Portrush factfile

How to get to Portrush
One of Northern Ireland's premier holiday resorts, Portrush sits on a mile-long peninsula extending into the Atlantic Ocean. It lies in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, on the County Londonderry border. The area is served by flights into Belfast International Airport, George Best Belfast City Airport and City of Derry Airport. By road, it is just over three hours from Dublin.

Portrush through the ages
Magnus Barefoot, the King of Norway, is believed to have been killed among Portrush's ancient sand dunes during a battle in 1103. The town is recorded as being granted to Richard de Burgo in 1305. Significant growth came with the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, when it developed into a busy residential town.

Natural beauty spots around Portrush
There are two long sandy beaches in the town, known as the West Strand and East Strand. These beautiful beaches both enjoy European Blue Flag status, attracting surfers, watersports enthusiasts, walkers and holidaymakers.

This majestic stretch of coast continues past White Rocks and Curran Strand to the natural wonder that is Giant's Causeway, with its tens of thousands of basalt columns.

Things to see and do around Portrush
Portrush's two magnificent beaches are far from its only attraction. Visitors will find restaurants, bars, nightclubs, funfairs and entertainment throughout the town. The busy harbour is a focal point for fishing, boat trips and water-sports events. The striking remains of 13th century Dunluce Castle loom on the cliff top—an ancient stronghold of the Scottish clan, the MacDonnells.

Sports and leisure in Portrush
Situated at Portrush Harbour is Waterworld, an imaginative indoor water play centre for all the family. It offers giant water slides, jacuzzis, saunas and a steam room. The complex also has a tenpin bowling centre, Piratebowl.

Royal Portrush Golf Club has one of the world's most outstanding links courses—the Dunluce Links—where top international players compete. The club's second course, the Valley Links, is also championship standard.

Entertainment in Portrush
Children and adults will enjoy Barry's Amusement Park, the largest in Northern Ireland, with its big dipper, ghost train and motion simulator. Portrush is also home to one of Northern Ireland's best-known nightclub complexes, Kelly's. Among its many bars and clubs is the renowned nightclub Lush!, which attracts some of the world's top DJs and hosts BBC Radio 1 dance events.

Portrush's claim to fame
Actor James Nesbitt, although raised in neighbouring Coleraine, has described his fond memories of Portrush. Nesbitt was instrumental in the decision to film an episode of Cold Feet in Portrush and the surrounding coastline.