Guidebook for Castlerock
Food Scene
Great coffee and a sweet treats. Tray bakes are massive! Ideal for breakfast sitting on a comfy sofa with a morning newspaper. It is possible to walk through the Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne and then via the Black Glen into Castlerock.
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Crusoes Coffee Shop
15 Sea Rd Great coffee and a sweet treats. Tray bakes are massive! Ideal for breakfast sitting on a comfy sofa with a morning newspaper. It is possible to walk through the Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne and then via the Black Glen into Castlerock.
Ramore is a collection of restaurants located in one building. The wine bar is great for lunch or early dinner. They don't take bookings so I advise you to queue up well before 12.30 for lunch and 5pm for dinner - it is worth it. They have a pizzeria called Coast located in the same building, which is reasonably priced and also popular. If you have no kids or kids over 16 find tranquillity in Neptune and Prawn - we went there for our anniversary and had a special evening. The upstairs pre-dinner drinks/cocktails area is lovely. The Mermaid kitchen & Bar offers a casual and relaxed style of full service dining. It is a no-kids restaurant though (with the exception of Sunday Lunch Service).
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Ramore Restaurants
1 Harbour RdRamore is a collection of restaurants located in one building. The wine bar is great for lunch or early dinner. They don't take bookings so I advise you to queue up well before 12.30 for lunch and 5pm for dinner - it is worth it. They have a pizzeria called Coast located in the same building, which is reasonably priced and also popular. If you have no kids or kids over 16 find tranquillity in Neptune and Prawn - we went there for our anniversary and had a special evening. The upstairs pre-dinner drinks/cocktails area is lovely. The Mermaid kitchen & Bar offers a casual and relaxed style of full service dining. It is a no-kids restaurant though (with the exception of Sunday Lunch Service).
Wooden shack on Portstewart Strand. Food is scrumptious, service always great and the views of the beach and sea are fabulous. Great place to watch the sun go down over Donegal. It tends to be very busy so book ahead.
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Harry's Shack
116 Strand RdWooden shack on Portstewart Strand. Food is scrumptious, service always great and the views of the beach and sea are fabulous. Great place to watch the sun go down over Donegal. It tends to be very busy so book ahead.
Portstewart has a Dominican convent (an imposing Gothic mansion) with the attached Dominican College sitting on the edge of a cliff which dominates the western end of the Promenade. The site, formally known as "O'Hara's Castle" was built in 1834 and purchased by members of the Dominican order in 1917 for the purpose of being a centre of education in the north west of Ireland.
The eastern end of the Promenade has a small harbour which has recently undergone refurbishment.
Just west of the town stretches Portstewart Strand, a clean two-mile long blue flag beach, protected by the National Trust. Portstewart Strand has been the most popular attraction of Portstewart to holiday-makers for generations. Saint Patrick's well is to be found at the head of the strand, which was used in the 19th century and early 20th century for horse racing.
Beneath the convent is a cliff path which stretches along the coast from the Promenade to Portstewart Strand. From here it is a popular walk to the Barmouth, where the Bann flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliff path has panoramic views across the Strand and Downhill with Donegal in the background. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds.
The North Antrim Coast Path which forms part of the Ulster Way starts at Portstewart Strand and continues for 40 miles along the coast to Murlough Bay.
The town has a number of cafes and ice-cream shops including Morrelli's. Tends to be busy in the evenings particularly if the weather is good.
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Portstewart
Portstewart has a Dominican convent (an imposing Gothic mansion) with the attached Dominican College sitting on the edge of a cliff which dominates the western end of the Promenade. The site, formally known as "O'Hara's Castle" was built in 1834 and purchased by members of the Dominican order in 1917 for the purpose of being a centre of education in the north west of Ireland.
The eastern end of the Promenade has a small harbour which has recently undergone refurbishment.
Just west of the town stretches Portstewart Strand, a clean two-mile long blue flag beach, protected by the National Trust. Portstewart Strand has been the most popular attraction of Portstewart to holiday-makers for generations. Saint Patrick's well is to be found at the head of the strand, which was used in the 19th century and early 20th century for horse racing.
Beneath the convent is a cliff path which stretches along the coast from the Promenade to Portstewart Strand. From here it is a popular walk to the Barmouth, where the Bann flows out into the Atlantic Ocean. The cliff path has panoramic views across the Strand and Downhill with Donegal in the background. The Barmouth is a sanctuary for waders, wildfowl and nesting birds.
The North Antrim Coast Path which forms part of the Ulster Way starts at Portstewart Strand and continues for 40 miles along the coast to Murlough Bay.
The town has a number of cafes and ice-cream shops including Morrelli's. Tends to be busy in the evenings particularly if the weather is good.
Located at the Magilligan Ferry Terminal, The Point is about 15 minutes' drive from Downhill. Your effort will however be amply rewarded by both a fantastic sea view and the quality of the food; their seafood and Guinness is especially recommendable. It's especially nice in winter with an open fire in the bar area making a cozy atmosphere. The Points is also right next to the Magilligan Ferry to Greencastle, Donegal.
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The Point Bar & Restaurant
Point RoadLocated at the Magilligan Ferry Terminal, The Point is about 15 minutes' drive from Downhill. Your effort will however be amply rewarded by both a fantastic sea view and the quality of the food; their seafood and Guinness is especially recommendable. It's especially nice in winter with an open fire in the bar area making a cozy atmosphere. The Points is also right next to the Magilligan Ferry to Greencastle, Donegal.
Amici is not the closest restaurant from Downhill (it is about 35 mins’ drive away) but is one of the best Italian restaurants along the coast (and our firm favourite). Located on sea front, Amici offers stunning views and great good at a reasonable price. Don’t miss the Arancini appetizer.
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Amici Ristorante
Portmore RoadAmici is not the closest restaurant from Downhill (it is about 35 mins’ drive away) but is one of the best Italian restaurants along the coast (and our firm favourite). Located on sea front, Amici offers stunning views and great good at a reasonable price. Don’t miss the Arancini appetizer.
Drinks & Nightlife
The bar is always full - well it isn't very big. It has a really great atmosphere. You can stand outside and enjoy the fun. Although very touristy it still manages to retain authentic charm of an Ulster pub. Willie is brilliant, the place revolves around him. So much energy and makes everyone feel so welcome. You'll love being with the locals and sharing stories - and drinks! Great to end the evening after eating in the Harbour Bistro or one of the other Ramore restaurants.
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Harbour Gin Bar
1 Harbour RdThe bar is always full - well it isn't very big. It has a really great atmosphere. You can stand outside and enjoy the fun. Although very touristy it still manages to retain authentic charm of an Ulster pub. Willie is brilliant, the place revolves around him. So much energy and makes everyone feel so welcome. You'll love being with the locals and sharing stories - and drinks! Great to end the evening after eating in the Harbour Bistro or one of the other Ramore restaurants.
Sightseeing
The gem of NI coast is beyond a doubt The Giant's Causeway, a vast stretch of hexagonal rocks formed by volcanic activities. From Downhill it takes about 35 minutes to drive to Giant's Causeway. If you enter through the visitor’s centre, consider taking an audio guide too. From the visitor’s centre you can walk (for about 20 mins) or take a shuttle down to the Causeway from the visitor's centre. Once down at the Causeway you can walk and climb over the stones - many a photo op awaits! I just love spending my mornings here - it makes my weekend.
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Selciato del Gigante
The gem of NI coast is beyond a doubt The Giant's Causeway, a vast stretch of hexagonal rocks formed by volcanic activities. From Downhill it takes about 35 minutes to drive to Giant's Causeway. If you enter through the visitor’s centre, consider taking an audio guide too. From the visitor’s centre you can walk (for about 20 mins) or take a shuttle down to the Causeway from the visitor's centre. Once down at the Causeway you can walk and climb over the stones - many a photo op awaits! I just love spending my mornings here - it makes my weekend.
It is very close to the Giant’s Causeway. This famous and exciting rope bridge forms the centrepiece of a scenic hike (1 mile, 1 hour, moderate level) which starts at the reception hut. The hiking route is clear - there is only one hiking-trail/road leading to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (roughly eastward). On your left is the wild Atlantic Ocean, and to the right, fields of coastal farmland. PLEASE NOTE: You will need to purchase tickets only to cross the rope bridge (although there is no charge to park and walk down to the bridge's entrance).
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Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge
It is very close to the Giant’s Causeway. This famous and exciting rope bridge forms the centrepiece of a scenic hike (1 mile, 1 hour, moderate level) which starts at the reception hut. The hiking route is clear - there is only one hiking-trail/road leading to the Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (roughly eastward). On your left is the wild Atlantic Ocean, and to the right, fields of coastal farmland. PLEASE NOTE: You will need to purchase tickets only to cross the rope bridge (although there is no charge to park and walk down to the bridge's entrance).
Whiskey fans take note: Bushmills is Ireland’s oldest working distillery! Guided tours are available and highly recommended, for they provide great insight into the history and manufacturing process one of our favourite exports. The tour lasts about an hour and ends with a taste test...the sights, smells and atmosphere are exceptional. Well worth a visit especially on a rainy day!
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Old Bushmills Distillery
2 Distillery RdWhiskey fans take note: Bushmills is Ireland’s oldest working distillery! Guided tours are available and highly recommended, for they provide great insight into the history and manufacturing process one of our favourite exports. The tour lasts about an hour and ends with a taste test...the sights, smells and atmosphere are exceptional. Well worth a visit especially on a rainy day!
At one end of Whitepark Bay. It can be reached however by car if you travel on along the Coast Road towards Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. I absolutely love this little picturesque harbour, it has amazing dramatic scenery as you walk round the beach area. You could be lucky enough to be there when fishermen come in and sell the fish on the harbour side. Game of Thrones interest here too
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Ballintoy Harbour
At one end of Whitepark Bay. It can be reached however by car if you travel on along the Coast Road towards Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge. I absolutely love this little picturesque harbour, it has amazing dramatic scenery as you walk round the beach area. You could be lucky enough to be there when fishermen come in and sell the fish on the harbour side. Game of Thrones interest here too
This is one of the places I must visit regularly, if only to take in the incredible views from the on the road above the bay. At one end is the tiny fishing hamlet of Port Braddan and at the other is Elephant Rock leading eventually to picturesque Ballintoy. The beach can be reached by a path leading down from the carpark or from Ballintoy. The path down is a bit of a walk but gives you time to take in the views.
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Whitepark Bay
152 Whitepark Rd This is one of the places I must visit regularly, if only to take in the incredible views from the on the road above the bay. At one end is the tiny fishing hamlet of Port Braddan and at the other is Elephant Rock leading eventually to picturesque Ballintoy. The beach can be reached by a path leading down from the carpark or from Ballintoy. The path down is a bit of a walk but gives you time to take in the views.
Dunluce Castle - 30 mins by car (or 10 mins from Portrush town). Watch out for the sign as it is quite a sharp hairpin turn off the main road! As the former home of the clans McQuillan and MacDonnell, the roofless ruins are breathtaking especially at dusk, or in the sunshine with the white chalk cliffs of Portrush close by. A “Wee Cottage" is located next to the castle where you can grab a drink or a cuppa before or after your visit. Weather plays a big part in your enjoyment on the castle ruins - best save it for dry days. If you're lucky to see it on a sunny day the views of the coastline below including Whiterocks Beach and Portrush are stunning.
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Castello di Dunluce
87 Dunluce RdDunluce Castle - 30 mins by car (or 10 mins from Portrush town). Watch out for the sign as it is quite a sharp hairpin turn off the main road! As the former home of the clans McQuillan and MacDonnell, the roofless ruins are breathtaking especially at dusk, or in the sunshine with the white chalk cliffs of Portrush close by. A “Wee Cottage" is located next to the castle where you can grab a drink or a cuppa before or after your visit. Weather plays a big part in your enjoyment on the castle ruins - best save it for dry days. If you're lucky to see it on a sunny day the views of the coastline below including Whiterocks Beach and Portrush are stunning.
Parks & Nature
Downhill Beach is part of an 11km stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out. Downhill is a Blue Flag Award Beach 2015. Cars are permitted on this beach throughout the year.
This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry.
Downhill Beach is used in the filming of Game of Thrones as Dragonstone, where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”
Downhill is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) offering opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.
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Downhill Beachhouse
Mussenden Road Downhill Beach is part of an 11km stretch of sand and surf offering a wealth of activities including water sports, scenic walks and facilities for that perfect family day out. Downhill is a Blue Flag Award Beach 2015. Cars are permitted on this beach throughout the year.
This stretch of beach is one of the most scenic in Ireland and visitors can enjoy views to Counties Donegal, Antrim and Londonderry.
Downhill Beach is used in the filming of Game of Thrones as Dragonstone, where the Seven Idols of Westeros were burned and Melisandre, flames dancing into the night sky, proclaimed: “For the night is dark and full of terrors.”
Downhill is an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI) and is also a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) offering opportunities for nature walks and sightings of bird life amongst a backdrop of cascading waterfalls, extensive sand dunes, and the prominent Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed buildings in Northern Ireland.
Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including picnic spots, watersports, and fishing.
The clean, firm, golden sands of Benone Strand are without rocks, shingle or seaweed and are preceded by the glorious natural formations of Benone's sand dunes.
With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.
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Benone beach
Benone Avenue Benone Beach, multiple recipient of the European Blue Flag and Seaside Award, is a must-see when visiting the area. With seven miles of golden sand and a magnificent back drop of mountain and cliff scenery and stunning views across to Donegal, this is an attractive sightseeing environment along with the usual seaside activities including picnic spots, watersports, and fishing.
The clean, firm, golden sands of Benone Strand are without rocks, shingle or seaweed and are preceded by the glorious natural formations of Benone's sand dunes.
With a supervised playground, outdoor paddling pool and golf club, a fun filled day is guaranteed. It is a haven for nature lovers as the entire area is a paradise for the study of botany, entomology and shells.
Downhill Forest is probably the closest tourist attraction from the cottage - it is located within a 5-min short (but steep) walk. There are trails around a lake, and there is a nice cascade waterfall along Burrenmore Road. Note: The trail can get muddy in places if the rain has been heavy, so consider wearing hiking boots or a pair of Wellies.
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Downhill Forest
Downhill Forest is probably the closest tourist attraction from the cottage - it is located within a 5-min short (but steep) walk. There are trails around a lake, and there is a nice cascade waterfall along Burrenmore Road. Note: The trail can get muddy in places if the rain has been heavy, so consider wearing hiking boots or a pair of Wellies.
Shopping
Lovely market town, with plenty of lovely stores and coffee shops. Farmer's market/continental market one Saturday per month. Can be reached by car or train from Castlerock station.
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Coleraine
Lovely market town, with plenty of lovely stores and coffee shops. Farmer's market/continental market one Saturday per month. Can be reached by car or train from Castlerock station.
Entertainment & Activities
Superb place great cinemas ( 8 to choose from ) also 10 pin bowling when the weather is wet. The outdoor mini golf is excellent 18 holes of very well made golf landscaped areas
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Jet Centre
1 Riverside Park SSuperb place great cinemas ( 8 to choose from ) also 10 pin bowling when the weather is wet. The outdoor mini golf is excellent 18 holes of very well made golf landscaped areas
Barry's Amusements is the largest theme park in Northern Ireland. It is situated in the centre of Portrush, County Antrim, on the north coast. It is a popular family attraction for visitors to the area. Barry's opens on a seasonal basis, normally from around two weeks before Easter until the first week in September.
Barry's has a long-standing reputation of providing jobs for teenagers in the local area; rides are operated by older members of staff but the ride attendants are mostly school-going teenagers.
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Parco divertimenti di Barry
16 Eglinton StBarry's Amusements is the largest theme park in Northern Ireland. It is situated in the centre of Portrush, County Antrim, on the north coast. It is a popular family attraction for visitors to the area. Barry's opens on a seasonal basis, normally from around two weeks before Easter until the first week in September.
Barry's has a long-standing reputation of providing jobs for teenagers in the local area; rides are operated by older members of staff but the ride attendants are mostly school-going teenagers.