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 Lots of interactive exhibitions for the kids which was great. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 29k
The Dark Hedges Amazing experience, and enjoyable for all age groups. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 14k
Carrick-a-Rede - National Trust Fun rope bridge and walk in the beautiful costal environment. Bridge · ★ 4.6 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
Dunluce Castle Incredible sights, lots to learn, really therapeutic. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 9k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Ballintoy Harbour There are lots of activities in the area and a nice little eatery. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 5k
Ramore Restaurants, Portrush Good atmosphere, friendly staff, not ridiculously priced and not bad food. Caterer · ★ 4.1 · 3k
The Tides Restaurant Amazing food/ambience/vibe/service/drinks. Modern European · ★ 4.3 · 3k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Portrush East Strand Excellent place to bring kids of all ages Beach pavillion · ★ 4.7 · 2k
Harry's Shack Great location, friendly staff, funky outdoor tented seating. Seafood · ★ 4.3 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Royal Portrush Golf Club Fantastic experience on a wonderful and challenging course. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 2k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
Roe Valley Country Park Love this place, great for all ages and abilities. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
The Quays Bar & Gastropub The food was excellent, and the service was friendly and welcoming. Gastropub · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Kiwi's Brew Bar Delicious burgers, and a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Grill · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 1 PM
Causeway Coastal Route If you want any cover picture this is the best place to have a photograph. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 1k
The White House - Portrush Lots of lovely things and reasonable prices. Department store · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Urban Restaurant Excellent food, fantastic cocktails, great service Modern European · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12:30 PM
Neptune & Prawn The staff was really friendly and the cocktails were absolutely stellar! Bar · ★ 4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5:30 PM
The Harbour Bar The fire was lit and warm, the service amazing and the drinks lovely. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
National Trust - Portstewart Strand Great for all ages Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Lidl Good products at sensible prices. Grocery store · ★ 4.4 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
West Strand Beach More activities during summer. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 1k
Curry's Fun Park Our two year old enjoyed the merry-go-round and the rotating swings. Amusement park · ★ 4.3 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM Sat
Portrush Coastal Zone Lots of activities for the whole family. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 1k 🕐 Temporarily closed
Portrush Adelphi Overall the atmosphere, staff and drinks were fabulous and above and beyond. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k
Shanty Great atmosphere staff very attentive and knowledgeable with the menu. Irish · ★ 4.6 · 1k 🕐 Closed · Opens 12 PM
Sportsland Amusement Arcade Good for the kids to enjoy while you can get a coffee outside Amusement center · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 8 AM
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 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Springhill Bar Great pints, good prices and super fun Thursday Trad. Pub · ★ 4.4 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
LIR Super innovative menu, with fresh ingredients of a high quality. Seafood · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
White Rocks Beach Great place to build sandcastles Tourist attraction · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Elephant Rock Hotel Exceptional good food, vibes and customer service. Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Harbour Bistro Delicious food, wonderful fast service, nice calm and warm atmosphere. Bistro · ★ 4.1 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 5 PM
Portrush Whiterocks Beach Great for young kids. Beach · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Station Bar Great bar great atmosphere great friendly staff,always great music.. Live music bar · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11:30 AM
Portrush Harbour Activities for kids and adults. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
The Original Factory Shop (Portrush) Some good discounts on stock until then. Clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
The Offshore Great friendly atmosphere from the staff and the local customers. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 4 PM
Broadway's Emporium Customer service was faultless and we felt comfortable to browse. Gift shop · ★ 4.7 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Kellys Complex Portrush Well laid out, fab stage and bar. Night club · ★ 4.1 · 0k
Jingles Gift Shop Portrush Large selection of cool and fun gifts. Gift shop · ★ 4.2 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
The Playhouse Portrush Friendly staff good drink fair prices cosey atmosphere Bar · ★ 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
The Souvenir Shop Many items to choose from and priced fair. Gift shop · ★ 4.8 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
R & J Hillis (Portrush) Good range of products. Department store · ★ 4.3 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 9 AM
BTS CONCEPT STORE - interiors + lifestyle Great products , very contemporary loved it Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 AM
Portrush Sunrise View Beautiful Place Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k
North Coast NI High quality, comfortable clothing. Clothing store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 10 AM
Jasper's Gift Shop In-store shopping·In-store pickup Souvenir store · ★ 5 · 0k 🕐 Closed · Opens 11 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.