Great escapes:
Northern Ireland 1 |
| Rare Resorts |
| The many wonderful beaches along the coastline of Antrim have given rise to a range of seaside resorts, each with its own charms |
Antrim's northern coastline is not only noted for its stunning scenery and extraordinary sights, but also has many beach resorts and pretty seaside villages brimming with holiday pursuits.
Whether you fancy lazing on
one of the resorts' clean and safe beaches (a number have been awarded with Blue Flags), letting the kids go wild in a fun-packed amusement centre, browsing through souvenir shops, enjoying a birds' eye view from the hilltops or simply strolling along a Victorian promenade, it's all here.
We followed the coastal resorts from Castlerock in the west to Ballycastle in the east and found enough activities to keep even the most discerning of caravanning families happy.
1. Castlerock Victoriana
The starting point for our tour is the car park at the Safeway shopping centre in Coleraine. Zero the trip meter as you exit the car park and turn right onto the A29. At the Lodge Road roundabout at 0.1 miles take the middle lane and follow the signs for Castlerock. Still on the A29, cross the bridge at 0.8 miles then continue until the next roundabout (at 1.3 miles) taking the second exit to join the B201. Continue to another roundabout, at 2.4 miles, here going straight on to the junction with the A2/A20 at 2.9 miles, signed Castlerock. Turn left to follow the A2/A20 and go through the village of Articlave, turning right at 7.1 miles into Sea Road (B119). Cross over the railway crossing to the beach car park
at 7.9 miles.
Castlerock feels strangely separate from its neighbouring resorts.
This is because it is situated on the other, eastern, side of the River Bann which enters the sea on its doorstep. The broad spread of the estuary splits the continuity of the coastline, actually placing Castlerock within the boundaries of County Londonderry.
The Victorian resort of Castlerock is an idyllic spot for those seeking a quiet place. It offers a fine beach and, for the energetic, a championship golf course, a bowling green and tennis courts. Ornithologists will delight in the large wildlife sanctuary and bird hide within walking distance of the river mouth.
2. Sedate Portstewart
Zero your car's trip meter and exit the car park at Castlerock into Sea Road, and at 0.8 miles turn left onto the A2/A20 for Coleraine. At Coleraine, cross the river bridge and turn left at 6.1 miles onto the A2, signed Portrush and Portstewart. Stay on the A2 for another four miles and when you arrive enter the town hall car park at the seafront on your left.
Portstewart is a popular resort which hangs on to its historical image as a holiday destination for Victorian middle-class families.
Its elongated crescent-shaped promenade is slotted between rocky headlands and backed by terraced houses. Although it will hold plenty of appeal for those seeking a more sedate environment, it's not without its attractions. Its two-mile long strand, superb beach (one of the best on Ireland's north coast) and breathtaking views from the cliffs are difficult to equal.
3. Fun-packed Portrush
Leave the town hall car park, zeroing the car's trip meter and turn left onto the A2, following the coastline. At three miles turn left (still on the A2) and continue to the junction with the A29 at 3.3 miles (signposted 'Town Centre') where you turn immediately right into Crocknamack Road. Continue to the small roundabout at 3.5 miles, and at 3.6 miles turn left into the car park at Dunluce Information Centre.
A different atmosphere prevails in Portrush, and although it is considered the north coast's top resort, it doesn't suit all tastes.
It's brasher than places such as Castlerock or Portstewart and more of a typical seaside resort – its streets are lined with amusement arcades and souvenir shops, and there's the smell of fast food in the air. Still, it caters for the younger generation excellently, with imaginative, fun-packed activities and, not least, the Portrush Puffer which transports all age groups around the resort.
Nevertheless, Portrush's position on the heights of Ramore Head, fronted by miles of uninterrupted sands boasting blue flag awards on both the east and west strands, wins it the accolade of premier resort.
4. Peaceful Portballintrae
Zero the car's trip meter, exit Dunluce car park into Crocknamack Rd. Carry on for 0.1 miles before turning left. Continue to the roundabout at 0.2 miles and turn right onto the A2 coast road, signed Bushmills. Travel east on the A2 and at 4.2 miles turn left onto the B145, signposted Portballintrae. Follow the B145 to the beach car park at five miles.
Tucked off the main route, Portballintrae is a peaceful and pretty place best classified as a seaside village. It is very popular with those who know it and who enjoy the relaxation to be found in what is little more than a small
fishing harbour. There's a refreshing lack of entertainment on offer here: apart from a beach area and a coastal path there are just a few hotels and a golf course.
Portballintrae is also well known for its association with the Girona Treasure. It served as the base for the Belgian marine archaeologist and divers who retrieved the treasures from a Spanish Armada galleon. Some of the treasure can be seen at the Ulster Museum in Belfast.
5. A fine beach at Ballycastle
Zero the trip meter, exit the car park at Portballintrae onto the B145, signed Bushmills, and continue for 0.9 miles to the junction with the A2.
Here turn left onto the A2 and continue to the roundabout in Bushmills at 1.1 miles. Now turn left, still on the A2 signed Ballycastle and carry on to the junction with the A44 at 13.9 miles. Bear left on the A44 and continue until you reach the roundabout at the seafront in Ballycastle at 14.2 miles. Here turn left, then right, for the car parking area.
Immortalised in song and famed for its 'Oul lammas fair', this sizeable resort boasts yet another fine beach and harbour area. At the most north-eastern corner of the country it is surrounded by beauty spots such as Murlough Bay and Torr Head, while its amazing seascapes take in nearby Rathlin Island, which is reached by ferry.
Arrive here on the last Monday and Tuesday in August and you can enjoy one of Ireland's oldest fairs.
• Return to Coleraine. Leave the car park zeroing the trip meter. At the roundabout on the left take the second exit into Main St (A44). At 0.7 miles bear right onto the B67 signed Coleraine. Continue to the junction with the B62 Portrush/Ballymoney road and at 13.9 miles bear right onto the B62. Turn left at 14.1 miles to rejoin the Coleraine road. Continue to the roundabout at the junction with the A29 at 18 miles. Turn left onto the A29 to Lodge Rd roundabout (18.7 miles). The Safeway car park is on the right (18.8 miles). |
|
|
Tullans Farm Caravan Park
46 Newmills Road, Coleraine, Co. Londonderry, BT52 2JB.
Tel 028 7034 2309
Set in the midst of a working farm, this park has the feel of the countryside while the University town of Coleraine is just one mile away, the resorts of Portrush and Portstewart are only five miles away and the Safeway shopping centre is a five-minute drive.
Tullans Farm has earned its reputation of a quality park due to the dedication of its owners who ensure facilities are maintained to the highest standard. One elongated white building houses the spotlessly clean sanitary facilities, reception, TV lounge and barn which is used for indoor recreation. Fronting this building is a simple children's play area and parking space. Roadways around the park are gravel and of the 32 pitches 20 are hardstanding and all have 10A electric hook-ups.
Open March-October
Charges Outfit + all persons inc.hook-up £11; awning £1
OS ref 286433
NITB grading **** |
|
