Portrush

Portrush is a small seaside resort town on the County Londonderry border in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, which is part of the United Kingdom.

Portrush enjoys panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and on bright, clear days views of Scotland may be seen in the distance. Just north of Portrush are the Skerries, a chain of small islands formed from cooled volcanic lava which are home to a large population of breeding seabirds.

Across the peninsula is another small harbour, Portnadubh (named from its use by Tavish Dubh the notorious 14th Century Scottish pirate) where the Causeway Coast Maritime Heritage Group are based. Adjacent is a nature reserve with fossil bearing rocks.

Portrush Harbour is also home to Waterworld, an imaginative and exciting indoor water play area for all the family. The complex also offers a steam room, sauna, relaxation area, ten-pin bowling and cafe.

To explore the natural history of the area, the Coastal Zone Centre on Bath Road in town is the best place to start with a programme of exhibitions, walks, lectures and films. There are no fewer than eleven geological Areas of Special Scientific Interest nearby too.

The Portrush Visitor Information Centre is located at Portrush Town Hall (varying opening hours).

Portrush is home to Barry's Amusements, the largest amusement park in Northern Ireland.

Portrush has a frequent train service (station is next to Barry's Amusements), connecting with Ulsterbus services linking to Bushmills and the Giant's Causeway.

The Old Bushmills Distillery is the world's oldest licensed whiskey distillery having received its licence to distil in 1608. Watch whiskey making take place and enjoy a wee taster at the home of Irish whiskey.

The Giant's Causeway is an area of about 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, the result of an ancient volcanic eruption. It is located about 5km northeast of the town of Bushmills and was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1986.

There are two long sandy beaches in the town, known as the West and East Strand. A 13ft high bronze sculpture, inspired by the sails of local traditional boats, is located at East Strand. White Rocks and Curran Strand stretch on from the East Strand and are backed by dunes. The coast continues past Dunluce Castle to the Giant's Causeway.

Beside the East Strand, the Royal Portrush Golf Club has one of the world’s outstanding links courses - the Dunluce Links, where top international players compete.

There is a range of souvenir shops selling the usual items, along with jewellery, surfing goods and clothing. The White House Department Store has been a local institution for many years.

There is a wide choice of food on offer here, from traditional British "pub grub", fish and chips and fresh seafood, to international favourites such as Indian, Italian, Chinese and fast food outlets.

Cruise ships dock in Portrush Harbour. Here you will find a choice of restaurants, pubs and wine bars.

The harbour is also the focal point for angling, boat trips and watersport events.