Portrush, a much-loved vibrant seaside town located on Northern Ireland’s Causeway Coastal Route, has an irresistible blend of natural beauty, adventure, history, and, of course, fantastic food and drink.
Whether you're chasing adrenaline, seaside serenity, or sensational bites, Portrush has it all. Ready to be inspired? Here's a guide packed with inspiration to help you plan your trip.
Things to do in Portrush - Attractions, activities and food and drink highlights
Immerse yourself in nature’s playground with beaches and coastal walks
Unleash your adventurous side and explore Portrush’s stunning coastal walks, hiking trails, and uncover its many hidden coves and caves.
Embark on the Portrush to Bushmills Coastal Walk, a scenic trail which takes you along rugged cliffs and golden sands. This beautiful walk edges Whiterocks Beach, meandering atop limestone cliffs and taking in epic views out over the offshore islands of the Skerries.
West Strand Beach is perfect for a peaceful morning walk, while East Strand Beach offers great waves for surfers and a long stretch along which to enjoy an invigorating run.
For a real treat, take yourself to Magheracross Viewpoint on the Dunluce Road between Portrush and Bushmills. From here, you'll be able to take in breathtaking views over Portrush, out to the Skerries, and towards Dunluce Castle. The perfect selfie-stop on your Causeway Coastal Route adventure.
Enjoy the thrill of water sports around Portrush’s magical coastline
Dive into Portrush’s buzzing water sports scene, where you’ll meet the friendly locals and see our magical coastline from a different perspective.
Choose from surfing, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, bodyboarding, snorkelling or a sea safari; there is a wealth of local water sports businesses led by our passionate locals to choose from.
Book a surf lesson with a local instructor, suitable for beginners and experts alike, or try a stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) or kayaking tour to explore the hidden caves and coastal beauty of Portrush’s intriguing coastline.
Experience an unforgettable snorkelling adventure with Freedive Northern Ireland, where you'll explore the waters around the Skerries near Portrush — a haven for marine life. After a safety briefing and guidance from expert instructors, you'll don your gear and slip into the sea to discover underwater ecosystems and, if you're lucky, snorkel alongside curious seals in their natural habitat. This unique coastal experience offers a whole new perspective on the Causeway Coast — peaceful, wild, and truly immersive.
If you love the ocean, but you're not a confident swimmer, you can experience this magical coastline from the comfort of a local boat tour. Aquaholics offer wildlife-spotting tours departing from Portrush Harbour. On a good day, you might be lucky to spot seals, dolphins, or even basking sharks in the Atlantic waters.
If you're up for a spot of fishing during your time here, Causeway Boats offer a unique 'Catch Your Breakfast' experience. You'll depart the harbour at sunrise for a scenic journey, before casting your reel into the cold morning waters. On your return, a local chef will prepare your catch, paired with seasonal, local produce. What a way to start your day of adventure and exploration!
Enjoy coastal adventures with the family
Portrush is a without a doubt a family friendly town, where you can create lifelong memories with your loved ones. From family friendly cafés, restaurants and colourful ice cream parlours to amusement arcades and blue flag beaches, the town is an exciting family playground.
Spend a day at Curry’s Fun Park (formerly Barry’s Amusements), Northern Ireland’s largest indoor fun park. It’s packed with thrilling rides and family-friendly attractions. Whether you're braving The Cyclone, laughing on the dodgems, or winning prizes in the arcade, there's excitement for all ages. No trip to Portrush is complete without a visit!
For those curious about what goes on under the waves that surround Portrush, stop by Portrush Coastal Zone; a coastal and marine centre where you can learn about Northern Ireland’s coastal wildlife and heritage. Explore the discovery pools and tanks and enjoy the viewing platform which affords excellent views towards the sea. From here, dolphins, seals and harbour porpoises can sometimes be seen - always a winner on a family day out!
Take a short drive out to the countryside, where you'll find North Coast Alpaca's on the Lyon's family farm. Spend an afternoon with cute and cuddly alpaca's or take them for a short trek at sunset before relaxing with a picnic, packed with tasty local produce.
Shop the shores of Portrush
Discover unique boutiques, local art galleries, antique & vintage stores and charming seaside souvenir shops dotted along Portrush’s charming streets. Founded in 1891, The White House is a Portrush shopping institution; a beautifully restored heritage department store where you can browse everything from fashion, accessories, toys, homeware, and more.
For the creatives, Adrian Margey & Evana Bjourson's art gallery can be found on Portrush's Mark Steet. Inside, you'll find a stunning collection of art depicting local landscapes, portraits and more by these two talented artists.
Frankie Creith Art, located on Main Street, sells her work conveying the natural beauty of the Causeway Coast from her calm and creative gallery space. Her 'Making Your Mark' art experience offers you the chance to sketch surrounding scenes under her expert tuition.
Explore further afield on the Causeway Coastal Route
The town of Portrush has so much to offer, but if your curiosity has you wanting to explore further, you can easily uncover the magic of the Causeway Coastal Route; a 120-mile journey through Northern Ireland's coastal landscapes and lustrous scenery. Portrush is set in the middle of this glorious route and is a wonderful base from which to take off on foot, bicycle, motorbike or car.
Explore the captivating Giant's Causeway, where geology and mythology intertwine, or immerse yourself in the drama of Dunluce Castle, poised majestically on a cliff edge overlooking the Atlantic. Cross the iconic Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge if you dare! A sense of adventure is a must for this one. And remember to stop off at all the pretty towns and harbours along the way.
Satisfy your appetite with Portrush’s food and drink highlights
Dive into Portrush’s culinary scene, where a blend of fresh seafood, great local produce, intriguing restaurants and cosy cafes create an eclectic range of unforgettable dining experiences.
Enjoy chic, sophisticated dining with an ocean view at Elephant Rock, followed by an adventurously mixed drink in their elegant cocktail bar. In milder weather, dine on the front terrace, enjoying uninterrupted ocean views, but inside is warm and inviting too. The choice is yours!
For something casual, grab a coffee and lite bites at The Arcadia with a spectacular ocean view at this historic seaside café. A fresh bake a strong coffee is always a great way to start your morning in Portrush. If you’re still a little peckish and fancy something sweet, end your day with a scoop of Morelli’s award-winning ice cream.
If you're curious about our local produce and getting a behind-the-scenes look in to what makes our foodie scene so special, sink your teeth into the Portrush Tasty - a Friday night food tour packed with iconic sights and incredible local flavours. Led by your guide Wendy, this culinary adventure is a delicious deep dive into Portrush’s buzzing hospitality scene.
Of course, no trip to the seaside would be complete without a hearty helping of fish and chips. Kraken Fish Bar pride themselves on sourcing fresh, local seafood, serving up classic favourites and tantalising specials, like calamari, jumbo prawns, and even seafood loaded fries - tasty!
As the sun goes down, head for a great night out in Portrush
Portrush has a lively nightlife scene with great pubs, bars, and live music venues.
Kiwi’s Brew Bar is your go-to for craft beers, ciders, and top-notch pub grub, all served up with great vibes and live local music. Housed in part of the restored 1930s cinema, The Playhouse, it blends Portrush charm with a Kiwi twist—pure magic in a pint!
Looking for that world-famous traditional Irish pub experience? The Springhill Bar, with its huge stone fireplace and regular traditional music sessions, is a cosy haven for a great night out. It's just a couple of hundred yards away from East Strand Beach - perfect place to warm up after a day of exploring the coastline.
Experience The Harbour Bar, one of the oldest bars in Portrush. The traditional 'Front Bar' offers a great Guinness and a warm welcome. Head upstairs and experience a lively evening in their standalone Gin Bar and sample their huge selection of premium gins & spirits, wood fired snacks, and live entertainment every evening.
Get expert advice at the Portrush Visitor Information Centre
Either in advance of your visit or during your stay, have a chat with our friendly and knowledgeable Portrush Visitor Information Centre staff, who are armed with insider knowledge and can make reservations and booking on your behalf.
• Learn more about the Portrush Visitor Information Centre
Ready to explore the seaside town of Portrush? Get planning, and in no time, you’ll be strolling stunning beaches and taking in the views of the coast. Explore charming shops, savour fresh seafood, and soak in the atmosphere. A giant adventure awaits!
