Family holidays in Portstewart
The promenade in town dates back to Victorian times, and several Portstewart hotels sit along the crescent-shaped walk. The town is probably best known for Portstewart Strand, a 2-mile stretch of golden sandy beach along the coast. It's one of the top ten attractions in the whole of Northern Ireland.
An outdoor entertainment centre and play pool at The Crescent mean the kids won't be bored. Portstewart attracts a lot of surfers, and you can hire all the equipment you need in town.
If you're not feeling quite so active, take a picnic to the sand dunes. You're likely to see wild butterflies and pansy flowers around you.
Ireland's North Coast
People often talk about Portstewart and nearby Portrush together, as the towns are very close yet have their own charms. At Portrush, you can take a tour of the Old Bushmills Distillery – the oldest licensed whiskey distillery in the world – or discover the area's marine history at the Coastal Zone.
The North Coast itself boasts beautiful, rugged countryside and long stretches of unspoilt coast. Towns dotted further along the coast, such as Coleraine and Kilrea, make ideal places to stop for a bite to eat after an afternoon walking or cycling.
Coleraine is also where you can catch a train to Belfast or Derry. If you're in the mood for a drive, head for the Sperrins Scenic Driving Routes through the Sperrin Mountains.
Restaurants and bars
Portstewart's nightlife is quite vibrant and diverse, as many students from the University of Ulster live here during term time. Try a waterfront restaurant such as Shenanigans or The Anchor Bar Complex for wide sea views as you dine.
In 2015, Harry's Shack in Portstewart won an influential Ireland's Restaurant of the Year award – about six months after it opened. When the beachside restaurant opened in 2014, it had to turn customers away because demand was too high. Make sure to book early to try this extremely popular eatery.
