Walking

Portrush is a beautiful coastal town in Northern Ireland, and there are many great walks to explore in the area. Here are some of the best local walks I can suggest -

Portrush Coastal Path: This scenic walk takes you along the coastline of Portrush, providing stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean and the coastline. It's an easy walk that takes around an hour to complete, and it's suitable for all ages and fitness levels. Along the way, you'll see the famous Portrush Harbour and the ruins of Dunluce Castle in the distance. There are also several beaches and cafes along the route where you can stop for a break.

East Strand Beach, Portrush, Northern Ireland - Going towards Dunluce Castle
East Strand Beach, Portrush, Causeway Coast

Giant's Causeway: The Giant's Causeway is a unique natural wonder and a must-visit attraction in the area. The walk to the Causeway is around 2 miles long and takes you along the stunning coastline. The Causeway is made up of over 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns, which were formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. The walk to the Causeway is relatively easy, but there are some steep steps to navigate. Along the way, you'll see other fascinating rock formations, such as the Giant's Boot and the Chimney Stacks.

Dunluce Castle: This iconic castle is perched on a cliff overlooking the sea and is a fantastic spot for a walk. Visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy the beautiful views. The castle was built in the 13th century and was the seat of the Earl of Antrim until the 17th century. It was abandoned in the 18th century and has been in ruins ever since. The walk to the castle is relatively easy, and there are plenty of spots to take in the stunning views.

    Dunluce Castle
    Dunluce Castle, Causeway Coast

    Binevenagh Mountain: For those looking for a more challenging hike, Binevenagh Mountain is a great option. The mountain offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The walk to the summit is around 3 miles long and takes around 2 hours to complete. It's a challenging walk, but the views are well worth the effort. From the summit, you can see across Lough Foyle to County Donegal and the Sperrin Mountains.

    Mussenden Temple: This beautiful temple is perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The walk to the temple takes you along the cliff top, providing breathtaking views. The temple was built in the 18th century and was originally used as a library. Today, it's a popular spot for photos and a great place to take in the views. The walk to the temple is relatively easy, and there are plenty of spots to stop and admire the views along the way.

    Causeway Coastal Walk: This is a stunning 33-mile walk that stretches from Portstewart to Ballycastle, taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery on the North Coast of Northern Ireland. The walk can be done in sections, and there are several great walks along the way, including:

    • Portstewart Strand to Portrush: This section of the walk takes you along the sandy beach of Portstewart Strand before heading along the cliff top towards Portrush. The walk offers stunning views of the coastline and is around 2.5 miles long.

    • Dunluce Castle to Portballintrae: This section of the walk takes you past the iconic ruins of Dunluce Castle before heading along the cliff top towards the picturesque village of Portballintrae. The walk is around 4.5 miles long and offers stunning views of the coastline and the sea.

    • Giant's Causeway to Bushmills: This section of the walk takes you along the stunning coastline from the Giant's Causeway to the charming town of Bushmills. Along the way, you'll see stunning rock formations, such as the Chimney Stacks and the Organ Pipes. The walk is around 3.5 miles long.

    • Ballintoy Harbour to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge: This section of the walk takes you along the cliff top towards the famous Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. The walk offers stunning views of the coastline and is around 2.5 miles long.

    Causeway Costal Route Walk, Northern Ireland
    Causeway Costal Route Walk, Northern Ireland

    Overall, the Causeway Coastal Walk is a great way to explore the stunning scenery of the North Coast of Northern Ireland. The walk is suitable for all ages and fitness levels, and there are plenty of great spots to stop for a break along the way. Best of all, the walk is free, so it's a great way to enjoy the beauty of the area without breaking the bank!

    Walkni.com is a great website to check out about all sorts of walks in Northern Ireland.