Westport to Portrush: where to stop and what to do in between

I have a 10-day itinerary that includes one long drive--leaving Westport and driving to Portrush. I know there is much to see and do in the Northwest, but what is realistic (eg, drives, where to stop for lunch, any other stops, etc) on this one-day trip? Thank you in advance.

Hi Julia,

It is wonderful to hear that you will be with us for 10 days with one long drive to fill!

It's about a 4-4.5 hour drive without stops depending on the route and traffic so a few questions come to mind.

Do you fancy a trip up along the coast before heading through County Donegal towards Derry~Londonderry and then Portrush. Or maybe take a more inland approach through Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone?

What have you on your itinerary before and after this journey, what do you like to see and do?

Martin

Hi Julia

We are glad to hear that you are planning on visiting the North West - a beautiful region within the island. As you depart from Westport and head towards Portrush you will be exploring two outstanding scenic drives in the Wild Atlantic Way and Causeway Coastal Route. The historic Walled City of Derry-Londonderry is perfectly located for exploring these regions as we are located where the Wild Atlantic Way meets the Causeway Coastal Route. The city is the home of Ireland's only completely intact historic Walled City, the Derry Girls, award-winning museums and some of the greatest outdoor festivals in the world! With world-class visitor experiences on our doorstep, and a cosmopolitan vibe all year round, there’s so much to do in our compact, walkable city. The compact nature of the city also makes it convenient for a visit during your planned one-day-trip. We also boast a selection of amazing restaurants, cafés and pubs which may also be a good option for lunch during your trip.

For more information on what the city has to offer, please visit our website:

https://www.visitderry.com/

Additionally, if you have further enquiries about the city, please do not hesitate to contact our visitor information team via the details below:

Tel: (028) 71 267284
Email: info@visitderry.com
Twitter: @DerryVisitor  
Facebook: @VisitDerryCity
Instagram: @VisitDerry

I hope you find this information helpful.

Kind Regards

Visit Derry Team

Hi Julia,

Great to hear you are taking a trip to Portrush during your visit to Ireland.  As you've already said, there is plenty to see and do in the Causeway Coast and Glens and I will try to give you a few pointers to make the most of your time here.  

Having made the drive from Westport to Portrush a few times, in my experience the quickest route was: Westport - Sligo - Londonderry - Limavady - Coleraine - Portrush.   

Some of the highlights in the Causeway Coast and Glens are the Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dunluce Castle,  Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge and the Bushmills Distillery.  If you are planning on visiting any of these locations it is worth checking them out in advance and also, in some cases, booking in advance.  Of course if you are coming to experience the two beautiful beaches in Portrush, all you need to do turn up and enjoy the sea, sand and views!  There are plenty of places to eat and drink in the town ranging from great coffee shops to a good selection of restaurants overlooking the sea and atmospheric pubs. There are car parks adjacent to both beaches.  

For more information about the Causeway Coast and Glens please look at our website:  https://www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com 

 Have a memorable trip to Ireland!
Anne

Thanks to all for your help! 

Martin, we are going from Dublin (2 days) through the south to Killarrney (hopefully Skellig Michael), then Dingle, then Doolin, then Westport, then Portrush, then leaving from Dublin. So I'm trying to figure out the best use of our time on the way from Westport to Portrush. We are two families with lots of young adults/older teens.
Both of your suggestions are interesting ("a trip up along the coast before heading through County Donegal towards Derry~Londonderry and then Portrush. Or maybe take a more inland approach through Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone") but I am so unfamiliar with these areas so I don't know what is a smart and time-realistic plan. 

Hi Julia, 

The tips from Visit Derry and Causeway Coast & Glens are really great, and well worth having a look at the suggestions for your trip. 

One suggestion on your trip could be a stop at Slieve League on your way up the North West to Derry ~ Londonderry. Then once you arrive in Derry, a tour of the Derry Walls is very popular. There are many restaurants and cafes within the City Walls you can get a bite to eat on your travels. 

In terms of the County Fermanagh route, you could check out The Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail , a stunning scenic trek through quiet farmlands to the scenic wilderness of Cuilcagh Mountain. This route also provides a scenic drive through the Sperrin Mountains. 

We hope these suggestions are helpful, let us know if you have anymore questions about your trip. 

Cathaoir