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14 Best Things To Do In Portrush In 2025 (And Nearby)

14 Best Things To Do In Portrush In 2025 (And Nearby)

There are plenty of things to do in Portrush, regardless of the time of year!

Portrush got a lovely slice of publicity in a few years back when the eyes of the world fell briefly on the town after hosting The Open golf championship and welcoming an estimated 190,000 visitors.

Really though, this buzzing little coastal spot in Antrim has been attracting people for years thanks to its stunning promontory setting, charming seaside atmosphere and proximity to some of the best things to do in Northern Ireland.

Things to do in Portrush

map of things to do in portrush

The first section of this guide is packed with my favourite things to do in Portrush and nearby (within reasonable driving distance).

Below, you’ll find everything from walks and tasty eats to stunning beaches, scenic drives and much, much more.

1. Banish the cobwebs with a swim on West Strand Beach

West Strand Beach

Photos via Shutterstock

Ok, so it doesn’t have the balmy temperatures of the Mediterranean, but this gorgeous arcing stretch of shore to the west of Portrush town is a great place to relax.

Regardless of whether you fancy admiring the coast from the comfort of the sand or if you’re feeling hardy and want to brave the chilly water, this place is well worth a visit.

The West Strand (also known as ‘Mill Strand’) begins at the South Pier of the bustling Portrush Harbour. Always use caution when entering the water!

2. Then warm the bones with breakfast at Indigo Cafe

Indigo Cafe portrush

Photos via Indigo Cafe on FB

If you’re in search of things to do in Portrush after a chilly swim or a brisk saunter along the sand, this next place should be right up your street.

Head over to Indigo Cafe on Eglinton Street to start your day the right way with a solid breakfast feed.

Choose from a range of morning classics, although they do a great Ulster fry here so bear that in mind if you are in the mood for the classic Irish option.

3. Tackle the Portrush to Portstewart walk

If you’re looking for active things to do around Portrush, the walk from Portrush Harbour out to Saint Patrick’s Well in Portstewart is worth a bash.

Although it’s around 3 hours in length (there and back), this is an easyish stroll that follows a chunk of the Causeway Coast Way Walk.

Over the course of the walk, you’ll see everything from beaches and Ballyreagh Castle to coves and views out to Donegal’s Inishowen Peninsula.

There’s public toilets in Portstewart (on Portmore Road), or you can rest up in one of the towns many restaurants.

4. Spend a rainy afternoon at Portrush Coastal Zone

outside portrush coastal zone

Photo via Google Maps

Right, so, the photo above won’t do this next place any justice, but please bear with me! If you’ve ever visited Ireland, you’ll know that rainy days and unpredictable weather are a way of life here. 

So, if the weather’s a mess when you arrive, take a moment to learn a little more about the area around you by heading to the Portrush Coastal Zone on Bath Road.

Home to coastal and marine exhibitions (including a rock pool with live sea creatures), the Coastal Zone is an interesting place for kids and adults to learn more about Northern Ireland’s coastal wildlife and heritage.

5. And then a sunny one rambling along Whiterocks Beach

when summer starts in ireland

Photos via Shutterstock

Whiterocks Beach is beautiful any time of year but when the sun’s out it’s a truly lovely place to feel the wind on your face and admire the scenery that surrounds you.

Stretching out just beyond the Causeway Coastal Route, the limestone rocks, jagged cliffs and spectacular views make this a dramatic place for a walk.

Depending on how far you feel like going, the stunning medieval ruins of Dunluce Castle are on the way if you keep heading east – although more on that later!

6. Hit the waves with Portrush Surf School

YouTube video

If you’re wondering what to do in Portrush with a big group, give surfing a crack.

You’ll find Portrush Surf School at Portrush Yacht Club where it’s run by champion surfer Martin ‘TK’ Kelly.

The most popular sessions are the Group Surf Lessons – a 3-hour surf experience that caters to first timers and that are led by experienced instructors.

They also run stand-up-paddle boarding lessons (2 hours) if you’d rather dodge the waves.

7. Play a round at Royal Portrush Golf Club

Royal Portrush

Photo by Gardiner Mitchell via Tourism Ireland

As one of the finest links courses in the world, there’s good reason why Royal Portrush hosted The Open golf championship in 2019.

If your standard’s high enough, then follow in the footsteps of Ireland’s own Shane Lowry (the 2019 winner) and take to the greens and fairways of this famous old course.

A round on the Dunluce Links course can be tough on the wallet, so consider booking a visit in the colder months or taking on the quieter Valley Links course.

Related read: Check out my guide to the best hotels in Portrush (with something for most budgets).

8. Take the kids to Curry’s Fun Park

YouTube video

If you’re in search of things to do in Portrush with kids, Curry’s Fun Park has kept the punters happy for almost a century. 

Opened in 1926 as Barry’s Amusements and recently renamed Curry’s Fun Park in 2022, it’s been a fixture on the West Strand for generations and continues to provide thrills for the family all year round.

With 15 attractions, including two rollercoasters, one water slide and the rather intimidatingly named Extreme Orbiter, there’s plenty at Barry’s to keep you entertained (and perhaps a little dizzy!).

3. A post-adventure pint and feed

the harbour bar

Photos via The Harbour Bar on FB

If you’re wondering what to do in Portrush after a long day of exploring, get yourself to the Harbour Bar.

One of the oldest pubs in Northern Ireland, you can’t leave Portrush without enjoying a pint of Guinness (or a cup of tea!) here first.

When it comes to dinner time, there are plenty of restaurants in Portrush worth considering.

For a feed with a view, head to Ramore – on a fine day the scenery from the outdoor terrace is glorious!

Things to do near Portrush

Now that I have my favourite things to do in Portrush out of the way, it’s time to see what else this corner of Antrim has to offer.

In the second section of the guide, you’ll find heaps of things to do near Portrush (within reasonable driving distance).

1. Spend a day conquering the Antrim Coast

Causeway Coastal Route map

Portrush is the perfect starting point for the Causeway Coastal Route, with the first major attraction (Dunluce Castle) a handy 10-minute drive from the town.

This coastal drive is arguably one of the best in Ireland and, if you start early in the morning, you can explore a good chunk of it over the course of a very adventurous day.

Over the course of the drive (here’s a guide to the route), you’ll visit the attractions below and much, much more:

2. Visit Dunluce Castle

dunluce castle map

‘Picturesque’ is one of those words that goes thrown about very liberally in travel guides but I couldn’t think of an adjective to better describe the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle.

Situated precariously on a rocky outcrop between Portrush and Portballintrae, the castle dates from the 15th century.

Only a 10-minute drive from Portrush centre, it’s especially stunning at sunset (there’s also some fine Irish myths attached to it).

3. Tour the Bushmills Distillery

Bushmills Distillery

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Established in 1608, Bushmills claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world and you probably wouldn’t argue with a date like that.

With water sourced from the River Bush and named after the mills that made the Barley, Bushmills is arguably one of the most iconic Irish whiskies in the world.

Mix a tour of the distillery and a tasting session with a trip to the nearby Giants Causeway, although we’d recommend doing the Causeway first, for obvious reasons!

4. Explore the Giants Causeway

Giant's causeway map

Without a doubt, the world’s most exciting collection of basalt columns. Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giants Causeway is a unique natural wonder and one of Ireland’s biggest tourist attractions.

And while that means it does receive a lot of visitors, that shouldn’t put you off because it’s truly one of a kind.

If you’re in search of the more unique things to do Portrush has to offer, take a boat tour from Portrush and see its unmistakable splendour from the water.

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