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Welcome to Northern Ireland’s very own Riviera, a
magical land of golden beaches, dramatic scenery, and a
host of attractions for all the family.
The seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart are
synonymous with the traditional family summer holiday,
but recent investment and development mean they cater
for a wide range of holiday for all ages. The broad
clean beaches are perfect for long sunny days spent
building sandcastles or searching for treasure in the
rock pools. Or take a walk along the shore as far as
your legs will carry you, absorbing the fresh sea air
and beautiful surroundings. Portstewart Strand is owned
by the National Trust, and it is among the best-kept in
the province. With a backdrop of high sandy dunes, it is
the ideal spot for an ice-cream or a snooze on the sand.
The towns themselves are great shopping destinations,
where you can find anything from the obligatory souvenir
stick of rock to the most stylish holiday gear. Don’t
miss a visit to Portrush’s own ‘White House’ – the
President may not be about, but something is sure to
catch your eye in this long-established department
store. One of the biggest attractions – for young and
old! – is Barry’s amusement park in Portrush. Well-known
for thrills and spills, this is the place to get your
adrenalin pumping. Children and young people will find
no shortage of rides or amusements, and for parents,
this is the chance to show your children just how brave
you are! The Big Dipper is a favourite – enjoy a superb
view of the sea, if you have the nerve to keep your eyes
open…
If you prefer more leisurely activity, the nearby
Portrush Golf Club is the perfect place for a round on
the green. Its top-class course and stunning setting
attract some of the best-known international names in
the golfing world.
Away form the main towns, a drive along the coast in
either direction will reveal a multitude of delights.
Westward from Portstewart, via the bustling shopping and
student town of Coleraine, you’ll come to Downhill
beach. This is a fairytale setting – cliffs rising
behind the beach, with the train line running parallel
to the beach before disappearing into the mountain,
waves crashing onto the golden sand… Aloft on the cliff
edge stands Mussenden Temple, with panoramic views of
the beach below and the coast beyond – particularly
breathtaking at sunset. This unusual circular building
is part of the Mussenden Estate, now owned by the
National Trust. You can visit the ruined mansion or have
a picnic in the grounds.
Travelling eastward from Portrush brings you to the
charming village of Bushmills – famous for its whisky
distillery. Thousands of visitors come each year for a
tour of the oldest distillery in Ireland (?), and to
sample one of the Ulster’s most famous exports.
Just round the coast, the Giant’s Causeway is
Northern Ireland’s number one tourist attraction, and
with good cause. The legendary ‘steps of the giants’ –
thousands of hexagonal rock formations jutting out into
the sea – form a truly amazing sight. In spite of the
many visitors, this is a awe-inspiring and magical spot.
A choice of walks allows you to enjoy and explore at
your leisure.
Not far from the Causeway, Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge
is slung between a cliff on the mainland and a tiny,
dramatic rock projecting up from the sea. A walk across
the slightly swaying bridge with the sea far beneath is
an unforgettable experience – best kept for a non-windy
day!
Views from the coast to Rathlin Island may tempt you
to make the ferry trip from Ballycastle to explore this
natural haven for birds and wildlife, and perhaps even
try your hand at the fishing! If you happen to be in
Ballycastle at the end of August, the Auld Lammas Fair,
a traditional country festival, will provide hours of
fun and entertainment.
With quality camping and caravanning facilities, and
an ever broadening choice of attractions and
restaurants, it will be hard to tear yourself away from
this lovely holiday destination of Northern Ireland’s
north coast.
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