Top reasons to visit Portrush
- Stunning Beaches: Portrush features picturesque beaches with golden sands and breathtaking coastal views, perfect for relaxation and water activities.
- Outdoor Adventures: Ideal for eco-friendly vacations, visitors can enjoy scenic hikes, golf at the prestigious Royal Portrush Golf Club, and various outdoor pursuits.
- Vibrant Town Centre: The lively centre of Portrush is home to charming shops, delightful eateries, and a welcoming atmosphere.
- Historic Attractions: Explore nearby historic sites that offer a glimpse into the region's rich heritage and culture.
- Variety of Accommodation: Choose from a range of lodgings, including cosy bed and breakfasts and luxurious hotels, catering to all preferences.
Find great hotels in and around Portrush
Portrush offers a delightful array of accommodation options, from charming bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Whether you're seeking a relaxing beachside retreat, a golf-themed getaway, or a convenient base for business travel, you'll discover a variety of lodgings tailored to your needs. Explore the top hotels and apartments in Portrush, ensuring a memorable stay amidst this stunning coastal gem in Northern Ireland.
- Portrush Atlantic Hotel: Nestled along the stunning coastline, Portrush Atlantic Hotel is a charming 3-star accommodation that boasts a rating of 8.4 out of 10. This property is ideal for families seeking a beach vacation experience. With direct access to the beach, guests can enjoy sun-soaked days by the sea. The hotel is family-friendly, offering amenities such as cribs at no extra charge, window guards for children, and a first aid kit, ensuring a safe and comfortable stay for younger guests. The hotel’s relaxed atmosphere makes it a great choice for those looking to unwind.
- The Lodge Hotel: Located approximately 8km from Portrush, The Lodge Hotel offers a delightful blend of comfort and convenience with a commendable guest rating of 9.0 out of 10. This 3-star property caters to both beach enthusiasts and business travellers alike. With direct beach access, guests can easily explore the beautiful shoreline. The hotel features modern amenities and a welcoming environment, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a tranquil retreat after a busy day of meetings or adventures.
- Inn on the Coast: The Inn on the Coast, also situated in Portrush, boasts a high guest rating of 9.2 out of 10. This 3-star hotel is particularly suited for pet owners, as it allows certain pets on the premises, creating a welcoming space for furry friends. With a range of pet-related amenities and policies, guests can enjoy their stay without leaving their pets behind. Its location near the coast provides an excellent opportunity for both relaxation and outdoor activities, making it a distinctive choice for pet-friendly holidays.
Where to stay near Portrush
Portrush, a charming seaside resort town, offers an unforgettable experience for those seeking outdoor adventures and stunning scenery. Nestled along the coast, it boasts friendly locals and a sunny atmosphere, perfect for excursions and family-friendly activities. Explore the vibrant centre of Portrush, where you'll find delightful eateries and quaint shops. Venture to nearby attractions for a taste of history and seclusion, making your visit to this picturesque destination truly memorable.
- Bushmills: Nestled approximately 8km from Portrush, Bushmills is renowned for its picturesque scenery and rich history. This charming town is famous for the Old Bushmills Distillery, the oldest licensed distillery in the world, where visitors can indulge in tastings and tours. The area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting beautiful parks and stunning coastal walks. The nearby Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers breathtaking views and unique geological formations, making it a must-visit for nature lovers. With a moderate influx of tourists, especially from April to August, Bushmills provides a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
- Coleraine: Located a mere 8km from Portrush, Coleraine is a vibrant town that serves as a hub for exploring the stunning Causeway Coastal Route. With a blend of modern amenities and historic sites, visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including golf and scenic walks along the River Bann. Coleraine's charming town centre is home to delightful cafés and shops, perfect for a leisurely day out. The town experiences a steady stream of visitors year-round, peaking in April, July, and September, making it an excellent base for discovering the surrounding natural beauty and cultural heritage.
- Portstewart: Just 5km from Portrush, Portstewart is a delightful seaside town known for its stunning beaches and vibrant promenade. Ideal for those seeking adventure, visitors can enjoy water sports, golf, and scenic coastal walks. The picturesque Portstewart Strand is perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun, while the nearby national park offers opportunities for hiking and wildlife spotting. With a seasonal influx of tourists, particularly from April and July to August, Portstewart combines natural beauty with charming local eateries and shops, ensuring a memorable experience for all who visit.
Things to do in Portrush
Shopping
In Portrush, you'll find charming local shops like The Gift Box for unique souvenirs and the Portrush Emporium for handmade crafts. If you're up for a drive, head to the larger shopping centres in nearby Coleraine, where you can explore more extensive retail options.
Recreation
Experience the tranquillity at the Causeway Coast Wellness Centre, where you can engage in yoga classes and rejuvenating spa treatments. Afterward, explore the scenic coastal walks around Portrush, offering breathtaking views and a chance to connect with nature.
Adventure
Explore the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its unique basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. Nearby, enjoy a thrilling walk across the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, offering stunning coastal views and a rush of adrenaline as you traverse the swaying bridge high above the sea.
Nightlife
Explore the bustling atmosphere at The Harbour Bar, known for its cosy vibe and extensive drinks menu. For a lively night, visit The Atlantic Bar, where you can enjoy live music and mingle with locals over a selection of craft beers and cocktails.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Portrush
To save money on your trip to Portrush, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance usually yields the best rates, and Tuesday is typically the cheapest day to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter results by budget and sort by price. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for greater savings, and keep an eye out for last-minute deals for potential discounts on your stay.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay in Portrush are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel in Portrush about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay in Portrush is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay in Portrush is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your Portrush hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
Find the best attractions in and around Portrush
Portrush offers an ideal setting for outdoor and eco-friendly vacations, with stunning beaches, rocky landscapes, and a historic village to explore. Visitors can enjoy the vibrant town centre, relax in beachfront accommodation, and challenge themselves at the prestigious Royal Portrush Golf Club and its renowned golf course. Whether seeking culture, adventure, or scenic beauty, Portrush provides a delightful experience for all travellers.
- Giant's Causeway: Explore the stunning natural wonder of Giant's Causeway, famous for its unique hexagonal basalt columns formed by volcanic activity. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking views and delightful coastal walks, allowing visitors to connect with the rugged beauty of Northern Ireland's landscape.
- Portrush East Strand Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores of Portrush East Strand Beach, where you can relax, swim, or partake in various water sports. The beach atmosphere is lively, making it an excellent spot for sunbathing or enjoying a seaside stroll while taking in the refreshing sea breeze.
- Causeway Coast: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of the Causeway Coast, a historic village filled with charming architecture and local stories. Wander through its quaint streets and experience the warm hospitality of the local community, all set against a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery.
Best time to go to Portrush
The best time to visit Portrush is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Portrush
Accessing Portrush, Northern Ireland, is convenient via several major airports. Londonderry (LDY-City of Derry) is approximately 37km away, with excellent hotels nearby, such as the 5-star Bishop's Gate Hotel and the 4-star City Hotel Derry, both 11km from the airport. Islay (ILY), located 60km from Portrush, offers luxury at Glenegedale House, just 805m from the airport. Belfast (BHD-George Best Belfast City) is around 82km away, featuring top-rated hotels like the 5-star Fitzwilliam Hotel, 5km from the airport. Each location provides convenient transport links to their respective hotels, ensuring a smooth arrival to your Portrush getaway.