EXPERIENCE THE SPECTACULAR NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE CAUSEWAY COAST
ATTRACTIONS NEAR STRAND HEAD
Perched above the golden sands of Portstewart Strand with uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean from every window, Strand Head is the perfect base from which to explore the many wonders of the Causeway Coast.
EXPERIENCE THE SPECTACULAR NATURAL BEAUTY OF THE CAUSEWAY COAST
A HOST OF ATTRACTIONS
People from all over the world come to Northern Ireland to experience the spectacular natural beauty of the Causeway Coast. A land bursting with myths and legends, prepare to be bewitched by the magic of this fantastic stretch of Atlantic coastline.
The natural beauty of the region provided numerous spectacular backdrops for filming the international blockbuster Game of Thrones, one of which is your view from the lounge. Tours to the locations, including the famous Dark Hedges, are now also a major draw of the area.
The coast is home to a host of attractions including multiple world-renowned golf courses, Blue Flag beaches, historic castles and of course Northern Ireland’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Giant’s Causeway. Some call it the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World’ and locals will tell you that its unique hexagonal stones were not the result of volcanic action 60 million years ago but were built by Northern Ireland’s most famous friendly giant Fionn MacCumhaill, known locally as Finn McCool!
A PERFECT BASE
Portstewart is one of a number of friendly seaside towns along the coast which is popular with visitors locally as well as internationally. A perfect base from which to explore the coast it was a well-loved Victorian seaside port which has retained both its heritage and public appeal.
Known for its relaxed vibe, the town has much to offer with a spectacular beach, quaint harbour, busy promenade, North West 200 motorcycle races, championship golf courses, great restaurants, cafes, parks, ice cream parlours (locally made Morelli’s is a must, especially their knickerbocker glory) and even outdoor swimming pools and a children’s pleasure beach.
Portstewart Strand is also the start of one of the most breath-taking walks which covers a 33 mile stretch along the Causeway coast.
LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION!
Strand Head is located on one of the town’s most enviable sites – beside Portstewart Golf Course and the sandy Portstewart Strand beach. Known as one of the most visited and pristine beaches in Northern Ireland, the Strand’s two miles of golden sands are protected by the National Trust. It is inherently beautiful, with pristine water that is perfect for swimming, surfing and fishing and what’s more, it’s only two minutes from the back of the house!
As well as straddling the beach, Strand Head is directly opposite Portstewart Golf Club, home to three links golf courses. The outstanding championship Strand Course was the host for the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open and is open to non-members.
From the Strand you can see the 18th century Mussenden Temple standing high on the cliff edge at Castlerock. Mussenden is one of the most photographed attractions in Ireland and a must-see during your visit.
Catching the sites of the Causeway Coast from the sea adds a whole new perspective to their beauty and you can take a short or longer cruise or charter boat from Portstewart harbour, a truly magical, not to be missed experience.
EXPLORING THE NORTH COAST
While Castlerock and Downhill Beach are waiting to be explored to the west of the town, the northeast also holds a host of dramatic locations. Just a short drive away is the lively seaside town of Portrush with its golden beaches, amusement rides and championship golf course. Royal Portrush Golf Club is considered one of the best golf courses in the world and famously hosted the The Open Championship in 2019.
Follow the coast road past the golf course and you will be rewarded with a glimpse of the magnificent Dunluce Castle perched on the cliff edge.
Ballintoy Harbour, also a set for Game of Thrones, is one of the most picturesque harbours in the world and the perfect spot to watch the sun set over the ocean. Look out for the Bendhu – the last house on the right driving down to the harbour. This eccentric, intriguing property is one of the most famous houses in Northern Ireland because of its unique design. Built in the early 20th century, it is a flat-roofed, cubic house with roof lights and terraces all in a strictly cubic style.
Further along the coast is Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge – another must-see for all visitors. The 20-metre bridge stretches 30 metres above the rocks and links to the tiny island of Carrick-a-Rede. The Giant’s Causeway itself is nestled along the coast and features a fabulous new visitors’ centre and cafe. Keep driving southeast and the picturesque seaside town of Ballycastle is the gateway to the stunning Glens of Antrim.
The coast is not just about natural beauty but with walking trails, cycling, surfing, sea safaris, music, arts, culture and fantastic local food, it really does have something for everyone.
Little wonder people keep coming back time and again!
USEFUL LINKS
- The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney
- Giant’s Causeway and Causeway Coast | National Trust
- The Giant’s Causeway Tour | Northern Ireland Belfast Tours
- North West 200 motorcycle road race
- Morelli’s Portstewart
- Portstewart Golf Club
- Portstewart Strand | National Trust
- Mussenden Temple and Downhill Demesne | National Trust
- Dunluce Castle Medieval Irish Castle on the Antrim Coast
- Ballintoy Harbour, Ballintoy
- Bendhu | UAH
- Carrick-a-Rede | National Trust