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 town centre is only a short walk from the dock.
Portrush (Irish: Port Rois, meaning "Promontory Port") is a resort town on Northern Ireland's north coast. It makes a useful base for visiting the Giant's Causeway and other attractions along the Irish North Coast. The town has 6,372 residents, but this small population rises substantially when tourists arrive during the summer months.
Three fine sandy beaches lie around Portrush and normally hold blue-flag status. West Strand, the one nearest the town centre, is bordered by Barry's Amusement Park, Ireland's largest attraction of its kind, which dates from 1925.
Royal Portrush Golf Club is recognised as one of the world's finest links golf courses. Neighbouring Rathmore Golf Club is also of an exceptionally high standard and offers a smaller 9-hole pitch and putt for less-experienced players.
Getting around
Portrush is an excellent place to discover on foot.
Nearby places
For a day trip, combine Rathlin Island with Ballycastle. Take a bus or drive to Ballycastle for the morning ferry, return on the afternoon sailing, then spend time exploring Ballycastle itself.
Legend says that the giant Finn McCool created the geological wonder of the Giant’s Causeway. This World Heritage Site now has an impressive visitor centre to complement it.
Money
Throughout the UK, the currency is the pound (£), also known informally as a quid. Banknotes issued in Scotland are frowned upon in other parts of the UK, so change them before departing Scotland.
Widely available cash machines (ATM), or 'holes in the wall' in informal speech, normally dispense notes in £10 and £20 denominations.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
People throughout the country speak English, although accents can sometimes be strong!
Free WiFi is available in most cafés and restaurants.
Dial 999 for a local emergency. Alternatively, use the EU-wide 112 number.
Opening Hours and
General shopping hours are:
Smaller retailers usually trade from 10am - 6pm on 6 or 7 days each week. Large stores tend to stay open to 9PM, and hypermarkets frequently operate 24/7.