Portrush

Portrush

Northern Ireland

Surf legendary Atlantic waves at Portstewart Strand or explore the dramatic basalt columns of the Giant's Causeway nearby.

Currency British Pound Sterling (GBP)
Language English
Time Zone GMT (UTC+0)
Best Time to Visit May–Sep
Typical Duration 9-14 nights
Price Range From $3,960 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port No

Gateway to Northern Ireland's rugged coastal landscapes and proximity to the Giant's Causeway, one of the UK's most iconic natural wonders.

Cruises that visit Portrush

Build Your Day in Portrush

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 5:00 PM
Usually about 9 hours ashore
Getting around:
Giant's Causeway It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern Ireland. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 30k
The Dark Hedges The Dark Hedges is a must-see for anyone exploring Northern Ireland. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 15k
Carrick-a-Rede - National Trust A truly unmissable experience when visiting Northern Ireland! Bridge · ★ 4.6 · 10k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Dunluce Castle Definitely worth the visit if you’re exploring Northern Ireland! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 9k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri
Ballintoy Harbour Northern Ireland's hidden gem, where all fans of Game of thrones must visit. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 5k Open 24 hours
Ramore Restaurants, Portrush Prawns, Duck, Lobster, Seafood platters , Steaks the lot! Caterer · ★ 4.1 · 3k
The Tides Restaurant Fantastic food, attentive service and value for money! Modern European restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 3k Open · Closes 9 PM
Portrush East Strand Volleyball, horses, walkers, surfers, bathers. Beach pavillion · ★ 4.7 · 2k Open 24 hours
Harry's Shack Stunning location, gorgeous food and very attentive staff. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 2k Open · Closes 8 PM
Royal Portrush Golf Club Great Open championship and the town of Portrush has great beaches and food. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Kiwi's Brew Bar Best place to eat in Portrush, between service, price and atmosphere Bar & grill · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 1 AM
The Quays Bar & Gastropub Fabulous varied menu with big hearty portions and the quality was superb. Gastropub · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 10:30 PM
The Anchor Bar Complex Great food Great atmosphere Great pints Bar · ★ 4.4 · 1k
Causeway Coastal Route Great walks amazing views and a brilliant museum that also has a great cafe. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k Open 24 hours
Castlerock Beach Clean, good sand, free parking, shop and toilets. Beach · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The White House - Portrush Lots of lovely things and reasonable prices. Department store · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Urban Restaurant Lovely meal for 3, reasonably priced and finished with a lovely guinness. Modern European restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Neptune & Prawn Great portion sizes and reasonably priced too. Seafood restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 1k Open · Closes 8:30 PM
The Harbour Bar Great friendly pub on the harbour with an excellent pint of Guinness. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 12 AM
White Rocks Very clean with some fun areas to explore. Beach · ★ 4.8 · 1k
National Trust - Portstewart Strand Clean beach, lifeguards on patrol for safety, a family favourite. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Curry's Fun Park Really great fun day out, lots of wee food kiosks, prices very reasonable. Amusement park · ★ 4.3 · 1k Open · Closes 11 PM
West Strand Beach More activities during summer. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Portrush Coastal Zone Lots of different tanks with local wildlife to see and some activities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Babushka Kitchen Cafe Great food & coffee, friendly staff and stunning location. Cafe · ★ 4.4 · 1k Open · Closes 9 PM
Bob & Berts Portrush Lovely place, relaxed, lovely food, good prices, generous portions. Coffee shop · ★ 4.1 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Shanty The Shanty had the best food that we ate in our entire Ireland trip. Irish restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Open · Closes 8 PM
Marine & Lawn Portrush Casual hotel with Italian dining Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Harbour Gin Bar On a sunny day, take your pint and sit in the sun on benches round the side. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 9:30 PM
White Rocks Beach Great for dog walks, water sports or sun bathing. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k Open 24 hours
Springhill Bar Enjoyed the pints, the friendly staff and the good atmosphere. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
LIR The seafood is clearly the star, expertly cooked and full of depth. Seafood restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Portstewart Strand Beautiful huge beach - great for walking, swimming & surfing Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Indigo Cafe Portrush Friendly team, good grub and the prices are sensible. Cafe · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM Fri
The Arcadia Cafe Great cosy cafe with good coffee and tasty soup. Cafe · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Arrosto Cafe Friendly service, great value and delicious food. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
Elephant Rock Hotel Excellent service and delicious food with a stunning outlook. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
Dora’s Lovely little cafe with delicious breakfasts, cakes and scones! Tea house · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
The Harbour Bistro Extraordinary staff, delicious food, and a truly unique atmosphere. Bistro · ★ 4.1 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Anne's Tearoom Great quality food good portions and very friendly staff. Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Portrush Whiterocks Beach Big beach with loads of activities Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Mermaid - Ramore Restaurants Vegetarian options·Kids' menu European restaurant · ★ 3.9 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
The Station Bar Great bar great atmosphere great friendly staff,always great music.. Live music bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 1 AM
Two Twenty The coffee and cakes are fabulous and the atmosphere is lovely. Cafe · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Portrush Harbour Fishing trips and dolphin tours among the activities. Port authority · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Safehouse Café Bar Great bar, great live music and very dog friendly! Bar · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Basalt Outdoor seating·Great cocktails·Kids' menu Steak house · ★ 3.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 5:30 PM Fri
The Blue Pool Great place to visit if your into to jumping or diving into sea. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 0k Open 24 hours
Smash n Bird Food was full of flavour and portions were huge. Hamburger restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Royal British Legion/ Portrush Memorial Services Club Great bar and great atmosphere and a first class snooker table Bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Top Blade Portrush Superb food and service at reasonable prices. Restaurant · ★ 4.2 · 0k Open · Closes 10 PM
Cafe Tilly Portrush Small dog friendly cafe that served delicious breakfast by friendly staff. Coffee shop · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Salmon Rock Beach Onsite services Public bath · ★ 4.8 · 0k Open 24 hours
Follow Coast Great little place - very welcoming, fab food and dog friendly. Coffee shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
1 at Causeway Street Service great, food varied and affordable. Restaurant · ★ 3.7 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Runkerry Beach The sea can be a fantastic colour and looks very clean. Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Flutters Portrush Limited Good for kids Amusement center · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 11:30 PM
The Offshore Great value for money, cheapest drinks in Port Rush Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k Open · Closes 11 PM
Broadway's Emporium Lots of interesting goods Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Roasted Coffee Great coffee, great acai bowls and efficient friendly service ! Coffee shop · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
Jingles Gift Shop Portrush Good selection of kids and beach toys Gift shop · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Bushfoot Beach Beach · ★ 4.8 · 0k
Bean At The Beach Friendly staff and awesome donuts in such a good location Cafe · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
The Big Red Game Centre Great amusements centre friendly staff Amusement center · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Kon-Tiki Boat Bar Staff are always friendly and the cocktails are phenomenal Tiki bar · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 7 PM Sat
Ocean Deli Good food, good value and good service. Deli · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Nemesis The food was very tasty and great pricing! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Eldon's Bar and Restaurant The Guinness espresso martini is to die for!!! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 0k Open · Closes 8:30 PM
The Souvenir Shop Many items to choose from and priced fair. Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Portrush West Strand Cleanest beach with excellent waves and lifeguards Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Ramore Head Peninsula · ★ 4.8 · 0k
The Salty Cow Fantastic food, fantastic service. Restaurant · ★ 4 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
Mini Golf Portrush Great place to take the young kids to and have some fun! Indoor golf course · ★ 4.3 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Sat
R & J Hillis (Portrush) Great shop amazing Gunnies merchandise Department store · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Fri
BTS CONCEPT STORE - interiors + lifestyle Absolutely beautiful shop, so many great products. Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Fri
Dander Coffee Stunning coffee and amazing service Coffee shop · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM Fri
North Coast NI clothes are absolutely stunning and staff are lovely! Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
Red Sail Room Good choices on the menu and the food was excellent. Restaurant · ★ 4.3 · 0k Open · Closes 9 PM
The Vintage Vintage clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri
The Port Kitchen & Bar Some of the best duck I have every had. Bar & grill · ★ 3.2 · 0k Open · Closes 8 PM
Jasper's Gift Shop In-store shopping·In-store pickup Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Fri

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Portrush

About Portrush

Portrush, a charming coastal town on Northern Ireland's north coast, serves as a port of call for cruise travelers exploring Northern Europe's most compelling waters. Three distinguished cruise lines—PONANT EXPLORATIONS, Seabourn, and Swan Hellenic—call here regularly, offering passengers access to some of the region's most rewarding itineraries. With eleven upcoming cruises and typical voyages lasting nine nights, Portrush attracts explorers seeking authentic experiences across the Irish Sea and beyond, with popular routes extending to Dublin, Glasgow, the Shetland Islands, and the rugged beauty of Rathlin Island.

During your time ashore, you'll discover a vibrant seaside community with direct access to Northern Ireland's dramatic coastline. The town itself offers excellent local dining and shopping, while the surrounding region beckons with stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Peak cruise season runs from May through September, making these months ideal for experiencing Portrush at its most welcoming, with long daylight hours perfect for exploring both the port and nearby attractions.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Dunluce Castle's Dramatic Cliffs

Explore the haunting ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched dramatically on basalt cliffs just outside Portrush. This 13th-century fortress offers breathtaking views of the Atlantic coastline and fascinating insights into medieval Irish history. The atmospheric setting has inspired countless artists and filmmakers, making it one of Northern Ireland's most iconic landmarks.

2

Fresh Seafood at the Harbour

Savor locally-caught fish and chips or fresh oysters at waterfront restaurants overlooking Portrush Harbour. The town's fishing heritage means restaurants source daily catches—try traditional Irish seafood chowder or grilled Atlantic salmon. Pair your meal with a local craft beer while watching fishing boats return to port.

3

Giant's Causeway UNESCO Wonder

Visit the otherworldly Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity. Located just 15 minutes from port, this natural marvel stretches along dramatic cliffs and offers stunning coastal walks. The visitor center provides fascinating geological and mythological context about this geological masterpiece.

4

Portrush Strand Beach Stroll

Walk along the golden sands of Portrush Strand, a beautiful Blue Flag beach perfect for a leisurely seaside experience. The promenade features Victorian charm with arcades, ice cream shops, and panoramic views of the North Atlantic. It's an ideal spot to relax, photograph the coastline, or enjoy traditional British seaside culture.

5

Local Artisan Markets & Crafts

Browse independent shops and local craft studios in Portrush's town center, featuring handmade jewelry, textiles, and traditional Irish pottery. The town supports local artisans selling unique souvenirs you won't find elsewhere. Visit during peak season to catch weekend markets showcasing regional food producers and craftspeople.

Cruise Lines at Portrush

Cruises Departing From Portrush

Cruises Visiting Portrush

Ship Schedule at Portrush

Portrush Location

Other Cruise Ports in Northern Ireland

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main attractions in Portrush?

Dunluce Castle ruins, the Giant's Causeway, and coastal scenery nearby.

When is the best time to visit Portrush?

Spring to autumn offers milder weather and longer daylight hours.

How can I reach Dunluce Castle from Portrush?

Drive or take local transport; parking is available nearby.