There are a number of things to do when you visit - from exploring the ruins of a castle to its long sandy beaches , you might even recognise it from a popular TV series
08:00, 09 Jan 2026Updated 08:09, 09 Jan 2026
If you fancy a coastal getaway but would rather skip the crowded tourist hotspots and discover authentic Northern Irish culture, this town offers everything you need for a peaceful retreat.
Portrush attracts visitors for numerous reasons, from its stunning landscapes perfect for walkers to beaches reminiscent of the Mediterranean shoreline, historic ruins for those passionate about the past, and delicious local food. Boasting all the character of a seaside destination without the crowds, it's hardly surprising that people keep returning to discover more. Dunluce Castle should be top of your itinerary when visiting Portrush, thanks to its striking position perched on the clifftop. Overlooking the ocean, the ruins have stood defiantly since medieval times and add a dramatic flair to the coastline.
A recent visitor to the attraction said on TripAdvisor: "Our first castle and our first visit to beautiful Northern Ireland, Dunluce Castle sits in the most stunning location. Coming from NZ we are used to beautiful coastlines, but this place is like something out of a legend with its history, fabulous stonework and wonderful scenery."
Another visitor added: "Worth a stop. Incredible cliffside vistas from the castle ruins. Excellent photo op. Had tremendous weather with sunny blue skies. Many different rooms and towers to explore." It transpires that the ruins served partially as a filming location for Game of Thrones, where they doubled as Pyke Castle, the fortress of House Greyjoy. CGI was employed to further enhance the dramatic clifftop location, making it appear blanketed in snow.
When the weather's favourable, many visitors find themselves drawn to East Strand Beach for the day, or simply taking a leisurely walk along its approximately 1.6-mile stretch. The beach features a pedestrian promenade and offers a wide array of sporting activities, making it a year-round haven for surfers.
The area boasts numerous other coastal gems, including Portrush Whiterocks Beach and the picturesque Portrush West Strand. Both provide breathtaking sea vistas and crystal-clear blue waters during summer months, ideal for families wanting to take a swim. Following a day of sightseeing, the town features numerous restaurants, many focusing on seafood due to their seaside location. According to TripAdvisor reviews, the highest-rated establishment for food and drink in town is the Harbour Bar.
One patron said: "Really nice atmosphere we were snug by the fire upstairs while hubby was watching the footie. Great drinks brilliant prices, cocktails gorgeous. Staff brilliant, plenty of buzz and good feeling about the place." Seafood enthusiasts have been drawn to The Quays Bar and Gastro Pub in recent years to sample their delicious offerings. One delighted diner added: "This is the best bar restaurant in Portrush. The food is beautiful the seafood chowder is worth the 70-mile drive the beer garden, when you get a good day, is so good, there are plenty of pods to sit in they are all covered, as it rains regularly."
The seaside town boasts stunning vistas, welcoming restaurants, and most importantly, numerous opportunities for embracing the outdoors throughout the year. Drawing comparisons to destinations like Italy, this location feels like a small piece of heaven nestled along Northern Ireland's coastline.