Portrush - The Guide - Activities, Attractions and Events in Northern Ireland's Premier Resort

Portrush is considered to be Northern Ireland's premierfrom halls and houses to attractive church buildings.
seaside resort. Located on the beautiful North AntrimThe Churches warmly welcome visitors to their
coast, over 6000 people live in the town but during theSunday services, from all countries, cultures and faiths.
summer, visitor numbers swell the population toDunluce Castle is a ruinous Medieval and 17th century
thousands more.castle, positioned on a dramatic cliff edge, three miles
Many generations have fond memories of visitingeast of Portrush. This is a major attraction, welcoming
Portrush on a sunny day, enjoying an ice cream on thevisitors throughout the year.
beach or a ride at the amusements. The oldest part ofShopping and food
the town is built on a mile long peninsula, extending intoThe White House department store on Main Street, is
the North Channel Sea. During sunny weather, thethe largest and oldest shop in Portrush. There are also
beaches located on either side of the town becomemany popular gift and souvenir shops, and some
the most popular attractions, for sunbathing andclothes shops.
swimming.Portrush has numerous great restaurants, with menus
Activitiesranging from Irish cuisine to Italian and Chinese. Fast
Portrush provides opportunities for many sportingfood takeaways specialise in traditional fish and chips.
activities, the most famous being golf and surfing.The town also features a couple of contemporary
The Royal Portrush Golf Club is recognised as a worldcafes and some bars.
class links golf course and significant golfingEntertainment
competitions are regularly held there. It is the onlyBarry's Amusements is the largest and oldest
course on the island to have hosted the British Openamusement park in Northern Ireland. There are
Golf Championship. Other excellent courses are foundnumerous exciting rides and games for children and
at the Rathmore & Ballyreagh Golf Clubs.teenagers. The Dunluce Centre features a dynamic
Surfing, swimming and body boarding are popularcinema ride and a large indoor Playground. Waterworld
water sports at Portrush's excellent beaches.at the Harbor provides a large indoor water park for
Equipment is available for hire from shops in the townchildren, and ten pin bowling.
and from Whiterocks beach. Changing and showerEvents
facilities are available at the North Coast Water SportsEvery year many high profile events take place in
Centre on the East Strand.Portrush. In May the North West 200, Ireland's most
Shore side fishing is permitted and boat trips and boatfamous high speed motor cycle race, passes through
hire for sea fishing is also available from Portrushthe town. During the summer months there are surfing
Harbour.lessons, and outdoor theatre performances. In
While cyclists and walkers can enjoy routes along theSeptember the Northern Ireland International Airshow
stunning coastline, outdoor bowling greens and tennisfills the sky above Portrush. In October the Causeway
courts are provided at the Ramore Head RecreationCoast Marathon, North Coast Folk Festival and
Grounds.Professional Surfing Competitions take place.
AttractionsFinally
There are three main beaches. The sandy WestMore excellent and useful information is available from
Strand beach features a long curving promenade fromthe Northern Ireland Tourist Board and from travel
the Harbour, along the west side of Portrush. The long,websites online. Photographic and historic books on
sandy East Strand beach features the North CoastPortrush and road maps of Northern Ireland are
Water Sports Centre and an adjacent car park. Thisavailable from good bookshops.
leads onto Whiterocks beach, so named for itsThe beautiful coastline of Portrush is a favorite of
impressive white rock formations and cliffs.photographers and artists. When you come to
Whiterocks also holds the prestigious Blue Flag award,Northern Ireland, make sure you make time to visit
indicating it as one the best beaches in the world.Portrush!
Portrush features a number of Historic Buildings ranging