GB · Northern Ireland · 55.20°N 6.65°W

portrush

Long sandy beaches and a handy base for Dunluce Castle and the Giant's Causeway.

Best time
May–September has long days for the coast, with May–June and September quieter than the summer holidays. November–February is windy and wet, with short days.
How long
2–3 days
Getting there
Fly with one stop, usually via London, to Belfast City Airport, about 17–19 hours all in. From Belfast it's about 2 hours by train, changing at Coleraine. Northern Ireland runs on UK time: 7 hours behind KL in summer and 8 in winter.
Save postcard
GB · Northern Irelandportrush55.20°N 6.65°Wgowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Long sandy beaches and a handy base for Dunluce Castle and the Giant's Causeway.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingPortrushGB, Northern Ireland
KLportrush
≈ 10,866 km from KL, as the crow flies
The "East Strand" beach in Portrush, Northern Ireland.

Photo: Aaron Keys · CC BY-SA 3.0

Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

Portrush is a small seaside resort on a headland, with a sandy beach on each side and the Royal Portrush golf links behind. It's the handiest base for the Causeway Coast, close enough to beat the day-tour coaches to the Giant's Causeway.

Makan

  1. Fish and chipsA hot takeaway by the harbour, the classic seaside dinner.Map ↗
  2. Morelli's ice creamThe Italian-Irish family's parlour on the promenade at neighbouring Portstewart has been going for about a century.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. East Strand and West StrandTwo sandy beaches on either side of the town's narrow headland.Map ↗
  2. Giant's CausewayAbout 40,000 interlocking basalt columns stepping down into the sea, 15 minutes' drive east.Map ↗
  3. Dunluce CastleA ruined castle right on the edge of a sea cliff, a few minutes along the coast road.Map ↗
  4. Carrick-a-Rede Rope BridgeA swaying rope bridge across a chasm to a tiny island, about 30 minutes east.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Walking down to the Giant's Causeway stones is free; the paid Visitor Experience ticket covers the car park and exhibition.
  • Get to the Causeway early or late in the day, before or after the tour coaches.
  • Halal food is scarce on the Causeway Coast, so self-catering is easiest; Belfast has the nearest real choice.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.