Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann
1–8 Aug 2027 · Belfast
The world's largest celebration of Irish traditional music returns to Belfast for a second year. Competitions by day, and a session in every pub by night.
Portrush
A proper seaside resort: two long strands either side of the peninsula and Royal Portrush Golf Club at the edge of town. Families come for the beaches; golfers come for the links.
Best sites to see in Portrush
Royal Portrush Golf Club
A famous links club on the edge of town, founded in 1888, whose Dunluce Links hosted The Open Championship in 1951 and again in 2019.
East Strand and West Strand
Two long sandy beaches either side of the town's peninsula, popular for walking, swimming in season and surfing, with views towards Dunluce and the Skerries.
Portrush Harbour and Ramore Head
The working harbour and the headland walk at Ramore Head give the town its maritime character and wide views along the Antrim coast.
Dunluce Castle
A ruined medieval castle on basalt cliffs a short drive east of Portrush, reached from the main Coast Road and one of the best-known ruins on the north coast.
Where to stand, and when
- East Strand looking towards White Rocks and Dunluce: Early morning gives soft light on the dunes and a quieter beach for a clean coastal frame.
- Ramore Head: Go at sunset for light over the Atlantic, the harbour and the Skerries islands offshore.
- The harbour and West Strand from the promenade: Late afternoon works well for colour on the boats and the curve of the bay.
Portrush through history
Portrush developed as a seaside resort in the Victorian era, helped by the arrival of the railway from Belfast in the 1850s.
Royal Portrush Golf Club was founded in 1888 and its links later became a championship venue, hosting The Open in 1951 and 2019.
The town occupies a peninsula on the Antrim coast, with fishing and harbour life long part of its story alongside tourism.
Nearby Dunluce Castle was a stronghold of the MacDonnell clan in the 16th and 17th centuries before falling into ruin.
Practical tips
- Parking fills quickly on sunny summer days and during golf events, so arrive early or use public car parks outside the harbour area.
- Check tide times before long beach walks, as sections near the rocks are narrower at high tide.
- The coastal path east towards White Rocks and Dunluce is exposed, so bring a windproof layer even on a bright day.
Golf near Portrush
Royal Portrush stands at the edge of town: the Dunluce Links (£420 in 2026) hosted The Open in 2019 and again in 2025, and the Valley Links (£200) is a proper links in its own right. There is no visitor golf on Wednesdays, and summer times go early. Castlerock's Mussenden course is about 20 minutes west (£250 at peak).
Our full guide to golf in Ireland