My visit to the seaside town of Portrush in County Antrim coincided with a rare heatwave, casting the coastline in vivid colour. The sunlit cliffs could easily have been mistaken for those in Positano or Ravello along the Amalfi Coast, while the sparkling turquoise waters below looked more Caribbean than North Atlantic.
Yet it was the sight of Dunluce Castle, its ancient ruins perched on the cliff’s edge, that made the scene unmistakably Irish.
Standing at the Magheracross Viewing Point, overlooking the golden sands of Whiterocks Beach in a quiet moment of awe, I found myself pondering that there must be few places as breathtaking as the Emerald Isle when the sun shines.
Lauren Hughes
Golfers will already be familiar with Portrush for its world-renowned club, celebrated not only for its prestige but also for its sweeping views over the Atlantic and the surrounding Causeway Coast.
With the 2025 Open Championship returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club after it first hosted the event in 2019, the global spotlight is once again on this charming seaside town. But Portrush offers far more than just a scenic backdrop for the sport.
Portrush has been quietly gaining recognition as one of Ireland’s top coastal destinations. While its proximity to the Giant’s Causeway has attracted tourists for centuries, vibrant new businesses have invigorated Portrush, drawing in new visitors looking for more than famous landmarks.
Lauren Hughes
The picturesque seaside town naturally invites comparisons to popular staycation spots like Margate or Brighton, with a mix of shabby-chic antique shops, pastel-coloured cafes, and amusement arcades lining the shore.
Its mile-long peninsula, Ranmore Head, is dotted with kitsch hotels and seafood restaurants, independent bakeries and ice cream parlours; the hallmarks of a classic seaside town.
But what sets Portrush apart is its scenery, surrounded by Northern Ireland’s wild and rugged coastline – with unspoiled sandy beaches within easy reach on foot.
Lauren Hughes
With many of us looking closer to home for a summer break, Portrush offers an alternative seaside destination without the crowds of Cornwall, Dorset or the Kent Coast (as long as your trip doesn’t coincide with the Open, that is).
Portrush is an hour away from Belfast or a 45-minute drive from Derry Airport. There’s also the option to drive and take the ferry, for those who favour a slower travel approach (Irish Ferries has routes from Holyhead, Pembroke, and Liverpool). I visited Portrush ahead of the 2025 Open to see what this coastal town has to offer.
9 reasons to visit Portrush
1. The new luxury hotel scene
Dunluce Lodge opened its doors earlier this year, offering a luxury hotel experience in the heart of the action. Positioned next to the world-famous Royal Portrush Golf Club, the terrace offers panoramic views of the pristine golf course; an incredible sight to behold through the beech trees at sunset.
Dunluce Lodge
The country house-style hotel has 35 spacious suite-style rooms with thoughtful extras such as plush slippers and a daily changing selection of herbal teas. I arrived back at my room after dinner to find sea-salt infused chocolate and a bedtime story about the origins of Irish coffee placed thoughtfully on the bedside.
Portrush Adelphi
Dunluce Lodge is in good company. Portrush Adelphi also underwent a complete overhaul in time for the expected influx of tourists for the 2025 Open, with this classic hotel revamped by Marine & Lawn with a new bold design and an incredible restaurant.
The Adelphi’s design spotlights the hotel’s unique proximity to both the golf course and the sea, with nods to the area’s golfing legacy and the beauty of the Irish Coastline throughout the decor.
Portrush Adelphi
The 2025 Open will coincides with the launch of the much-anticipated The Marcus Portrush, a new Hilton property set within a beautifully restored Victorian building; another example of the expanding hospitality offering in the area.
2. An inventive squid lasagna (and other delicious seafood)
Lir Seafood has been gaining traction thanks to its inventive menu that prioritises whole-fish butchery. During our visit, we were lucky enough to sample a whole-squid lasagna (that’s pasta sheets, sauce, and ragu — deceptively rich and the highlight of the meal), as well as dishes like a monkfish kofta served in a Middle Eastern-inspired style and zingy fish tacos with vibrant Mexican flavours.
Lauren Hughes
Head chef and owner Stevie McCarry shared his mission to make fish and seafood more approachable and to challenge perceptions with his dishes. A case in point was the choice of oyster toppings, including Asian-inspired soy sauce and spring onion, as well as a swirl of buttermilk with an herb-infused oil.
Lauren Hughes
Seafood lovers are spoiled for choice in Portrush, with Shanty, a seafront restaurant housed in a historic lifeboat shelter, another local favourite. The menu here is simple — they offer classic dishes such as chargrilled steak and lobster with chips and deliver them exceptionally well.
Lauren Hughes
Meanwhile, the arrival of Dunluce Lodge brings a new benchmark when it comes to fine dining to the area, with a seasonal à la carte menu at Bailiú (meaning ‘gathering’ in Gaelic) that celebrates local produce, including fish straight from the Atlantic Ocean.
A highlight of our meal was the perfectly formed Baked Alaska, a surprisingly retro dessert for such a fine dining restaurant. There’s also an atmospheric wine vault where diners can enjoy tastings with an expert sommelier.
Dunluce Lodge
3. A colourful history interwoven with myths and legends
Historically, one of Portrush’s biggest selling points has been its proximity to the Giant’s Causeway. Visitors to the area can explore it with a guide, learning its history while taking in the natural wonder. There’s a culture of storytelling wherever you go on the Emerald Isle; myths and legends are so embedded in tours that the line between history and folklore becomes blurred.
Tourism Ireland
We heard tales of Giants and forgotten boots while peering at intriguing rock formations during our tour of Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s iconic World Heritage Site at the foot of the Basalt Cliffs.
It’s worth tiptoeing up to the top of the famous Stepping Stones, as daunting as it might be, for the views across the Giant’s Causeway, surrounded by the glittering Atlantic (and the classic photo opportunity).
4. Pristine beaches
There’s plenty of opportunity for windswept coastal walks or sun-kissed afternoons on the beach, depending on the weather. There are three main beaches in Portrush: East Strand, West Strand and Whiterocks Beach. West Strand is the closest beach to Portrush Town, framed by a promenade along its eastern edge where tourists can enjoy views across the Atlantic.
Tourism Ireland/Chris Hill Photographic
East Strand is perfect for watersports; surfing and paddleboarding are both very popular in this part of Ireland. We braved the windy weather for a SUP (Stand-Up Paddle) lesson with Ricky of Alive Adventures, taking in the pretty views of Portrush’s candy-coloured buildings from the sea (before swiftly sliding off for an impromptu dip in the Atlantic; it’s more difficult than it looks).
Lauren Hughes
Those seeking something wilder should head to Whiterocks Beach, its sandy shore surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s a great spot for walkers or those who want to relax away from the crowds.
5. The picturesque setting along the River Bann
Lir, Portrush’s must-visit seafood restaurant, is perched on the banks of the River Bann, overlooking the colourful boats gliding by. However, my advice would be to also experience the natural beauty of the river first-hand with a tour along the river, while enjoying some local produce. Causeway Coast Foodie Tours showcase Irish hospitality at its finest, offering samples of local produce during a leisurely tour along the River Bann alongside the historic site of Mountsandel in Coleraine.
Tourism Ireland
The voyage takes place on the MV Kingfisher, lovingly restored by the owners in a vintage style. The original vessel has a storied history, having been built at the historic Belfast Shipyard, famous for its association with the Titanic. On board, canapés made with locally produced meats and cheeses are served with homemade preserves, accompanied by gin cocktails from Duncluce Distillery and Irish coffee.
6. The thriving craft scene
Anyone visiting Portrush will quickly recognise the emphasis on local artisans, and this includes a thriving craft scene. Portrush artisans are renowned for their heritage crafts, which utilise natural materials such as willow and driftwood, offering visitors ample opportunities to try their hand.
Lauren Hughes
The Boathouse Gallery was formed by a collective of artists and craftspeople, showcasing both their talents and the local area. We visited this calming space for a glass workshop, utilising old stained-glass windows sourced from a historic local church and crafted using the Tiffany glassmaking technique.
Portrush is also home to the acclaimed basket weavers Louise and Trevor McLean of Atlantic Craft NI. They offer personal workshops from their studio space in the remains of an old stone shed that has been lovingly restored into a cosy workshop where visitors can learn the art of willow weaving and discover more about the area’s heritage crafts.
7. Wild wellness
The wellness industry is booming ( currently valued at $6.3 trillion globally, according to the Global Wellness Institute), and Portrush is staying ahead of the curve.
Mussunden Unwind offers experiences that weave ancient rituals and natural settings with modern wellness trends. For example, a guided meditation session in the ancient woodlands of Downhill Forest before a hike up to the mystical Mussenden Temple, followed by a refreshing sea dip and reflexology on the beach.
Tourism Ireland
Kinswoman and local guide Claire O’Kane explained to us how nature breaks are more popular than ever, with tourists keen to become immersed in the local area, and the Causeway Coast has both natural beauty and mythology in abundance. Mussenden Unwind also offers foraging sessions in the forest, a unique way to experience the beautiful natural surroundings of Portrush.
Hot Box Sauna
Mussenden Unwind partners with The Hot Box Sauna, the winner of the UK’s Best Community Sauna award presented by the British Sauna Society in 2024. Outdoor saunas, inspired by Scandi living, are a popular trend across the UK and Ireland.
But the experience is somewhat elevated in Portrush, where visitors to the area can warm up in a Hot Box Sauna situated right next to the Atlantic, with the sauna itself offering views out to sea from the steamy windows. The owners of The Hot Box Sauna have a clear focus on community experiences that help to connect different businesses with tourists, a theme that was evident throughout our trip.
8. Portrush is a whiskey hotspot
There’s another group that will also likely have Portrush on its radar: whiskey aficionados. Bushmills Distillery is renowned for its craftsmanship, and visitors can take a stroll around the historic distillery – with roots dating back to 1608. The tour concludes with a visit to the Master Distilleries Room to sample some of Bushmills’ most popular whiskies, with a guide taking visitors through three blended and three single malt varieties.
Bushmills Inn
It’s worth booking lunch at the nearby The Bushmills Inn, a historic and refined pub that serves delicious food in a quaint countryside setting, with a vast terrace at the front perfect for sunny days.
9. Royal Portrush Golf Club
Portrush is already on the map for golfing fans, and the 2025 Open will see fans of the sport from across the globe descend on this otherwise peaceful seaside town. But outside of the tournament dates, it’s worth adding a visit to Royal Portrush Golf Club while you’re in the area.
Tourism Ireland/Chris Hill Photographic
I was lucky enough to get a lesson from PGA Pro, Charlene Reid, who was patient with my amateur putting skills. Whether you’re keen to up your golf skills or not, just standing on the scenic course is enough to inspire some awe.
The 2025 Open Championship is taking place at Royal Portrush from July 13 to July 20, 2025, with the tournament commencing on July 17.
Northern Ireland is part of the Common Travel Area, meaning there are no travel restrictions for British travellers.
For more information, visit: Ireland.com/northernireland