the golf course.

B&Bs:

Portrush has many beautiful B&Bs that welcome singles, couples and families. You can pick one near the beach and enjoy the fresh sea air and fun on the beach. Most B&Bs include a delicious cooked breakfast to set you up for hiking, surfing and exploring this beautiful coastal region.

Best places to eat in Portrush

While we dive deeper into Portush’s food scene in our restaurant guide, here are our top picks (in our humble opinion!):

1. Adelphi Bistro:

Adelphi Bistro Located in the 4-star Adelphi on Main St., this is a family-friendly restaurant that serves delicious food and foods are made with fresh local foodstuffs. They offer gourmet cuisine in a relaxed environment, perfect for a family gathering or a casual night out with friends. Try their shrimp cocktail made from Atlantic shrimp followed by a local 8oz sirloin steak. They also have a kids menu and gluten-free options.

2. Urban Restaurant:

Located in the heart of Portrush on Dunluce Ave near the West Strand, Urban Restaurant has a trendy vibe in a modern building. Everything is prepared by the chefs, including delicious salmon, shrimp and chili chicken. Their menu includes wines, whiskeys, daiquiris, as well as local meats, fresh seafood, pastas and delicious desserts.

3. Kiwi’s Brew Bar:

Kiwi’s Brew Bar is the place to go for craft beer on the North Coast. They have strong connections with craft breweries and serve unique pints you won’t find anywhere else. Their “meet the brewer” nights are popular, but they also offer cider, gin and wine. Located on Portrush Main Street, this is a lively gastropub famous for its delicious burgers and pizzas.

Best Pubs in Portrush

Portrush has some great pubs where you can relax with friends after surfing. Here are three of our favorites:

1. Springhill Bar:

This cozy bar has a traditional look and a friendly vibe. You can hang out at the bar and chat with the locals or cozy up by the fire. They have nights with live music including bands, acoustic artists and DJs. They show the main game on a big screen so you don’t miss any of the action.

2. Harbor Bar:

Located by the harbour, this pub offers great views and live music. It is part of the famous Ramo’s restaurant complex and is one of the oldest pubs in the area. You can expect a well-poured pint and a warm welcome from landlord Willie Gregg. Upstairs, they have a gin bar serving premium drinks and wood-fired snacks.

3. Quays Portrush:

This gastropub on Eglington St has everything for a fun night out. They have a wide selection of drinks, cocktails and live music. Their food menu is also quite good. You can stop for lunch and a pint after surfing or spend your evening enjoying live music, cocktails and delicious buffalo wings.

FAQs about visiting Portrush in Antrim

Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions. If you have any questions that we haven’t covered, feel free to ask in the comments.

Is it worth visiting Portrush?

Ans : Yes! Portrush is a lovely town close to some of Antrim’s best attractions. There is so much to do, and so many places to eat.

What can you do in Portrush?

Ans : The three beaches are the main attraction, but there is also a famous golf club, Barry’s Amusements and other nearby attractions.

Are there many pubs and restaurants in Portrush?

Ans : Yes! There is a good mix of casual to fancy dining options Also, there are several great traditional-style pubs to check out.