Seaside resort and a great base to explore the Causeway Coast and Glens of Antrim.
County Antrim’s Portrush is a typical seaside resort town with beaches, amusement parks, golf courses, and surf schools. It’s an ideal location for a getaway to explore the Causeway Coast’s highlights like the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Glens of Antrim. From Ballycastle, you can take a ferry to Rathlin Island or even over to Scotland. There are plenty of camping and holiday parks around Portrush and its neighbouring town Portstewart, with tent and vehicle pitches, plus pods and glamping options.
Portrush has a holiday feel in summer and all the trappings, from ice-cream shops to amusement parks. The neighbouring town of Portstewart is a five-minute drive away, with a beachfront promenade and a long sandy beach, as well as plenty of camping options. Look out for tent pitches, geodomes, and vehicle pitches.
Drive some of the Causeway Coastal Route to take in the 16th-century ruins of Dunluce Castle, walk on the Giant’s Causeway, or walk the rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede. You can also tour the famous whiskey distillery at Bushmills, or check out Game of Thrones filming locations like Ballintoy Harbour (The Iron Islands) and Downhill Beach (Dragonstone). Various camping options are set near Ballycastle and all along the coast.
Ballycastle is another seaside resort town with a harbour and beach. From here, you can take the ferry to Rathlin Island, a renowned bird sanctuary where campers can learn about puffins and the thousands of birds that visit. Take a day trip or stay overnight at a glamping park.
The best weather in Portrush is usually from May to September. July and August are the warmest months but also the most crowded with visitors. Weather can change at short notice, so stay prepared for rain, wind, and cool temperatures.