VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at county Antrim’s Portrush Coastal Zone

The Portrush Coastal Zone, located at 8 Bath Road, Portrush, County Antrim, BT56 8AP, is a small but engaging visitor centre operated by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Marine and Fisheries Division. Housed in a former Victorian Bath House at the western end of the Causeway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), it offers a family-friendly exploration of Ireland’s marine and coastal heritage.

The Portrush Coastal Zone provides an educational and interactive experience focused on the natural history, environment, and local heritage of the Causeway Coast. Its compact size makes it ideal for a short visit, particularly for families or those seeking a break from Portrush’s beaches and amusements. Here’s what visitors can anticipate:

Exhibitions and Collections:

Coastal and Marine Exhibits: The centre features displays on Ireland’s marine and coastal wildlife, including indoor rock pools with live sea creatures such as crabs, starfish, and anemones. These pools are a highlight for children, who enjoy observing marine life up close.
Geodiversity and Fossils: Storyboards and exhibits explore the geodiversity of the north coast, with a focus on the nearby Portrush National Nature Reserve, designated for its geology and fossils. Visitors can view fossils, whale bones, stuffed birds, and old photographs that highlight the area’s natural and historical significance.
Local History and Environment: The centre provides information on the Skerries and Causeway Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC), the province’s first marine protected area for harbour porpoises. Displays cover local maritime heritage and the ecological importance of the region.
Virtual Reality Suite: A VR suite, installed in partnership with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust as part of the European-funded Drifting Apart project, allows visitors to explore the coastal environment virtually, offering an immersive experience of the region’s geology and marine life.

Interactive and Family-Friendly Features:

Hands-On Activities: The centre offers colouring pages, quizzes, and interactive displays, making it particularly appealing for children aged 3–11. Reviewers note it’s “well suited to children” and provides “enough to entertain the family for 1–2 hours.”
Knowledgeable Staff: Staff members are praised for their expertise, answering questions about marine life and local history, augmenting the educational experience. One visitor highlighted a staff member who “knew everything he was asked.”
Marine Life Sightings Board: A whiteboard tracks recent sightings of dolphins, seals, and harbour porpoises, encouraging visitors to look out for wildlife from the centre’s viewing platform.
Viewing Platform: Located at the rear of the centre, the viewing platform offers stunning views across the Atlantic towards the Skerries, a series of small rocky islets that are an important habitat for marine species. Visitors may spot dolphins, seals, or harbour porpoises, especially during calm weather. The platform overlooks the Skerries and Causeway Marine SAC, adding a scenic highlight to the visit.

Visitor Amenities:

Free Admission: Entry is free, making it an accessible stop for families and budget-conscious travelers.
Typically open daily from April to September, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM, with reduced hours or closures outside peak season. Visitors should check www.discovernorthernireland.com, or contact DAERA (enquiries@daera-ni.gov.uk) for exact hours, as they vary seasonally.
The centre is housed in a single-story building, but specific accessibility details should be confirmed via the DAERA website or by contacting the centre.
Parking: Limited parking is available nearby, with free parking for up to one hour, then 40p per hour. Free parking is offered for exhibition ticket holders upon presenting tickets, though the centre itself is free. Situated on Bath Road, opposite Portrush West Strand, the centre is a short walk from Portrush’s main attractions, including the harbour, Barry’s Amusements (now Curry’s Fun Park), and the East and West Strand beaches. It’s adjacent to the Portrush National Nature Reserve, augmenting its appeal for nature lovers.
Compact and Informative: The centre is ideal for a 30-minute to 2-hour visit, particularly on rainy days when outdoor activities are limited. Reviewers describe it as a “good side attraction” with “interesting photographs of the area” and “enough to entertain” for a short visit.
Family-Friendly: The rock pools, aquariums, and activities like colouring pages make it a hit with children, though some note it’s not a full-day destination. One parent mentioned their kids (aged 3 and 7) “love visiting” for the sea creatures and activities.
Scenic Setting: Located in the Causeway Coast AONB, the centre is a gateway to exploring nearby natural wonders like the Portrush National Nature Reserve, Ramore Head, and the Skerries. Its proximity to the coast enhances its appeal for those combining a visit with beach walks or coastal drives.

Nearby Attractions:

The centre is a recommended stop along the Causeway Coastal Route, with easy access to:
Portrush Beaches: West Strand, East Strand, and Whiterocks Beach, all Blue Flag beaches, are within a 5–10-minute walk.
Dunluce Castle: A 10-minute drive, offering dramatic ruins and coastal views.
Giant’s Causeway: A 20-minute drive’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Portrush Visitor Information Centre: Located in Portrush Town Hall’s basement on Kerr Street, providing maps, guides, and booking services for local attractions.
Visitors can combine a visit with activities like surfing at East Strand, dining at Ramore Head restaurants, or exploring the Portrush Harbour.

What’s New:

Royal Portrush Golf Club will host The 153rd Open Championship from 13–20 July 2025, attracting an estimated 190,000 visitors to Portrush, as seen during the 2019 Open. This influx is likely to boost footfall to the Coastal Zone, leading to:
Extended Hours: The centre may extend its operating hours beyond the usual April–September season to accommodate visitors during the Open Championship.
Special Events: Temporary exhibitions or guided talks on marine conservation or coastal heritage are being considered to align with the event, capitalizing on Portrush’s global spotlight.
Collaborations: Partnerships with the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust or DAERA may result in new interpretive content, such as updated VR experiences or marine life tracking boards, to engage golf tourists exploring the area.
The council’s 2025 Bucket List, highlighted by DiscoverNI, encourages exploration of the Causeway Coastal Route, positioning the Coastal Zone as a key stop for learning about the region’s marine environment.

Community and Environmental Focus:

The Coastal Zone’s role in promoting the Skerries and Causeway Marine SAC suggests potential 2025 initiatives tied to marine conservation, such as community-led beach clean-ups or citizen science projects to monitor marine life sightings, aligning with DAERA’s environmental goals.
The centre may collaborate with local groups like the RNLI, which hosts an annual raft race in Portrush, to offer marine safety workshops or displays during the summer season.

Recommendations for Visitors

Check Opening Hours: Confirm seasonal hours via www.discovernorthernireland.com, or by emailing enquiries@daera-ni.gov.uk, especially outside April–September, as the centre may have limited winter hours.
Combine with Coastal Activities: Pair your visit with a walk along the Portrush National Nature Reserve, a coastal path to Portstewart via Rinnagree Coastal Park, or surfing at East Strand. The nearby Portrush Visitor Information Centre (Kerr Street) can provide maps and booking assistance.
Bring Kids: The rock pools and colouring activities are ideal for young children, making it a great stop on a rainy day or as part of a family itinerary.
Plan for The Open: If visiting during 13–20 July 2025, book accommodation early due to high demand for The 153rd Open. Use the Coastal Zone as a quiet retreat from the crowds, with its free admission and educational focus.
Look for Wildlife: Bring binoculars to the viewing platform for a chance to spot dolphins, seals, or porpoises, and check the sightings board for recent activity.

The Portrush Coastal Zone offers a compact, educational, and family-friendly experience, with free admission, live rock pools, marine exhibits, and a scenic viewing platform overlooking the Skerries. Ideal for a 1–2-hour visit, it’s a recommended complement to Portrush’s beaches and the Causeway Coastal Route., expect increased visibility due to The 153rd Open Championship, potential extended hours or special events, and updates to VR exhibits or conservation programmes. Its location in the Causeway Coast AONB, combined with its focus on marine heritage, makes it a delightful stop for visitors exploring Ireland’s stunning north Coast. For the latest updates, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com.