TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Some of the main tourist attractions in the Portrush area:

Giant's Causeway: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant's Causeway is a must-visit attraction and is one of the most tourist attractions in Ireland. It is a unique natural wonder and a must-visit destination. The Causeway is made up of thousands of hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. Visitors can explore the Causeway on foot, and there's also a visitor centre with exhibits and guided tours available.

According to legend, the Giant's Causeway was created by the giant Finn McCool, who built the causeway to cross the sea to Scotland to fight another giant. However, scientists believe that the basalt columns were formed by a volcanic eruption that occurred around 60 million years ago.

The basalt columns at the Giant's Causeway are all hexagonal in shape, and the majority of them are between 1-2 feet in diameter. The columns are incredibly uniform in size and shape, which is what makes the site so unique. A must see!!

The Giant's Causeway comprises around 40,000 thousand interlocking basalt columns — The World Famous, Giant's Causeway, Northern Ireland - An Unesco Heritage Site.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: This is another popular tourist attraction in the area. The bridge is suspended over a 100-foot-deep chasm and offers stunning views of the coastline. Visitors can cross the bridge to reach a small island, where there are walking trails and picnic areas. The bridge can be a bit daunting for those with a fear of heights, but it's a thrilling experience for most visitors.

Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, North Coast, Northern Ireland

Dunluce Castle: This iconic castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and is a popular tourist attraction in the area. Visitors can explore the ruins and learn about the history of the castle and its former inhabitants. There are also stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline from the castle.

Old Bushmills Distillery: For whiskey enthusiasts, the Old Bushmills Distillery is a must-visit destination. The distillery has been producing whiskey for over 400 years and offers guided tours that take visitors through the whiskey-making process. There's also a gift shop where visitors can purchase whiskey and other souvenirs.

Portrush Beaches: Portrush is home to several beautiful beaches, including East Strand, West Strand, and White Rocks. These beaches are popular with tourists and locals alike and offer opportunities for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants along the beachfront.

Portstewart Strand: This beautiful beach is located just outside of Portrush and is a popular destination for tourists. The beach is over two miles long and offers stunning views of the coastline. There are also several walking trails and picnic areas in the surrounding dunes.

These are just a few of the main tourist attractions in the Portrush area. There are also plenty of other great destinations to explore, including the Mussenden Temple, the Dark Hedges, and the Glenariff Forest Park.

Outside of the immediate area Northern Ireland has a wealth of attractions to offer visitors from all over the world including the following

Titanic Belfast: This is a museum and visitor experience that tells the story of the famous Titanic ship, which was built in Belfast. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits and learn about the history of the ship and its passengers.

Carrickfergus Castle: This is a medieval castle located on the shores of Belfast Lough. The castle dates back to the 12th century and has been well-preserved, making it a popular attraction for history buffs and castle enthusiasts.

The Dark Hedges: This is a beautiful avenue of beech trees that has become famous as a filming location for the TV series "Game of Thrones." Visitors can walk along the avenue and take in the stunning scenery.

The Dark Hedges, Northern Ireland — The Dark Hedges – Now world famous after appearing in first episode of the second season of the Game of Thrones

The Glens of Antrim: This is a beautiful area of Northern Ireland that's known for its stunning scenery and traditional Irish culture. Visitors can explore the picturesque villages, hike in the hills, and learn about the local history and traditions.

Speed Boat Tours from Portrush Harbour - Enjoy a trip around the Portrush coast, feel the wind in your face as you race across the waves at top speed! North Coast Speed Boat Trips can take you out to the Skerries, a beautiful set of islands that are inhabited by wildlife such as seabirds, seals and rabbits. If you are lucky you might even see some dolphins. They also run other tours as well – Check out their website at https://northcoastspeedboattrips.co.uk/

The Ulster Museum: This is a museum that showcases the art, history, and culture of Northern Ireland. Visitors can explore exhibits on topics ranging from archaeology to modern art.

The Giant's Ring: This is a neolithic henge monument located just outside Belfast. The site dates back to around 2700 BC and is a fascinating glimpse into the ancient history of Northern Ireland.

These are just a few of the many tourist attractions that Northern Ireland has to offer. From stunning natural landscapes to rich cultural history, there's something for everyone in this beautiful country!