Portstewart, Northern Ireland
Portstewart in Northern Ireland is a classy tourist destination on the north coast with a gorgeous harbour, a spectacular beach, the championship Portstewart golf club, promenade, great cafes, parks, restaurants, outdoor swimming pools, and ice cream parlours, as well as a children’s pleasure beach and sand dunes to explore.
Portstewart has many places to relax while watching the world go by and is one of the major tourist attractions on the Causeway Coast. This seaside Port on the north Antrim coast was well loved in the Victorian era, and it has managed to retain both its public appeal and heritage.
Many visitors travel to Portstewart via the scenic coastal road from Coleraine or by public transport, enjoying beautiful views along the way.
Not many golf clubs in the British Isles have 3 golf courses, but Portstewart County Londonderry is one of them, featuring the notable Championship Strand Course.
Peaceful Haven
Portstewart From from the Big Wheel
Portstewart is a beautiful Seaside Town on the north coast of Northern Ireland in the county Londonderry and there is plenty to do for the whole family. This gorgeous holiday destination gets lots of visitors who love to spend time on the Causeway Coast but are looking for a more peaceful sanctuary. The relaxed atmosphere provides a pleasurable escape from the everyday hustle and bustle. Visitors can enjoy lazy picnics in the scenic dune landscape of Portstewart Strand, an important nature conservation site that offers unique recreational opportunities and ecological significance. The dunes are home to a variety of butterfly species, including the common blue, which can often be seen fluttering among the grasses. Way marked trails are available throughout the conservation area, allowing visitors to explore the natural habitat safely and enjoy the scenery.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, there is lots to do in Portstewart for both adults and children and in the summer months, parking space close to the town centre is at a premium as the locals flock in to spend some time at the Promenade.
Portstewart Crescent
The CRescent Beach & Lower Promenade at Portstewart
Portstewart Crescent is just off the Promenade and it has been recently been refurbished. There is a fair amount of parking close by. The outdoor play area provides hours of fun and offers a boating lake, paddling pools, paddle board, fountain, park, shops, karting, bandstand, and cafes. There is also a viewing area with plenty of outdoor covered seating.
The first of its kind fountain in Europe, comprises 33 small water jets which are arranged in three rows of 11. The water pulses to the beat of the music and this creates a captivating light, water, and music show.
The western end of the promenade comes alive with water activities for kids, musical entertainment, and the summer festival, making it a lively hub for families and visitors.
Dining and Entertainment in Portstewart Golf Club
Portstewart has many eateries. On the Portstewart Promenade, the well-known Morelli’s serves award winning ice cream that is absolutely delicious and is available in many mouth-watering flavours. A Knickerbocker Glory is totally impressive. Morelli’s is open daily from 9 am until 10 pm and hot food is served until 8pm. Morelli’s has been founded in the early 1900’s and it is very popular with visitors to Northern Ireland and locals.
The Anchor Complex is the centre of Portstewart nightlife scene and it features the Aura Nightclub, Anchor Bistro and Anchor Bar, often visited by tourists and locals alike.
Dancing is available upstairs at the Havana Night Club, or you can enjoy a drink in the bar and dine in the restaurant at Shenanigans on the Promenade.
The Flowerfield Arts Centre is the first Arts Centre that was established in Northern Ireland, and it hosts great concerts and creative events. The Arts Centre has Art Exhibitions around the year and offers a substantial range of arts and crafts courses for children and adults. These include dying, jewellery making, calligraphy, weaving, and much more. It is set in a Victorian Mansion that has a colourful history and was built in 1855.
Old O’Hara Castle
Old OHaras Castle Now Domincan College Portstewart
Built in 1834, O’Hara Castle now functions as Dominican College, and the building provides an impressive backdrop as you look out over the golden sand dunes to the Atlantic Ocean from the Portstewart Promenade. The waves crashing over the black rocks is a truly impressive sight.
The Mussenden Temple, another attraction on the Causeway Coast, can be seen from Portstewart Strand, Mussenden Temple perched high and majestic on the awe-inspiring cliffs that are a prominent feature of the coastline.
The cliff path forms part of the Causeway Coast Way, and can be taken from Dominican College to the Portstewart Strand and provides some of the most stunning coastal panoramic views in the world. Soak up the amazing vistas of the River Bann estuary, the beach, Donegal, Lough Foyle, and Scotland in the distance. The Causeway Coast Way also leads to the iconic Giant’s Causeway, a must-see natural attraction.
Portstewart Golf Club is nearby, and its historic old course, established in 1894 along the rocky shore, is renowned for its scenic setting. Just a short distance away, Royal Portrush Golf Club is regarded as one of the world’s premier links courses.
The promenade is perfect for a stroll, and Portstewart Harbour serves as a hub for boating activities, cruises, sea angling, and offers picturesque views along the promenade.
The west side of the River Bann estuary is a great spot for bird-watching and exploring nature reserves.
Portstewart Strand: Important Nature Conservation Site
Portstewart Strand at Sunset
Portstewart Strand holds the prestigious Blue Flag award, is 2 miles long, and is one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches. The Blue Flag award is earned by beaches that meet the highest standards for safety, water quality, and environmental information and education. The atlantic mouth between Portstewart Strand and the golf courses is a scenic area, emphasizing its importance as a conservation site and a popular spot for leisurely walks.
Portstewart Strand’s Western boundary is at the River Bann estuary, while the Portstewart Golf Club forms the Eastern boundary. Portstewart Strand is run by the National Trust and it is one of Northern Ireland’s most visited.
Its inherent beauty and pristine waters make Portstewart Strand perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, surfing, and fishing. Surf conditions here are suitable for all skill levels, and surf lessons or equipment hire are available seasonally. You can also jog, take a stroll, ride horses or take a walk with your dog. It is simply amazing to wander through the sand dunes. This two-mile stretch is a precious habitat, offering trails, scenic views, and opportunities to observe local wildlife.
Access by car is right at the beach, which makes things much easier, especially if you have kids with you. You can set up your picnic supplies from your car’s boot, bring any gear you want without lugging it around, and even enjoy a covered siesta with priceless views. Please note that no towing service is available after hours, so ensure your vehicle is removed before closing. The wild pansy flowers create a picturesque setting, and you can watch the wild pansy flowers dance in the breeze, enhancing the tranquil environment.
Although you have to pay to bring your car to the beach in high season, it’s well worth it. National Trust members get parking for free.
There is also a shop that sells beach related equipment, hot drinks, and ice creams. The Mussenden Temple, another attraction on the Causeway Coast, can be seen from Portstewart Strand standing high and majestic on the awe-inspiring cliff.
During the North West 200 motorcycle race, public roads in the area are temporarily closed and transformed into a racing circuit for this major event.
Accommodation in Portstewart
Portstewart welcomes visitors with a fantastic array of accommodation options, ensuring every traveler finds their perfect base on the north coast of Northern Ireland. Whether you’re seeking the comfort of a luxurious hotel, the charm of a cozy bed and breakfast, the flexibility of a self-catering apartment or cottage, or a unique experience at a glamping camp site near Portrush, Portstewart town has something to suit every taste and budget. Many places to stay are nestled close to the golden sand of Portstewart Strand, one of Northern Ireland’s finest beaches, or within easy reach of the bustling promenade, scenic coastal paths, and the renowned Portstewart Golf Club.
For those who love waking up to the sound of the Atlantic Ocean, several accommodations offer stunning views across the two-mile stretch of golden sand, the dramatic sand dunes, and the panoramic Atlantic mouth where the River Bann empties into the sea. Holiday makers can choose to stay right in the heart of town, steps from vibrant cafes and shops, or opt for a peaceful retreat near the spectacular beach, with easy access to long walks along the Causeway Coast Way and the cliff path that affords views of the Inishowen headland and beyond.
Families, couples, and groups will find endless opportunity for relaxation and adventure, with many holiday homes and apartments offering direct access to the beach, perfect for lazy picnics, surfing, or simply soaking up the stunning views. The area around the Bann Estuary is especially popular with nature lovers, as it’s an important nature conservation site and a haven for wading birds and native wildlife.
Portstewart is also committed to being an inclusive beach destination. Many accommodation providers offer accessible rooms and facilities, and the Mae Murray Foundation works closely with the National Trust to ensure that Portstewart Strand is welcoming to all, making it one of the most inclusive beaches on the Causeway Coast. National Trust members benefit from free parking at the beach, making it even easier to enjoy the miles of golden sand and the precious habitat of the dunes.
With its blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality, Portstewart is the ideal place to stay while exploring the wonders of the Causeway Coast, from the iconic Giant’s Causeway to the historic harbour and the vibrant arts scene at the Flowerfield Arts Centre. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a longer holiday, Portstewart’s accommodation options put you at the heart of the action, with the spectacular beach, scenic walks, and all the charm of the north west of Ireland right on your doorstep.
