On Northern Ireland’s stunning Atlantic coastline, Portrush is a pretty seaside town situated on a mile-long peninsula, surrounded by gorgeous beaches and dramatic clifftops. This charming resort enjoys panoramic views of the sea, the incredible Causeway Coastal Route to the south, and the soft hills of Donegal to the north. Seaside towns in this area are famous for their amusement houses, ones with arcades and roller coasters that have been putting smiles on people’s faces for nearly a century. Portrush is no different. After taking a thrill ride, check out the Causeway Coast Way Walk from Portrush Harbour, extending out to Saint Patrick’s Well in Portstewart for even more views of beautiful beaches, the Skerries Islands, Ballyreagh Castle, and the windswept Inishowen peninsula.

The closest international airport to Portrush is Belfast (BFS), the capital of Northern Ireland. It takes around two hours to travel to Portrush by public transport from Belfast, via the town of Coleraine. Portrush is the only point on the Causeway Coast connected to Belfast by rail. Or you can drive from Belfast Airport in just over an hour. If your Portrush accommodation is centrally located, you will find the town very walkable. There are several Causeway Coast Way Bus services that run regularly to all the beautiful stops along the coast, including Portrush.

The summer months of June, July and August see Portrush in its element, with sunny skies and everyone enjoying the beaches and classic British seaside amusements. At the start of September the Air Waves festival provides both ground and aerial entertainment. Rainy days can happen at any time of the year in Ireland but Portrush offers plenty of wet weather entertainment, from the amusement arcades and shops to the indoor water park, and the Portrush Coastal Zone with its marine exhibitions on Northern Ireland’s coastal wildlife and heritage.

Whiterocks Beach

Portrush has three glorious beaches, but the most stunning is Whiterocks. A sweep of white sand backed by picturesque cliffs, Whiterocks is a beautiful place for fresh air, beach fun, and walks. With soft sand between your toes, enjoy the views of the jagged limestone rocks that stretch from Curran Strand to Dunluce.

Dunluce Castle

A ruined castle in a spectacular clifftop location, Dunluce is said to have inspired the fantasy capital city of a popular English childrens’ series. It is an essential stop on the Causeway Coastal Route and only a 10-minute drive from Portrush. Take a self-guided tour and discover the fascinating history of this 15th-century fortification and enjoy the views from its walls out to sea, as well as over the remains of long-abandoned Dunluce town.

Boat trips from Portrush Harbour

There are some great options for boat trips from Portrush Harbour. Take a short tour up the coast to see Dunluce Castle from the sea, or further down the coast to the spectacular Giants’ Causeway. Explore the Skerries Islands, a rocky archipelago just off the coast from Portrush and an important protected habitat for birds such as the black guillemot and eider duck. You can also visit Rockabill Lighthouse and the ruined church founded by Saint Patrick, Ireland’s national saint. You could even venture as far as Rathlin Island, the northernmost point of Northern Ireland with its jagged cliffs and vast seabird colonies.