Making the most of Portrush
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
The dock is a short walk to the center of town.
Portrush (Irish: Port Rois, meaning "Promontory Port") is a resort town on the north coast of Northern Ireland. It's a good place to base yourself for a visit to the Giant's Causeway and the other attractions on the Irish North Coast. With a population of 6,372 i it is a small town, but in the summer months this number increases significantly with visiting tourists.
Portrush is home to three fine sandy beaches, which normally have blue-flag status. The West Strand closest to the town center is flanked by Barry's Amusement Park, which is the largest of it's kind in Ireland, dating back to 1925.
Royal Portrush Golf Club is recognized as one of the best link golf courses in the world. Rathmore Golf Club next door is also of an extremely high standard, and has a smaller 9-hole pitch and putt for the less experienced.
Getting around
It's a great place to explore on foot.
Nearby places
Take a day trip to Rathlin Island and Ballycastle. Take the bus or drive to Ballycastle to catch the morning ferry. Return on the afternoon ferry, and explore the town of Ballycastle.
Giant’s Causeway: Legend has it that the giant, Finn McCool, created this geological marvel. It is a World Heritage Site and now has an impressive visitors center to match.
Money
The currency throughout the UK is the pound (£). You may also hear the slang term quid for pounds. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change the notes before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines (ATM) or less formally 'holes in the wall' are very widely available and usually dispense £10 and £20 notes.
Visa, Mastercard and Maestro, are accepted by most shops and restaurants.
Staying connected
English is spoken throughout the country, but sometimes with heavy accents!
Most cafe's and restaurants offer free WiFi.
The local emergency telephone number is 999, however the EU-wide 112 can also be used.
Opening Hours and
Shopping hours are in general:
Small stores 6 or 7 days a week (10am - 6pm) Larger stores in general stay open til' 9PM Hypermarts often 24/7