Holiday in Northern Ireland - Portrush vs Bangor? (or neither?!)

[lechatdhenri]

Neither of us have ever been to Northern Ireland, and we realised the kids have never been on a ferry, so we figured we might go for 5-6 days, at the end of August/beginning of September. Kids are 9 & 12, they want to go to the beach, somewhere with a few amusement arcades, nice cafes, we want to go on a day trip to Giant’s Causeway. We don’t want long walks due to disabilities but pretty scenery would be nice. We’re looking for holiday cottages not holiday parks, I don’t want to spend a fortune but we’re not holiday park people!

We are trying to decide between Portrush and Bangor but online reviews for both vary from ‘a delightful seaside town’ to ‘it’s a rundown shithole’ So we’re finding it hard to work out where would be best. I thought Bangor might be slightly warmer being on the more sheltered east coast, but looking at the average weather for both is slightly putting me off going at all!

Is this a terrible idea or will it actually not be cold, rainy and grim?

We had a brilliant holiday in Ballycastle a few years ago. Great beach, town and access to GC.

Of the 2 portrush will be way handier to Giants causeway - if you are not already members join the national trust for entry to causeway, carrick-a-rede rope bridge and downhill demense - if you have a car you can easily fill 5/6 days on the north coast - I can recommend Shanty in Portrush for food and there are an abundance of nice cafes in both in it and portstewart a great holiday for younger kids - one of the most stunning beaches is Benone strand and you could even take a day trip to derry on the train from portrush - its a lovely walkable historic city and the train journey along the coast is amazing!

Definitely not Bangor. It's nice for a few hours but North Antrim coast has so much more to offer. Portrush and surrounding towns are so much nicer and there are a lot more things to do.

Second Ballycastle, for all the above reasons. Where would you be travelling from to get the ferry to Northern Ireland?

Definitely Portrush. You can go to Curry's amusement park, 2 gorgeous beaches and the giants causeway close by. If you dont have a car you can get a train to Derry or Castlerock etc. Theres loads of airb&bs.

Portrush is great, but Castlerock just down the coast is even nicer and much quieter if that's your thing.

Portrush is great and a good base to see places from. There are some excellent places to eat lots of local food

Portrush. massive beautiful beach. Check if the curry's amusement park/fairground is open in sep from memory it closes at end of Aug. Lots to do in and around Portrush. Bangor is soooo run down now 😥

For those local, what is Curry's like? Is it the same as Barry's was?

Definitely not castlerock if you’ve got kids to entertain! Portrush has loads going on and easily accessible beaches either side. It’s very handy for the giants causeway. And if you’re looking quieter, there’s always portstewart. Just check your Airbnb definitely has WiFi though - I made that mistake, going back for a friend’s funeral recently. Kids not happy!

Curry’s is Barry’s, just under new ownership

Yes, pretty much the same as Barry's
Please dont be getting overexcited about this OP - its like a static travelling fairground not a real amusement park. But a NI staple and our DC love it

Definitely Portrush/north coast over Bangor. Bangor isn't really a holiday town its more of a commuter town to Belfast.
Much more to do and better scenery on the north coast.

We’d be getting the overnight Liverpool to Belfast ferry. We’re nowhere near Liverpool but the DCs support Liverpool and have never been there either so spending a few hours there in the afternoon will be fun anyway.

Thank so much for the replies, it seems like Portrush and surrounding areas are a better bet. Will it not be colder there than Bangor?

The cold is worth it over Bangor. It is rundown, most shops on the high street are closed and the marina area is currently being done up. It’s also about an hour and a half from Giant’s Causeway if you were looking to go to it.
Portrush has much more to do, as does the surrounding areas. Portstewart has a nice strand as well. Certainly it can be windy as you’re on the coast but just check weather and pack accordingly.

I live in Bangor and I would highly recommend Portrush. We do have some lovely parts here but it is run down and although they are renovating the marina, it’s near from finished. My kids love portrush and fingers crossed you get good weather! We holidayed in Ballycastle a lot as children, lovely beach but kids would prefer Portrush with the amusements and beaches I think.

Third vote for Ballycastle!

The North Antrim coast is absolutely magical. I’ve spent many lovely holidays and day trips there, mostly staying in Ballycastle. As previously mentioned, Bangor is very run down now. It’s such a shame as I have wonderful memories of going there on the train with my mum in the seventies. It was a fabulous wee town back then. I know a few people who live there very happily, but it’s nothing like a holiday destination.

Fuck no not Bangor! The North Coast is vibrant, has plenty of nice shops, cafes as well as the different beaches, castles, Giants Causeway, Carrick a Rede, boat trips to Rathlin, easy access to Downhill and Benone, also over to Donegal. There’s also lots on. Bangor is like a caricature of an inner city dump with the sea beside it.

Just assume you'll be cold wherever you go in NI

Definitely Portrush over Bangor - recommend the short boat trip out from the harbour to see the local seals

The North Coast is lovely, you just need to prepare yourself for the weather! It is unlikely to be warm but I wouldn’t go to NI expecting a sun holiday. Although early September can be nice,

Thank you for this info, I thought the Marina and Pickie park would be fun so good to know.

😂 Thank you for this frank assessment!

Sorry DH always says I have the diplomacy of a Sherman tank. We do live down the road from Bangor though so it’s fair 😂

Definitely north coast. Portrush, portstewart or portballintrae. Beautiful drives and beaches. You might get in luck with the heat wave this week, white rocks beach was the perfect temp for dip in the see and then chilling on the beach.