Located just over an hour from Larne Port by car, Portrush is a small seaside town with plenty of character. Boasting plenty of hotels and restaurants, it’s no wonder that taking a weekend break in Portrush is so popular, and there’s plenty to keep everyone occupied.
Here, we share some of our favourite things to do in the area so you can plan your weekend break in Portrush.
Enjoy a ‘catch and cook’ experience
Set sail for a truly authentic ‘cook and catch’ experience with Causeway Boats. This company has been in business for over 20 years and pride themselves on their clean, fast boats and experienced, friendly crew. They offer a range of experiences, and the ‘Taste of Portrush’ option is just perfect for your weekend break. Climb aboard the Causeway Lass at Portrush Harbour and head out to fish for your very own meal. Everything you need will be provided (other than clothing and footwear) and your knowledgeable guide will be able to offer advice regardless of whether you’ve been sea fishing before.
Following your fishing trip, you’ll go to Portrush’s award winning Ocho Tapas restaurant where you’ll be met by local chef Trudy Brolly who will help you to make paella – perhaps using some of your own freshly caught fish! You’ll also have the opportunity to take part in making and tasting Sangria, the perfect accompaniment to your meal. Once everything’s been dished up, you’ll be able to sit together as a group to enjoy your food and discuss the day’s events.
Visit the Portrush Coastal Zone
The Portrush Coastal Zone is a must-visit during your weekend break in Portrush if you love nature and learning about local wildlife. Based in an old Victorian bath house where locals and visitors used to enjoy rejuvenating seaweed and salt baths, the Portrush Coastal Zone is free to enter and features all you need to learn about the coastal and marine wildlife that can be found in the area. Boasting discovery pools, large tanks, displays, and activities, this attraction has something for children and adults alike!
Once you’ve discovered all there is to learn inside the centre, you can head to the viewing platform which enables you to look out to sea. From here, you might be lucky enough to spot seals, harbour porpoises, and even dolphins. In fact, the Portrush Coastal Zone overlooks the Skerries and Causeway Marine Special Area of Conservation which is a protected area for harbour porpoises. There’s a telescope on hand to give you the best chance of seeing these water-based wonders, and don’t forget your camera – just in case!
Get active with Portrush Surf School
Perfect for those who love active holidays, Portrush Surf School offer both surfing and paddleboarding lessons so you can choose which option suits you! The school’s group surf lessons are perfect for first timers. You can book for yourself or with family and friends and will learn all of the basics required during your 3-hour lesson. With 30 minutes for checking in and 30 minutes for showering off, these lessons give you a full two hours in the water which makes them very popular with those who want as much surfing time as possible.
If you’d prefer to opt for a paddleboard lesson, you’ll have a 2-hour experience on a hard foam board. Easy to learn and great for those seeking a relaxing activity, paddleboarding is a sport that’s becoming increasingly popular and offers a full body workout! Your Portrush Surf School paddleboarding experience will take place within the safety of Portrush Harbour which will allow you to get the hang of how to handle the board. Regardless of whether you choose to surf or paddleboard, all required equipment will be provided.
Make a splash with Causeway Coasteering
For adrenaline junkies, there’s no better activity for your weekend break in Portrush than exploring the coastline with Causeway Coasteering. Discover wave pools, explore sea caves, try out underwater challenges, and take on exhilarating jumps, all under the watchful eye of a knowledgeable and experienced guide. There are a number of different packages to choose from, with some offering more time for additional adventures, and wetsuits, buoyancy aids, and helmets are provided for your comfort and safety. Some packages even come with photos too!
This activity gives you the opportunity to see the impressive coastline from a different perspective and will definitely help you to create memories that you’ll never forget. Everyone who works at Causeway Coasteering is passionate about what they do, and you can be confident that you’re in safe hands as they’re all experienced and know the coastline very well. Plus, if you’re celebrating a hen or stag do during your weekend break in Portrush they cater for these groups too and offer discounts for bookings of 15 people or more.
Things to do near Portrush
There are plenty of amazing things to see and do near Portrush which you can quickly reach by car, and when you travel to Northern Ireland with P&O Ferries you can take your vehicle with you which makes them all easily accessible. Some of our favourites include:
- Giant’s Causeway: 15-minute drive from Portrush
- Bushmills Distillery: 15-minute drive from Portrush
- Dunlace Castle: 10-minute drive from Portrush
- Carrick-a-Rede Bridge: 25-minute drive from Portrush
Now that you’ve read about what’s on offer it’s time to plan your weekend break in Portrush. Book your ferry from Cairnryan to Larne today and you’ll reach Northern Ireland in just two hours, so you can start your adventure in no time! For more tips, take a look at our post on why you should spend your UK staycation in Northern Ireland.
