Although Rick seems to love Portrush... In reading the feedback section of this website for his Ireland guidebook, there seems to be more negative than positive comments about Portrush. Many are saying that Portrush is run down/very commercialized since he was there. But a few people mention Portstewart as a nice alternative (which is only a few miles down the road.) Does anyone on here have an opinion either way?
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Or what about Bushmills?
Posted by
Boston, MA, United States
1806 posts
Either are decent choices - especially if you have your own car. Certain sections of Portrush have that run down beach town feel about them - carnival rides along part of the beach and some streets with cheap tee shirt/souvenir shops and greasy chip shops. But if you walk around Portrush a bit, you can find nice, quiet areas along the water and some really good restaurants.
Posted by
Atlanta
3250 posts
Hi Amy,
I liked staying in Portrush because of it's quirkiness though I haven't been to Portstewart. We had a room in a B&B with a view of the bay and it was an easy walk to restaurants. It was a good base for visiting the Giant's Causeway and Bushmills Distillery.
Posted by
OP
Clarksville, TN, USA
956 posts
Thank you both for your comments! Ceidleh, your name sounded gaelic to me. Are you originally from Ireland?
Posted by
Derry
175 posts
Amy, if you are taking children with you, Portrush is OK. If you want to visit "The Giant's Causeway" (interesting) and the "Carrick-A Rede" rope bridge (which is fun) or you are golfers, OK. The town is tired to say the least. One night max then beat it. The "55 North Rest." (on the water/terrific views) is my only eating suggestion. Portstewart is tiny, nice, yet, tired. I would suggest that you pay the 2.50 daily pass and take the triangular bus trip from Portrush-Portstewart-Coleraine and back to Portrush all in one day. It's all city center to city center. Easy to do! It's simply your hop on-Hop off bus. Next day take the one hour train ride via Coleraine to LONDONDERRY and really enjoy the views. The Tower hotel (inside the wall) is an excellent choice. Eating in the Pubs was fun, local music starts around 10. All this is simple with train/bus. Enjoy your trip! Larry