Portrush, a seaside town on Northern Ireland’s north coast, is fast becoming a premier destination for golf enthusiasts. Royal Portrush Golf Club, host of The Open for the third time this summer, is one of the world’s most sought-after courses, with green fees of £385 per round. Around 278,000 visitors are expected to attend the 153rd championship at the prestigious venue.
To cater for the influx, upscale accommodation is springing up. Dunluce Lodge, the region’s only five-star resort, opened in March overlooking the fourth fairway. Its 35 suites feature earthy tones and homely touches such as locally sourced produce, complimentary drinks and snacks, and even a bedtime story. The Portrush Adelphi, meanwhile, has been renovated by Marine & Lawn – their first property not directly on the coast or a golf course – offering 34 boutique rooms with striking green corduroy-clad walls and emerald velvet Chesterfield chairs. A £11 million Hilton hotel, The Marcus Portrush, is set to open on 1 July after refurbishment, while approval has been granted for a large spa hotel in nearby Portstewart.
Away from the fairways, the area boasts significant natural and historical attractions. The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a basalt plateau of honeycomb-shaped columns formed by volcanic activity nearly 60 million years ago. Visitors can also explore the ruins of Dunluce Castle, perched on a sheer headland, or take in panoramic views from Magheracross viewpoint over Whiterocks Beach and the rocky Skerries.
The Causeway Craft Trail offers a glimpse of local artistry. At the Boat House gallery, visitors can meet makers such as Emer Dixon, who creates Irish heritage silver jewellery. At Atlantic Craft, basket weaver Louise McLean – who has crafted pieces for celebrities and film sets – teaches willow weaving, describing it as “the oldest crafting skill in the world”. For food lovers, the Spirit of the Bann tour begins at LIR, widely regarded as the area’s best restaurant, run by Great British Menu finalist Stevie McCarry and his wife Rebekah.
