PORTRUSH

• GBPTR
• Latitude: 55.2056
• Longitude: -6.65778
• UK Coast & Atlantic
• Marina in UK

Location: UK

Portrush is a small yet important coastal town located in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom. It is best known for its scenic beauty and tourist attractions rather than its role as a major commercial port. However, it does have a harbor which serves both leisure and some limited commercial and fishing activities.

Portrush Harbor Overview:

• Geographical Location:
  • Latitude: 55.2° N
  • Longitude: 6.65° W
  • Located on the north coast of County Antrim.

Harbor Specifications:

• Type: Minor port
• Primary Use: Leisure, fishing, and tourism.
• Harbor Features:
  • Berths and Moorings: Primarily small berths suitable for fishing boats, small yachts, and other leisure craft.
  • Anchorage: Available near the harbor but generally used for smaller vessels due to the exposed nature of the location.
  • Tidal Range: The tidal range in Portrush can vary significantly, which impacts the draft available at the berths.

Facilities and Services:

• Fishing: The harbor has facilities for local fishing activities, including storage and basic maintenance services.
• Leisure Craft: There are slipways and pontoons available for leisure craft. The harbor is popular with sailing clubs and for recreational fishing.
• Tourist Services: Various tourist accommodations and facilities such as restaurants, shops, and marine-related activities.
• Fuel and Provisions: Limited availability. Not a major bunkering port.

Accessibility:

• Navigational Aids: Basic aids to navigation are provided, but the passage into the harbor can be challenging due to tidal currents and weather conditions.
• Access Roads: Good road connections to nearby towns and cities, including Coleraine and Ballymoney, and further on to Belfast.
• Public Transport: Limited bus service is available connecting to nearby towns and cities.

Security and Safety:

• Harbor Authority: Managed by the local council, which oversees safety regulations, mooring charges, and general maintenance.
• Safety Measures: Due to its small size, security concerns are minimal, but usual maritime safety regulations are enforced.

Future Development:

There have been discussions about improving facilities to boost the harbor’s capacity to welcome more leisure craft and smaller commercial endeavors. However, it remains primarily a venue for fishing and tourism.

Nearby Attractions:

• Dunluce Castle: Historic ruins located close to Portrush.
• Giant's Causeway: UNESCO World Heritage Site a short distance away.
• Royal Portrush Golf Club: Renowned golf course, host of several major tournaments.

In summary, Portrush Harbor is a quaint but functional port that serves the local fishing industry, tourism, and recreational nautical activities. It plays a significant role in the local economy through its support for tourism and recreation rather than large-scale commercial shipping.