5 Things to See Near Royal Portrush

Over the past several years, Royal Portrush has become one of the hottest tickets in golf travel. Of course, the H&B Forces have been traveling to the Dunluce Links for decades, long before it was granted its worthy place on The Open rota. And while a Royal Portrush tee time serves as the highlight of many Ireland golf tours, the nearby area is filled with a variety of sites that shouldn’t be missed when in the area.

If you're counting down to a Northern Ireland golf trip, here are 5 things to see while sightseeing near Royal Portrush.

The Giant’s Causeway

Located less than 10 miles from the Dunluce Links, the Giant’s Causeway is a collection of over 40,000 stone columns that form hexagonal steps leading from the cliffs to the sea. Irish legend claims that the causeway was built by a giant so he could cross the sea to Scotland and settle a long running feud. Geologists offer the more plausible explanation that the Causeway was created during volcanic activity some 60 million years ago. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes for your visit, as it’s a two mile circular walk from the Visitors Centre, past the towering stone columns, and onward the edge of the Causeway.

Carrick-Rede Rope Bridge

Just a few minutes from the Giant’s Causeway, the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge is a thrill-seekers delight. For more than 300 years, the rope bridge has provided the only access to Carrick-a-rede Island for the local fishermen. Today, the bridge is much more heavily used by the thousands of visitors who come to traverse it each year. Suspended nearly 100 feet above the chasm below, the bridge is not for the fainthearted or those fearful of heights. It sways and wobbles underfoot and is even closed from time to time due to high winds. Be sure to bring your camera and maybe pack a lunch to enjoy alongside the incredible views.

Dunluce Castle

Perched on a 100 foot-high sheer cliff, the ruins of Dunluce Castle loom over the Royal Portrush links of the same name. The castle dates from around the 10th century and was extended many times in the centuries that followed. The ruin was the 16th century stronghold of the MacDonnell’s, a Scottish clan, but was heavily damaged in 1584. Legend has it that the MacDonnell’s were only able to repair their fortress after a Spanish Armada treasure ship was wrecked nearby in 1588. The castle remains the property of MacDonnell descendants, and offers a popular photo op for the H&B Forces on Northern Ireland golf tours.

Bushmills Distillery

Located just two miles from the Giant’s Causeway, “Old Bushmills” was granted its license by King James I in April 1608. And so, for over 400 years, the village of Bushmills has produced the finest Irish malt whiskey. Today the distillery runs one of the most interesting guided tours of any production facility in the UK and Ireland, capped with a tasting of its famous export. Those looking for the full Bushmills experience should pop into the nearby Bushmills Inn, where the full range of whiskey can be enjoyed in the famous Gas Bar or alfresco on their beautiful patio.

The Harbour Bar

In the heart of Portrush near the town’s picturesque harbour lies one of the best 19th holes in golf. It doesn’t matter that it's nearly 2 miles from the nearest putting green, The Harbour Bar is where everyone who's anyone goes for a post-round libation after their loop around Royal Portrush. Longtime barman, Willie Gregg, is a legend in these parts, and by the time your visit is over you’re likely to be fast friends. Put simply, The Harbour Bar is the kind of place where “just one pint” turns into three or four, possibly leading to a few stories that’ll be retold amongst your group for years to come.