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Ramore Head Lansdowne

Dramatic coastal headland in Portrush with sweeping Atlantic views, rocky cliffs, and a lively harbour scene with restaurants and bars.

Ramore Head Lansdowne is a dramatic coastal headland in Portrush, Northern Ireland, where rugged cliffs meet the Atlantic Ocean. This rocky promontory offers sweeping views along the Causeway Coast, with waves crashing against the shore and seabirds wheeling overhead. It’s a peaceful spot for a coastal walk, a moment of reflection, or simply watching the ever-changing sea. The area is also home to several popular restaurants and bars clustered around the harbour, making it a lively hub for food, drink, and sea views.

A brief summary to Ramore Head Lansdowne

  • Portrush, GB
  • Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Local tips

  • Visit at low tide to explore the rock pools and see small marine life, but always watch your step on the slippery rocks.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and a windproof jacket, as the headland can be exposed and windy even on otherwise pleasant days.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around the Portrush peninsula, taking in the harbour, East Strand, and West Strand for a full coastal experience.
  • If dining at the harbour restaurants, book ahead in peak season, as tables with sea views fill up quickly.
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Getting There

  • On foot from Portrush town centre

    From the centre of Portrush, follow the seafront promenade north towards the harbour. The walk takes about 10–15 minutes along flat, paved paths, passing the East Strand and the Arcadia café before reaching Ramore Head and the harbour area.

  • By car with parking

    Drive to Portrush and follow signs to the town centre and harbour. There are several public car parks near the East and West Strands, each about a 5–10 minute walk from Ramore Head. Parking is pay-and-display and can fill up quickly in summer.

  • By train

    Take a train to Portrush station, which is about a 15–20 minute walk along the seafront to Ramore Head. The route is mostly flat and well signposted, passing through the town and along the promenade.

Ramore Head Lansdowne location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Windy Conditions
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Where Land Meets the Atlantic

Ramore Head Lansdowne is a striking headland on the northern edge of Portrush, where the town meets the wild Atlantic Ocean. This rocky promontory forms the northern boundary of Portrush Harbour and offers panoramic views across the water towards the Skerries and out to sea. The headland is composed of ancient rock, shaped by millennia of wind and wave, and its cliffs provide a natural amphitheatre for the roar of the ocean. On stormy days, waves crash dramatically against the rocks, sending spray high into the air, while on calmer days the sea glimmers under the sun, stretching to the horizon.

A Walk Along the Edge

The paths around Ramore Head Lansdowne are part of a wider coastal circuit that loops around the Portrush peninsula. The route is mostly on surfaced paths, making it accessible for a relaxed stroll, though there are some steps and short climbs near the harbour. As you walk, the views unfold: the harbour to one side, the open sea to the other, and the twin beaches of East Strand and West Strand stretching away from the town. Seabirds such as gulls, cormorants, and sometimes puffins can be seen along the cliffs, and rock pools at low tide reveal small crabs, anemones, and other marine life. The walk is popular with locals and visitors alike, offering a refreshing sea breeze and a sense of being on the edge of the world.

Views and Vistas

From the headland, the vista stretches along the Causeway Coast, with glimpses of Rathlin Island on clear days and the distant outline of the Scottish coast on the very clearest. To the east, the coastline leads towards the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle, while to the west the town of Portrush spreads out along the shore. The headland is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, when the sky and sea are painted in shades of gold, pink, and purple. Photographers and artists are drawn here for the dramatic light and ever-changing moods of the sea, and the area is dotted with benches and viewpoints where you can pause and take it all in.

Food, Drink and Harbour Life

At the foot of Ramore Head, around the harbour, a cluster of restaurants and bars has grown up, making this a lively spot for food and drink with a sea view. The Ramore Restaurant Group operates several venues here, including the Harbour Bar, Coast, Neptune & Prawn, and others, serving everything from traditional pub fare to seafood and Asian-inspired dishes. Shanty, in an old lifeboat house, and Kraken Fish & Chips, with its outdoor seating and sea views, are also popular choices. Whether you’re after a casual meal, a pint by the water, or a cocktail as the sun goes down, the harbour area offers a convivial atmosphere and a strong sense of place.

History and Nature Combined

The area around Ramore Head has a long history of maritime activity, with the harbour serving as a safe haven for boats and the headland acting as a natural landmark for sailors. The rocks themselves are part of a protected area of geological and ecological interest, with Tertiary dolerite intrusions into Jurassic shales, and the nearby Skerries are an important seabird colony. Interpretation panels in the surrounding area explain the geology, archaeology, and natural history, adding depth to a simple walk. The combination of natural beauty, coastal wildlife, and human history makes Ramore Head Lansdowne a place that rewards both a quick visit and a longer exploration.

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