The quiet Northern Irish town finally getting its moment in the spotlight

Dunluce Lodge

Along the coast road, near White Rocks beach, is the brand new £16.5million 5-star Dunluce Lodge, set alongside the fourth fairway in lush gardens. Fringed by pine trees, with views across to the uninhabited Skerries Islands, visitors can retreat to a rejuvenating spa set in woodlands or test the onsite putting green designed by golf architect Martin Ebert. The resort’s 35 suites boast outlandishly large beds, free-standing baths and spacious rain showers, and there’s a wine vault, cocktail bar and relaxed dining room (see below). You half expect Sean Connery to stroll in donning black tie.

The best restaurants in Portrush

Shanty

This town really is all about fish. Head to the waterfront Shanty, a simple seafood restaurant in a converted boathouse, for fat butter-soft scallops with charred pork belly, cauliflower puree and apple gel, or pearlescent cod, from Kilkeel in County Down, straddling a chickpea and chorizo stew. This is cooking that’s robust and hearty: perfect after a windy walk around the headland.

Address: Old Lifeboat Shelter, Portrush BT56 8AY
Website: shantyportrush.com

Bailú

At Dunluce Lodge’s elegant restaurant Bailú (Gaelic for ‘gathering’), with its soft banquettes and low lighting, acclaimed Fermanagh-born chef Stephen Holland is quietly at the helm. The emphasis is entirely on produce from the region, with smoked eel from Lough Neagh, salmon from Glenarm and, for carnivores, an outstanding venison loin from County Tyrone, served pink with sour white cabbage, caramelised macadamia nut and red wine jus.

Address: Dunluce House, Dunluce Rd, Portrush BT56 8NB
Website: dunlucelodge.com

Lir

A winner in Condé Nast Traveller’s 2024 UK’s Top New Restaurant Awards, Lir is an essential stop for foodies, located in the old Yacht Club building on a quiet stretch of the River Bann overlooking Coleraine Marina. Owners Rebekah and chef Stevie McCarry adopt a zero-waste policy, with every part of the fish used, from fins to cheeks, livers and throat, as well as less popular species like ling and dogfish: unique creations include ling kebabs, hake ‘chorizo’ and cod belly schnitzel smothered in an unctuous brandy mushroom sauce. Less daring diners will nonetheless enjoy the wildly popular haddock tacos or Kentucky fried monkfish burger.

Address: Marina, Lir, 66 Portstewart Rd, Coleraine BT52 1EY
Website: lirseafood.com

Arbor

For outstanding coffee and homemade focaccia sandwiches, stroll twenty minutes from Portrush centre to this artisan bakery on the outskirts of town. Brunch and lunch options include a signature smoked chicken club sandwich packed with chive mayo, caramelised onion, parmesan and bacon. And the petite gateaux are items of beauty, from the lemon meringue cake to the red rose velvet (be warned: they sell out quickly). Best of all, if it’s chilly, a wood-burner will be roaring.

Address: 39 Magheraboy Rd, Portrush BT56 8NX
Website: arborbakery.net