Two NI spots named as some of the best places in the UK for a 'seaside pint'

“There’s a certain magic to a seaside pub”The Harbour Bar Portrush(Image: Justin Kernoghan/ Belfast Live)

Two Northern Irish spots have been named in the top 25 places for a pint by the sea in the UK.

Global travel site Big 7 Travel has published its list of the ’25 Best Pubs for a Seaside Pint’ for 2025, with one Co Derry spot making the top 5.

Big 7 Travel asked their followers to share their favourite places for a pint by the sea and combined that data with recommendations from the editorial team and online reviews to narrow down the top spots.

Harry’s Shack and The Harbour Bar, both on Northern Ireland’s famous north coast, have been revealed as the top two spots across the country for a drink by the sea.

Big 7 Travel said: “Whether it’s a welcome pause after a countryside ramble, a cosy lunch on a blustery coastal day, or a sun-soaked base in the height of summer, there’s a certain magic to a seaside pub.

“Salty air, weather-worn walls, and a sea view set the scene perfectly for swapping stories over a pint.”

Here is where they ranked and what Big 7 Travel had to say:

4. Harry’s Shack, PortstewartHarrry’s Shack Portstewart Strand(Image: Harry’s Shack/ Facebook)

Harry’s Shack is a local favourite and a rare gem – and not just because it’s a beachside restaurant in Northern Ireland. Perched right on Portstewart Strand, it champions fresh seafood from local boats and home-grown vegetables. The food is outstanding, and the views are the cherry on top – just as gorgeous from the boardwalk terrace in summer as they are through the windows in winter, cosied up by the fire.

15. The Harbour Bar, PortrushThe Harbour Bar Portrush(Image: Justin Kernoghan/ Belfast Live)

Sitting above the harbour wall in Portrush, the Harbour Bar has been pulling pints for over a century. This is a proper pub, with worn wooden floors, low ceilings, and locals who have their favourite seat. However, the vibe is always welcoming, and live music nights, 7 days a week, bring the buzz. Watch the boats bob in the harbour from the benches out front, or head to the rooftop bar – the Leisure Lounge – for DJ sets while the sun dips into the Atlantic.

Join Belfast Live Social on TikTok

Belfast Live Social on TikTok will be jam-packed with food reviews, concert announcements, vox-pops of all the important questions and more – giving you handy NI-centric What’s On news at your fingertips.

Be sure to give us a follow HERE and comment the type of content you’d like to see from the team in the future. We are excited to share this side of Belfast life with our new followers.

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What’s On newsletter

Two NI spots named as some of the best places in the UK for a ‘seaside pint’

Tags: