Portrush is hugely popular seaside town, where golden beaches and Victorian terraces meet the untamed Atlantic.
It’s a playground for surfers, golfers, and those looking to explore the rugged Northern Ireland coastal route.
Expect roaring waves, small town charm, and a bag of chips that’s never truly safe from seagulls.
Below, you’ll discover things to do and where to eat, sleep and sip. Cheers!
Need-to-knows before visiting Portrush
Although a visit to Portrush in Antrim is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Portrush is situated on the Causeway Coastal Route on the north coast of Antrim. Situated on the mile-long peninsula, Tamore Head, it’s just an hour from Belfast and a short drive from the Old Bushmills Distillery and the Giant’s Causeway.
2. Seaside vibes
This lively town is finely plonked right by the sea with plenty of amusements, pubs and restaurants on offer. The big draw are the three golden sandy beaches (Whiterocks, East Strand and West Strand).
3. A fine base for exploring
Portrush is ideally located for exploring some of the best things to do in Northern Ireland. As well as attracting many golfers, Portrush is ideal for beach lovers, surfers, walkers and fishing trips. Within 10-15 minutes there’s Portstewart, the Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery as well as plenty of coastal walks.
4. Royal Portrush Golf Club
This quiet community is home to the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club. Opened in 1888, it has two 18-hole courses: Dunluce Links championship course and the Valley Links.
Things to do in Portrush
So, I have a dedicated guide on the various things to do in Portrush, but I’ll give you a quick overview below.
You’ll find everything from Whiterocks Beach and Curry’s Fun Park to Bushmills and plenty of walks and scenic drives.
1. Whiterocks Beach
Photos via Shutterstock
Whiterocks Beach isn’t just a beach—it’s a spectacle, a wild collision of golden sand, roaring waves, and limestone cliffs.
Named for the chalk-white rock that stretches toward Dunluce Castle, this stretch of coast is riddled with caves and arches.
In summer, wetsuit-clad thrill-seekers charge into the surf, while the more sensible among us admire the chaos from the shore, perhaps with a rental board in hand… just in case temptation wins.
2. The Causeway Coastal Route
The Causeway Coastal Route can be kicked-off from Portrush Town.
It’s along the route that you’ll find many of Northern Ireland’s top attractions, from the Nine Glens of Antrim and Slemish Mountain to the famous Gobbins Cliff Path.
Portrush is towards the west end of the route, but you can easily start here and head towards Belfast.
3. The Old Bushmills Distillery
Whiskey lovers, prepare to step into history—just 10 minutes from Portrush lies the legendary Old Bushmills Distillery, where the air is thick with the scent of ageing barrels and time-honoured craftsmanship.
This isn’t just any distillery; it’s the oldest licensed whiskey producer in the world, with a legacy stretching back to 1608, when King James I granted it official permission to distill.
Take a tour, watch the copper pot stills in action, and sip on a whiskey that has been perfected over centuries—smooth, rich, and unmistakably Bushmills.
4. Royal Portrush Golf Club
Photo by Gardiner Mitchell via Tourism Ireland
Book yourself a tee time and walk the same fairways as golfing legends at Royal Portrush Golf Club, a course so spectacular it hosted the 148th Open Championship in 2019.
Thousands gathered to watch the world’s best battle the elements, but it was Irishman Shane Lowry who stole the show.
He claimed victory with a course-record 61—a feat that still dares ambitious golfers to try and top it.
5. Curry’s Fun Park
For nearly a century, Barry’s Amusements was the beating heart of Portrush, a beloved seaside staple where generations of thrill-seekers braved the Waltzers, Dodgems, and the eerie Ghost Train.
Though the park closed its doors in 2021, its spirit lives on under a new name—Curry’s Fun Park—where classic rides still spin, swing, and soar against the roar of the Atlantic.
From the towering Skyview Giant Wheel to the nostalgic carousel and the high-speed XLR8, this is the place where childhood memories are made (and stomachs are tested) in true Portrush style.
6. The Giant’s Causeway
Thousands of basalt pillars making up the Giant’s Causeway are a must-see but there’s some dispute over the origins.
Legend attributes it to being the stepping stones of hunter-warrior Fionn MacCumhaill while others believe was created by volcanic fissure eruptions over 50 million years ago.
Either way, it was the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Northern Ireland. There’s a Visitor Centre, exhibition and 11 miles of hiking paths from the site.
Portrush accommodation
If you’re thinking about staying in Portrush in Antrim, the map above will give you the lay-of-the-land (if you can’t decide, see my Portrush hotels guide).
Personally, I think the Elephant Rock Hotel is hard to beat. In 2025, the Dunluce Lodge (a 5 star hotel) is set to launch while the Adelphi is relaunching.
Places to eat in Portrush
Photos via Urban Restaurant on FB
There are some excellent restaurants in Portrush, where fresh seafood, hearty pub grub, and fine dining all have their place by the sea.
1. Adelphi Bistro
The Adelphi Bistro serves up gourmet food in a relaxed setting, perfect for a family get-together or a relaxed evening out with friends. Start with a prawn cocktail starring Atlantic prawns before tucking into a local 8oz sirloin steak. The bistro caters to everyone with a kid’s and gluten-free menu.
2. Urban Restaurant
Situated in the heart of Portrush on Dunluce Ave near West Strand, the Urban Restaurant is in a modern contemporary building with a vibe to match. Everything is chef-prepared including perfectly cooked salmon, prawns and chilli chicken.
3. Kiwi’s Brew Bar
Kiwi’s Brew Bar is the home of Craft Beer on the North Coast. It has strong links with many artisan breweries and pulls pints you simply can’t find anywhere else. Located on Portrush Main Street, it’s a lively gastropub known for its tasty burgers and pizzas.
Pubs in Portrush
Photos via The Harbour Bar on FB
There are some mighty pubs in Portrush that are perfect for a post-surf pint with friends. Here are three of my favourites:
1. Springhill Bar
The Springhill Bar is a proper Irish pub with roaring fires, perfectly poured Guinness, and some of the best trad nights in town.
2. Harbour Bar
A Portrush institution, The Harbour Bar blends old-school charm with a buzzing atmosphere, crackling fires, and walls lined with golfing legends.
3. The Quays
A standout gastropub in the heart of Portrush, The Quays is known for its hearty steaks, top-notch seafood, and warm, welcoming service.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.