In Portrush for The Open? Here's where to eat, drink and have great craic

Irish Independent

a day ago

Where to eat
Ramore Restaurant Complex — This is made up of six restaurants, all of which will offer live entertainment every night during The Open week.
Amici — Located between Portrush and Portstewart, this Italian restaurant uses local ingredients and homemade dough.
Shanty — Offering lunches, dinners and signature cocktails where the old boathouse used to be, Shanty has become a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
The Elephant Rock Hotel — The hotel's Eldon Bar and Restaurant boasts stunning sea views, bold interiors, fantastic cocktails and delicious food. It featured in the Irish Independent's Fab 50 in 2023.
Where to drink
The Harbour Bar — One of the oldest bars on the north coast with one of Northern Ireland's longest-serving barmen, Willie Gregg, you're guaranteed to receive a warm welcome from locals. Celebrities such as Jamie Dornan and Jimmy Nesbitt are known to pop in for a drink.
The Quays Gastropub — As well as an extensive selection of beers, wines and cocktails, this pub on Eglinton Street provides a variety of classics as well as fresh, locally-sourced seafood and seasonal specials. Guests can eat in either the indoor dining area or there is a spacious covered outdoor atrium where visitors can enjoy the fresh sea air.
Kiwi's Brew Bar — Located on Main Street where the town's famous cinema used to stand. The venue has much to offer including great food and drinks, live music, comedy nights and takes pride in its largest Irish whiskey collection on the north coast.
The Station Bar — The station building, designed by architect and engineer Berkeley Deane Wise, was opened in 1893 and now houses a bar with regular live entertainment.
Portrush Icons
The White House — Founded in 1891, the department store remains an institution and is as loved locally as by the many people who visit the north coast each year. It boasts brands such as Barbour, Joules, White Stuff, Gant and has a toy shop as well.
Kellys Complex — For over 50 years, Kellys has been a well-known fixture for entertainment. With The Barn, The Deerstalker, The Library Bar, Kon Tiki Boat Bar, Golflinks Hotel, The White Pheasant, Kellys Kitchen as well as its holiday homes, there is something for families, partygoers and foodies alike.
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T-Shirt City — This famous shop has been printing garments for over 50 years. Based on Main Street, Phyllis Niblock is now preparing to sell her business, but if you want to visit this emporium, be sure to grab a printed T-shirt.
The Dolphin — A traditional fish and chip shop on Causeway Street, if you want to sample their famous takeaways, be prepared to queue.
Curry's Fun Park — Still referred to as its former name, Barry's, by many, this small amusement park is packed full of fun for the family. Attractions include the waltzer, Aqua Valley water flume, dodgem cars, a rollercoaster and mini attractions for the wee ones.
Phil's Family Amusements and Bingo Hall — One of the island's finest ticket and prize shops with easy-to-play machines and weekend bingo, it's not surprising people have kept returning to Phil's over the years.
What's new?
The Marcus — Last month, Hilton opened its first venue on the north coast in an old Victorian-era hotel on Main Street in a €13m renovation. The Marcus hosts 80 rooms and has restored original elements of the building, telling the story of the locality through interior features and artwork.
Topblade Steakhouse — The third restaurant for its directors Aaron Taggart and John Crawford following their success in Portadown and Belfast, opening in the former KoKo location beside Curry's.
Urban — Only a stone's throw from Portrush's sea front, Urban offers an impressive menu.
Smash N Bird — Smashed burgers, ribs and wings, buttermilk chicken, thickshakes and buffalo fries are all on the agenda in a visit to this street food bar on Eglinton Street.
Alan Simpson's five Top Things to do in Portmagic
Portrush resident Alan Simpson runs the Portmagic Facebook page with almost 55,000 members. The popular media personality says 'Portmagic' is the feeling and sensation people get when they visit the town. The long-term promoter of the area gives us a rundown of his top five things to do:
West Strand and East Strand beaches in Portrush: Alan adds: 'West is best and East is for the rest!' There are surf and paddle boards lessons with Portrush, Troggs or Alive surf schools.
Curry's Fun Park: One of Northern Ireland's largest tourist attractions, the fun park has everything for little and big kids alike from the traditional ghost train to the euphoric Beast.
A 99 at Morelli's: With outlets in Portrush and Portstewart, no visit to the area is complete without an ice-cream from the Italian family run parlour.
Chat to the locals: They're a friendly bunch!