Ireland (Lonely Planet, 9th Edition) - Fionn Davenport [579]
In July and August only, the Bushmills Bus (bus 177), an open-topped (weather permitting) double-decker, runs from Coleraine to the Giant’s Causeway (one way/day return £3/4.50, one hour, four daily) via Portstewart, Portrush, Dunluce Castle, Portballintrae and Bushmills Distillery.
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PORTRUSH
pop 6300
The bustling seaside resort of Portrush (Port Rois) bursts at the seams with holiday-makers in high season and, not surprisingly, many of its attractions are focused unashamedly on good, old-fashioned family fun. However, it is also one of Ireland’s top surfing centres, and is home to the North’s hottest nightclub.
The tourist information centre ( 7082 3333; portrsuhtic@btconnect.com; Dunluce Centre, 10 Sandhill Dr; 9am-7pm Jul-Aug, 9am-5pm Mon-Fri, noon-5pm Sat & Sun Apr-Jun & Sep, noon-5pm Sat & Sun Mar & Oct) books accommodation and has a bureau de change.
Sights & Activities
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.
The town is also famous for Barry’s ( 7082 2340; www.barrysamusements.com; 16 Eglinton St; admission free, per ride 50p-£2; 12.30-10.30pm Jul & Aug, 10am-6pm Mon-Fri, 12.30-10.30pm Sat & 12.30-9.30pm Sun Jun, 12.30-10.30pm Sat & 12.30-9.30pm Sun Apr & May), Ireland’s biggest amusement park, filled with classic, family-friendly rides, including a carousel, ghost train and dodgems.
There’s more family-oriented fun at the Dunluce Centre ( 7082 4444; www.dunlucecentre.co.uk; 10 Sandhill Dr; admission £3.50-4.50; 10am-7pm Jul & Aug, noon-5pm Sat & Sun Apr-Jun & Sep), a hi-tech, indoor adventure playground especially for kids, with interactive games, a computerised treasure hunt and a ‘turbo-tour’ motion-simulator ride.
Waterworld ( 7082 2001; The Harbour; 10am-7pm Mon-Sat, noon-7pm Sun Jul & Aug, 10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat & noon-5pm Sun Jun), 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).
You’ll find even more activities for kids at The Coastal Zone ( 7082 3600; 8 Bath Rd; admission free; 10am-5pm Easter week & Jun-Aug, 10am-5pm Sat & Sun Sep), including marine-life exhibits, a touch pool, rock-pool rambles and fossil hunts.
In summer, boats depart regularly for cruises or fishing trips; the tourist office has a list of operators. For horse riding, contact the Maddybenny Riding Centre ( 7082 3394; Maddybenny Farm, Atlantic Rd; lessons & hacking per hr £12); beginners are welcome.
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 ( 7082 5476; www.troggssurfshop.co.uk; 88 Main St; 10am-6pm) 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.
Sleeping
Places fill up quickly during summer so it’s advisable to book in advance.
BUDGET
Carrick Dhu Caravan Park ( 7082 3712; 12 Ballyreagh Rd; camp & caravan sites from £14; Apr-Sep) This is a small site 1.5km west of Portrush on the A2 towards Portstewart. Facilities include a children’s playground and restaurant.
MIDRANGE
Clarmont ( 7082 2397; www.clarmont.com; 10 Landsdowne Cres; per person £35-40) Our favourite among several guesthouses on Landsdowne Cres, the Clarmont has great views and, from polished pine floors to period fireplaces, has a decor that tastefully mixes Victorian and modern styles. Ask for a room with