go to content go to search box go to global site navigation

Portrush

Things to do in Portrush

  1. Kelly's Complex

    The North's top clubbing venue regularly features DJs from London and Manchester, and attracts clubbers from as far afield as Belfast and Dublin. Plain and small-looking from the outside, the TARDIS effect takes over as you enter a wonderland of five bars and three dance floors. It's been around since 1996, but Lush! is still one of the best club nights in Ireland.

    The complex is on the A2 just east of Portrush, beside the Golf Links Holiday Park.

    reviewed

  2. Waterworld

    Waterworld, by the harbour, has indoor swimming pools, waterslides and spa baths for children to play in (adult/child under eight years £4.50/2.50, family tickets for three/four/five persons £11.75/15.60/19.50), and ten-pin bowling (from £8 per lane; open till 9pm).

    reviewed

  3. Troggs Surf Shop

    Portrush is the centre of Northern Ireland's surfing scene – the Portrush Open in March is a regular feature on the Irish Surfing Association competition calendar, and the UK Pro Surf Tour held a contest here for the first time in 2007. From April to November the friendly Troggs Surf Shop offers bodyboard/surfboard hire (per day £5/10) and wetsuit hire (per day £7), surf reports and general advice. A two-hour lesson including equipment hire costs £25 per person.

    reviewed

  4. Harbour Bistro

    Quality grub – juicy steaks, homemade burgers, spicy chicken, oriental dishes and vegetarian meals – a family-friendly atmosphere (there's a kids menu) and a harbour-side location make the Harbour one of Portrush's most popular eating places.

    reviewed

  5. Café 55

    Tucked beneath 55 Degrees North, this licensed cafe serves good coffee plus breakfast rolls and pancakes (10am to 11.30am) on an outdoor terrace; it also has daily lunch specials such as fish pie, and an evening menu in summer.

    reviewed

  6. Dunluce Centre

    There’s many family-oriented fun at the Dunluce Centre, a hi-tech, indoor adventure playground especially for kids, with interactive games, a computerised treasure hunt and a ‘turbo-tour’ motion-simulator ride.

    reviewed

  7. Barry’s

    The town is famous for Barry’s, Ireland’s biggest amusement park, filled with classic, family-friendly rides, including a carousel, ghost train and dodgems.

    reviewed

  8. The Coastal Zone

    You’ll find many activities for kids at The Coastal Zone, including marine-life exhibits, a touch pool, rock-pool rambles and fossil hunts.

    reviewed

  9. Coast

    Another water front place offering stone-baked pizzas, pasta dishes and a range of steak, chicken and fish dishes.

    reviewed

  10. Maddybenny Riding Centre

    Beginners are welcome.

    reviewed

  11. Advertisement

  12. Curran Strand

    Portrush's main attraction is the beautiful sandy beach of Curran Strand that stretches for 3km to the east of the town, ending at the scenic chalk cliffs of White Rocks. In summer, boats depart regularly for cruises or fishing trips.

    reviewed

  13. Coastal Zone

    You'll find more activities for kids at the Coastal Zone, including marine-life exhibits, a touch pool, rock-pool rambles and fossil hunts.

    reviewed

  14. 55 Degrees North

    One of the north coast's most stylish restaurants, 55 Degrees North boasts a wall of floor-to-ceiling windows allowing diners to soak up a spectacular panorama of sand and sea. The food is excellent, concentrating on clean, simple flavours and unfussy presentation. There's an early-bird menu (three courses £10 to £12) available 5pm to 7pm.

    reviewed