Portrush Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do in Portrush, where to stay, what to eat, local customs, and safety tips with our comprehensive travel guide.


Portrush, located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, UK, is a charming seaside town that boasts stunning natural scenery, cultural landmarks, and exciting outdoor adventures. With its sandy beaches, world-renowned golf courses, and lively nightlife, Portrush is a favorite destination for both locals and visitors alike.

If you’re planning a trip to this picturesque town, here is a comprehensive travel guide to Portrush to help you in your visit:

Introduction to Portrush

Portrush is situated on a peninsula surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the north and east, and the River Bann to the west. It is a well-known resort town that attracts travelers from all over the world for its breathtaking beaches, exceptional golf courses, outdoor pursuits, and vibrant nightlife.

List of Places to Visit in Portrush

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Dunluce Castle: A medieval castle with stunning views and architectural features overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Old Bushmills Distillery: The oldest working distillery in Ireland/RoI, established in 1608.
  • Giants Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage site with fascinating geological formations that look unreal.

Natural Attractions of Portrush: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • The White Rocks: A sandy beach with stunning white cliffs and clear water perfect for swimming and surfing.
  • The Skerries: A group of tiny islands that are home to a large population of seabirds and seals, and a great spot for diving.
  • The Causeway Coastal Route: A scenic drive that follows the stunning coastline filled with beaches, coastal walks, and natural landmarks.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Portrush

  • The Causeway Coast Way: A 32-mile coastal walking path that stretches from Portstewart to Ballycastle, offering spectacular coastal views.
  • Binevenagh Mountain: A mountain in County Londonderry that offers challenging hiking trails.
  • The Ballycastle Forest: A picturesque woodlands with trails for hiking and mountain biking.

Best Things to Do in Portrush: Activities and Tours

  • The Royal Portrush Golf Club: The only golf club in Ireland/RoI to have hosted the Open Championship, it is considered one of the best links courses in the world.
  • Kayaking Tours at Portrush Harbour: Kayak through the West Strand, Ramore Head, and around Skerries Islands.
  • Portrush Coastal Tours: A guided tour that takes you through key sites of the Causeway Coast and Glens, including Dunluce Castle and Giant’s Causeway.

Week-Long Itinerary for Portrush

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the town and visit cultural landmarks within the town
Day 2 Visit Old Bushmills Distillery and Dunluce Castle
Day 3 Hike the beautiful Binevenagh Mountain or explore The Skerries
Day 4 Visit Giant’s Causeway and nearby towns Bushmills and Ballentoy
Day 5 Enjoy a day of golf at the Royal Portrush Golf Club
Day 6 Take a coastal tour to see more of the Causeway Coastal Route
Day 7 Relax on the beaches and enjoy local food

Food and Drink Scene of Portrush

Must-Try Dishes

  • Ulster Fry: A handsome production of potato, soda, and wheaten bread, plus the salty lean of rindless bacon, sausages, fried egg, tomato, black and white pudding, beans and mushrooms.
  • Seafood Chowder: Rich and creamy soup with flaky white fish, scallops, and prawns.
  • Bushmills Whiskey: A world-class whiskey distilled in Northern Ireland

Local Beverages

  • Irish Stout: A malty and dark-colored beer that is a popular drink in Ireland/RoI
  • Bushmills Whiskey: Try your favorite whiskey from Ireland.

Where to Stay in Portrush: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Adelphi Portrush: A family-run hotel located on the beachfront.
  • The Port Hotel: A chic and trendy hotel located in the town center
  • Carrick Dhu Caravan Park: A budget-friendly option for travelers who love nature.

What to Buy in Portrush: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Handcrafted pottery: Local artisans create beautiful pottery that is perfect for gifts and home decor.
  • Bushmills Whiskey: Bushmills Whiskey Distillery offers a range of Whiskeys to buy, an ideal gift for Whiskey fans
  • Irish Linen: Ireland/RoI are famous for its top-quality line of luxury linen, which can be found at local shops.

Local Culture and Customs of Portrush

Portrush has a vibrant and friendly community with a strong cultural heritage. Visitors are expected to respect local customs and traditions, including:

  • Greet People: It’s polite to greet people you meet on the street with a “hello” or “hi”.
  • Be punctual: Northern Irish are known for their punctuality. It’s polite to show up on time for meetings and appointments.
  • Be modest: Don’t boast about yourself; it’s considered ill-mannered.

Best Time to Visit Portrush

The best time to visit Portrush is between April and September when the weather is mild, and the summer crowds have not yet arrived. August can be busy because of the Northern Ireland Open Golf Tournament and other local festivals.

Do’s and Don’ts of Portrush

Do:

  • Take advantage of the outdoor activities: Hiking, biking, surfing, and other outdoor activities in Portrush are a great way to explore the town.
  • Be respectful of locals: Northern Irish people are friendly and helpful, but it’s still important to be respectful of their culture and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Drink and Drive: In Northern Ireland, a blood alcohol level greater than 0.05% is illegal.
  • Ignore local safety signs: Safety signs are present for a reason; it’s important to respect them.

Safety and Health

Safety in Portrush

Portrush is a safe and friendly town, but visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take precautions against pickpocketing and other petty crimes. There are plenty of CCTV cameras in public places to keep everyone safe.

Health in Portrush

Portrush has several medical facilities, including clinics and hospitals, so visitors should not have any issues with healthcare. Visitors are usually advised to bring personal medication if necessary.

Getting to Portrush: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Portrush

The nearest airport to Portrush is Belfast International Airport, which is approximately a 50-minute drive from the town. Other airports include George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport.

Bus Stations Near Portrush

The town has bus connections to all major cities in Northern Ireland, including Belfast and Londonderry. The local bus company is called Translink, and it’s the best way to get around town.

Other Options

It’s possible to get to Portrush by car, which is a popular option for visitors who want to explore the Causeway Coastal Route. Car rentals are available at most airports.

How to Get Around in Portrush

Portrush is a small town and is easy to explore on foot. Visitors can also use taxis, buses or rent bicycles.

Where to Go Next from Portrush: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Derry/Londonderry: A vibrant and culturally rich city with historic walls, museums, and a famous pedestrianized bridge.
  • Coleraine: A town with great shopping and a vibrant cultural scene, located 6 miles inland from Portrush.
  • Rathlin Island: An island accessible by ferry from Ballycastle, famous for its seabird colonies, seals, and stunning scenery.

Conclusion

Portrush is an excellent destination for travelers of all ages, with a perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. During your visit, you can explore some of the most stunning coastal landscapes Northern Ireland has to offer, play golf on world-class courses, taste delicious local food, and learn about the town’s cultural heritage. We hope this guide has provided you with all the information you need to plan an unforgettable trip to Portrush.

Dunluce Castle Dunluce Castle Portrush harbour Portrush harbour