6 minute read
The Allure of Portrush: Golf courses, Castles and Atlantic beauty
With wild landscapes and a stunning coastline, Portrush is a gateway to Northern Ireland’s rich heritage. From weather-beaten beaches to historic castles, there is plenty to discover beyond the fairways.
Located in County Antrim on Northern Ireland’s dramatic North Coast, Portrush is a town where land and sea collide in spectacular fashion. It’s a place of rolling dunes, crashing waves and storied landscapes where ancient castles stand guard over rugged cliffs. Just over an hour from Belfast, the drive to Portrush winds along one of the most scenic coastlines in Ireland with cinematic Atlantic views.
As the home of Royal Portrush Golf Club, one of the world’s finest links courses, the town has long been a premier golfing destination. The club hosted The Open Championship in 2019 and will welcome it again in July 2025. In anticipation, Dunluce Lodge, a luxurious five-star retreat, has recently opened beside the fourth fairway, offering Dream Escape guests unparalleled views over the course and coastline.
Nearby, Castlerock, Ballycastle and Portstewart are just a few of the many links courses spoiling golfers with spectacular scenery and challenging play. The Royal County Down is also worth visiting.
Though golf is a big draw, there’s much more to discover beyond the fairways, including immersive experiences and rich local culture. Dream Escape handles every detail, from securing tee times to curating bespoke activities for the non-golfers.
Portrush is the epitome of natural beauty, perching on a peninsula sculpted by the wild Atlantic and glorious beaches on both sides. One of the loveliest on this North Antrim Coast is East Strand, where shimmering dunes create a scenic setting for sunbathing, surfing, barefoot strolls and horseback rides. Following this stretch of golden sand along the coastline, you’ll come to Whiterocks, where weathered limestone cliffs and sculpted sea caves create a remarkable sight.
If you’re looking for a more hands-on way to explore the North Coast, a luxury horseback riding tour is truly special. Your day begins at an 18th century family farmhouse, where you’ll be welcomed with high tea, warm Irish hospitality and a tour of the Patterson family’s working farm. Then, it’s time to saddle up for a ride through rolling countryside or across coastal trails. It’s an exhilarating way to appreciate the timeless beauty of this part of the world.
To truly embrace Portrush’s deep ties to the sea, rise early for a fishing trip—just as locals have for generations. As dawn breaks, Dream Escape will arrange a private boat with an expert skipper, and you’ll head into the Atlantic, casting your line as the first light dances on the waves. With the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle as your backdrop, you’ll reel in the freshest seafood before a private chef transforms it into a gourmet meal served with uninterrupted sea views.
Dream Escape ’s Travel Designers will also arrange behind-the-ropes experiences for guests seeking a deeper connection to Northern Ireland’s history and heritage. You’ll travel through the region in a chauffeur-driven Range Rover with our trusted travel partner and knowledgeable guide, Mark, who brings the region’s history, nature and folklore to life by highlighting what makes this place unique.
As Mark puts it, “from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local culture, each moment here invites you to explore the past and appreciate the beauty of the present.”
One of the best ways to explore Northern Ireland’s past is with a visit to Glenarm Castle, where Lord Antrim has granted Dream Escape clients exclusive access. Enter the ancestral home of the McDonnell family, Earls of Antrim, and wander through the grand drawing room, dining room and the elegant ‘Blue Room’ where the family butler and house staff share stories, offering a rare glimpse into centuries of noble heritage. End your visit with a ramble through the charming 17th century Walled Garden, savouring the privilege of experiencing one of Northern Ireland’s most historic estates in a way few will.
Another highlight of any visit to County Antrim is Dunluce Castle. Once the home of the Earl of Antrim, this medieval fortress stands dramatically on a cliff’s edge, creating a striking spectacle. Step back in time and discover life ‘above and below stairs’ as the castle’s butler and gardener share fascinating accounts and detailed historical insights, painting a rich picture of its remarkable past.
Fans of Game of Thrones may recognise Dunluce Castle as the inspiration for House Greyjoy’s stronghold, but it’s just one of many filming sites in the area. The Dark Hedges (the Kingsroad), Ballintoy Harbour (the Iron Islands), and Murlough Bay (Slaver’s Bay) all played starring roles in the series, and Dream Escape can arrange a guided tour, where behind-the-scenes insights bring the world of Westeros to life.
Beyond its cinematic connections, this coastline is the perfect setting for adventure, and few places rival the thrill of crossing the famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. Fishermen once braved the swaying path between the mainland and the island - are you daring enough to follow?
Feel the rush as you traverse this natural limestone arch, suspended high above the crashing waves. On the other side, private access to the historic fisherman’s cottage offers a glimpse into its seafaring past with captivating tales that reveal the myths and legends of the Causeway Coast.
If you need to steady your nerves after braving the rope bridge, a smooth dram of whiskey might be just the thing. A short drive away, the village of Bushmills is home to the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery. Dream Escape can arrange an exclusive behindthe-scenes tour of Bushmills Distillery and a private tasting of rare and aged expressions. This intimate experience is the perfect way to warm up before continuing your journey along the Causeway Coast.
Speaking of which, no trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, one of the world’s most iconic geological wonders. Marvel at the formation of approximately 40,000 basalt columns as you are guided by an expert storyteller who shares his family’s deeprooted connection to this UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Nature Reserve. With the sunsetting and the wild Atlantic crashing against the rocks, this is the perfect place to reflect on the legends, landscapes, and moments that define this land.
Words | Melanie May
