Holiday rentals and lettings in Portrush

Table of contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday home in Portrush?
• Holiday rentals in Portrush: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Portrush: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Portrush?

• Choice of stays: Holiday rentals range from Victorian houses with gardens to modern flats with panoramic Atlantic views, suiting families, golf groups and couples alike.
• Where to stay: Base yourself near the harbour for sea on all sides, the West Strand for family beach days, or south of town for larger homes.
• Top-rated homes: Guests praise Portrush's range of spacious deluxe holiday homes, ideal for golf trips and big family gatherings.
• When to visit: Summer brings the liveliest beaches and surf, while spring and autumn offer quieter shores, mild walking weather and lower rates.
• Things to do: Tee off at Royal Portrush, wander three blue-flag beaches, explore the Giant's Causeway and catch the waves at a local surf school.

Portrush holiday rentals include well-appointed Victorian homes with sizeable gardens and open-plan kitchens, alongside contemporary flats whose large windows frame the Atlantic. Browse holiday homes in Portrush, self-catering apartments in Portrush or cosy B&Bs in Portrush to find your perfect retreat. Sought-after amenities include:

• Sea views
• Fast Wi-Fi throughout
• Private gardens and terraces
• Barbecue facilities
• Pet-friendly facilities

Planning a wider tour of the UK? You might also browse cottages across the United Kingdom or camping spots around the UK for your next coastal escape.

What are the best areas to stay in Portrush?

The best area depends on your plans: the harbour puts you at the heart of the action, while the quieter beaches suit families. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Portrush properties earn consistently glowing feedback, with guests highlighting the spacious deluxe holiday homes that comfortably sleep large groups, the easy walks to the beach and town, and warm, attentive hosts.

Here are our top-rated holiday rentals from the past year:

1. The Grange, Portrush - 10.0: A deluxe holiday home sleeping up to 12 across six bedrooms, a favourite for golf groups and big family gatherings, complete with a garden and pet-friendly touches.
2. The Glynn, Portrush - 10.0: A spacious five-bedroom deluxe home for up to 12 guests with a sunny terrace and yard, ideal for friends teeing off at Royal Portrush.
3. The Green, Portrush - 10.0: A bright five-bedroom holiday home for 12 guests, with a balcony and yard close to the beaches, well suited to large families seeking plenty of space.

Portrush sits on a small peninsula in County Antrim, on the far north coast of Northern Ireland, jutting into the Atlantic just over an hour's drive from Belfast.

✈️What is the best way to get to Portrush?

Getting to Portrush is straightforward, with options by air, rail and road. Here are the most common ways to get to the town:

• Car: Portrush is just over an hour from Belfast via the M2 motorway and the A26, making self-drive the most flexible option. The coastal route along the A2 is slower but rewards you with sweeping sea views.
• Train: Regular services run from Belfast to Coleraine, where you change for the short, scenic branch line into Portrush; the whole journey takes around two hours. The station sits in the centre of town, a few minutes' walk from the seafront.
• Coach: Translink coaches connect Portrush with Belfast and nearby towns such as Coleraine and Portstewart.

🥗Where to eat in Portrush?

According to Google Maps data and reviews, Ramore Wine Bar is the best-rated restaurant in Portrush. Below is a table showing the top 5 highly-rated restaurants hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guest travellers Niamh and Conor recommend Mr Chips in Portrush: this much-loved chippy serves some of the freshest fish and chips on the north coast, best enjoyed with a stroll along the harbour wall.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

The best time to visit Portrush is from May to September, when the beaches come alive and the surf is at its best. July and August are the warmest and liveliest months, while late spring and early autumn bring thinner crowds, pleasant walking weather and better value on many holiday rentals along the coast.

Spring

• Best for: Coastal walks and quieter beaches
• Weather: Mild and breezy, with lengthening days and the odd shower
• Atmosphere: Calm and uncrowded before the summer rush

Summer

• Best for: Beach days, surfing and family holidays
• Weather: Warmest of the year, though Atlantic breezes keep it fresh
• Atmosphere: Bustling and festive, with the town at its busiest

Autumn

• Best for: Scenic drives and golf breaks
• Weather: Cooler and changeable, with dramatic coastal skies
• Atmosphere: Relaxed and mellow as the crowds thin out

⭐Our hosts' recommendation: Our Portrush local expert, the host of Causeway Cottage, Portrush, recommends an early-morning walk around Ramore Head to watch the Atlantic rollers before the town wakes, followed by coffee on the harbour. You can read more local tips on the host's page.

1. Tee off at Royal Portrush Golf Club
2. Explore the Giant's Causeway
3. Relax on three blue-flag beaches
4. Catch a wave with a surf lesson
5. Soak up the seaside town

1. Tee off at Royal Portrush Golf Club

   Royal Portrush Golf Club is one of the world's most celebrated links courses, with its championship Dunluce Course and the equally enjoyable Valley Course winding through towering dunes above the Atlantic. The views stretch across the sea towards Scotland, and the golf is every bit as spectacular as the scenery.

2. Explore the Giant's Causeway

   The Giant's Causeway simply has to be seen to be believed: a mysterious expanse of interlocking basalt columns formed by volcanic eruptions some 50 million years ago. There are around 11 miles of hiking routes to explore, and the Visitor Experience Centre offers maps, guided tours and an absorbing interactive exhibition.

3. Relax on three blue-flag beaches

   Portrush is blessed with three beautiful blue-flag beaches. West Strand curves gently along the western side of the peninsula and is perfect for families, while East Strand stretches over two and a half miles and is great for swimming and surfing. Around the headland, Whiterocks Beach is backed by white limestone cliffs carved into caves and arches; on a sunny day, its beauty is hard to beat.

4. Catch a wave with a surf lesson

   With its Atlantic rollers and sandy beaches, Portrush is one of Northern Ireland's finest spots to surf, bodyboard and paddleboard. Several friendly surf schools in town offer private and group lessons for all ages and abilities, so beginners and seasoned surfers alike can get out on the water.

5. Soak up the seaside town

   Sometimes the best thing to do in Portrush is simply to wander. This is the archetypal seaside town, with charming independent shops, traditional pubs, amusement arcades and a wonderfully walkable seafront. Stroll up Kerr Street for fine sea views, follow the path around Ramore Head, and explore the trails and low cliffs before heading back into the town centre for an ice cream or a pint.