The Northern Irish seaside town of Portrush is rapidly transforming into an unexpected golf holiday hotspot, attracting international attention with its world-class courses, stunning coastline, and a wave of new luxury hotel openings.
A Golfer's Paradise
At the heart of this transformation is the legendary Royal Portrush Golf Club, which is hosting The Open for the third time this summer. The championship is expected to draw around 278,000 visitors to this prestigious location. Playing a round at this sought-after course comes at a premium, costing visitors approximately £385.
PGA professional Charlotte Reid, who provides coaching at the club, emphasises the technique required for the perfect putt. "You just need to hit it like a pendulum," she advises, a tip that reflects the precision and quality found throughout the facility.
Luxury Accommodation on the Rise
The area's growing prestige has triggered significant investment in high-end accommodation. Dunluce Lodge, the region's only five-star resort, opened its doors in March. Its 35 suites, decorated in earthy tones, offer a calming retreat with homely touches like locally-sourced amenities, complimentary beer and snacks, and even a bedtime story.
Further enhancing the town's appeal, the Portrush Adelphi has been acquired and renovated by Marine & Lawn, marking their first property not directly on the coast or a golf course. This 34-room boutique hotel boasts a striking interior with green tiled bars, velvet Chesterfield chairs, and corduroy-adorned walls.
The hospitality expansion continues with Hilton's £11 million hotel, The Marcus Portrush, currently undergoing refurbishment for a July 1 opening. Planning permission has also been granted for a large spa hotel in nearby Portstewart.
Beyond the 18th Hole
While golf is a major draw, Portrush offers a wealth of other attractions. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, Giant's Causeway, is a must-see geological wonder. Formed almost 60 million years ago from volcanic activity, its unique basalt columns create a landscape that has to be seen to be believed. Visitors can climb the hexagonal formations and seek out the Wishing Chair for the perfect photograph.
The dramatic coastline also features the sprawling ruins of Dunluce Castle, built between the 15th and 17th centuries on a sheer headland overlooking the sea.
For those interested in local crafts, the Causeway Craft Trail provides access to artisans inspired by their surroundings. The Boat House gallery showcases a local craft collective, while at Atlantic Craft, Louise McLean teaches willow weaving, a skill she describes as "the oldest crafting skill in the world" and "really therapeutic."
A highlight for any food enthusiast is the Spirit of the Bann foodie tour. Skippered by Ian McKnight on the M.V. Kingfisher, the tour offers gin tastings from Dunluce Distillery's Simon Hogg, including the Great Taste award-winning La Riva Nata limoncello and Shore Born gin. The experience includes a lunch of local cheeses and charcuterie paired with expertly crafted cocktails, all while cruising Northern Ireland's longest river towards the Atlantic Ocean.
The culinary scene on land is equally impressive, with LIR restaurant, run by Stevie McCarry—a finalist on Great British Menu this year—and his wife Rebekah, being hailed as the best in the area.
With its friendly atmosphere, delicious food and drink, and breathtaking scenery, Portrush presents a compelling case for a holiday that offers far more than just a legendary round of golf.
How to plan your trip:
Rooms at Dunluce Lodge start from £299, including breakfast. Rooms at Portrush Adelphi start from £245, including a full Irish breakfast. The Spirit Of The Bann Gin Tasting Tour costs £79.50. A half-day willow weaving workshop with Atlantic Craft costs £45. While Giant’s Causeway is free to visit, a visitor experience ticket including parking and tours costs £15.
