The Skerries Portrush
Explore the rugged beauty of The Skerries Portrush, a stunning coastal gem offering thrilling boat trips and breathtaking views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm seas, best light for photos
The Skerries Portrush
Best Time
Calm seas, best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the rugged beauty of The Skerries Portrush, a stunning coastal gem offering thrilling boat trips and breathtaking views.
"Experience the Causeway Coast's wild side with exhilarating Skerries boat tours and stunning sunset views!"
🚤 Book Boat Trips Early
Popular speed boat tours to the Skerries sell out, especially in peak season. Book ahead!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
Hamilton's Seat offers incredible sunset views over the Skerries. Don't miss it!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Skerries Speed Boat Tours
Portrush Harbour
Experience the dramatic coastline and spot seals on an exhilarating speed boat trip around the Skerries.
+1Hamilton's Seat Views
Causeway Coast viewpoint
Capture breathtaking sunset vistas over the Skerries and the iconic Causeway Coast from this popular viewpoint.
Coastal Map at Shanty
Shanty Restaurant, Portrush
Admire a unique coastal map artwork depicting the Skerries and North Coast islands at this seaside restaurant.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Understand Site Access Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Book Boat Trips Early
Popular speed boat tours to the Skerries sell out, especially in peak season. Book ahead!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
Hamilton's Seat offers incredible sunset views over the Skerries. Don't miss it!
🚗 Check Vehicle Access
Motorcyclists and scooter users may face restrictions on site. Confirm access beforehand.
🦭 Look for Seals
Keep an eye out for playful seals during your Skerries boat trip!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Book Boat Trips Early
Popular speed boat tours to the Skerries sell out, especially in peak season. Book ahead!
🌅 Chase the Sunset
Hamilton's Seat offers incredible sunset views over the Skerries. Don't miss it!
🚗 Check Vehicle Access
Motorcyclists and scooter users may face restrictions on site. Confirm access beforehand.
🦭 Look for Seals
Keep an eye out for playful seals during your Skerries boat trip!
💎 Unique Coastal Art
Visit Shanty restaurant to see a beautiful map of the Skerries and North Coast islands.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise The Skerries Portrush for its stunning coastal scenery, exhilarating speed boat tours, and opportunities to spot seals. The holiday park is generally well-maintained with good facilities, though some guests have encountered issues with vehicle access policies and limited shop stock. +1
"Hired a RV for the week of open golf at Portrush booked skerries and staff could have been more helpful. Especially well maintained sure. Brilliant facilities all kept very tidy and clean. Very quiet at night. Definitely recommended. We’ll done to all involved"
Julia Wilkerson
"What a bloody shame! Me my husband and little girl stayed here for the weekend payment paid before we even got there, child had the best time but unfortunately fell ill with it being so warm this weekend and her being severely asthmatic we were due to leave on the Sunday anyway but with having a sick child who had been up all night sick we had to leave at 7:30am and because we had to leave earlier the women with very short blond hair threw nothing but abuse at my husband shouted in his face very aggressively! Why because she had to move the van she has blocking people from leaving a bit earlier well I’m sorry but my child’s health comes first how dear u speak to ANYONE that way an absolute shame to the site as we would have definitely been returning customers! Will definitely not be back now how dear u shout on my husbands face like that in front off our little girl very lucky it wasn’t me or it would have been a different outcome! Horrible nasty woman! You put that site to shame! woman! Clearly has anger issues if she was to shout at my husband like this then how would she speak to children on the site very concerning!"
Caitlin Coyle
"Great caravan site the shop doesnt have anything other than the bear essentials though"
Elijah Moore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Skerries are a group of small islands located just off the coast of Portrush, Northern Ireland. You can reach Portrush by car via the A26. For sea access, speed boat tours depart from Portrush Harbour, offering a direct route to explore the Skerries.
Yes, Portrush is accessible by train and bus services. Translink operates services connecting major towns and cities to Portrush, making it reachable without a car.
You cannot drive directly to the Skerries as they are islands. Access is typically via boat tours from Portrush Harbour.
The most popular and recommended way to experience the Skerries is by taking a speed boat tour from Portrush Harbour. This allows you to get up close to the islands and potentially see wildlife.
Yes, there are several car parks available in Portrush town, including near the harbour, though they can get busy during peak tourist season.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets are required for the speed boat tours that take you to the Skerries. It's advisable to book these in advance, especially during busy periods.
Operating hours for boat tours can vary depending on the season and weather conditions. It's best to check directly with the tour operators for their current schedule and availability.
Prices for speed boat tours can vary between operators. Expect to pay around £25-£35 per person for a trip, but confirm current pricing when booking.
Direct access to the Skerries without a tour is generally not possible due to their nature as offshore islands. Boat tours are the primary way to visit.
Viewpoints like Hamilton's Seat are typically public access areas and do not have entry fees, allowing for free enjoyment of the scenery.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The main activities include taking speed boat tours around the islands, spotting seals, enjoying coastal views, and visiting nearby attractions in Portrush.
Yes, families can enjoy the excitement of a speed boat trip and the beautiful coastal scenery. The nearby beaches also offer family-friendly activities.
Seals are commonly spotted around the Skerries, and birdlife is also abundant in the area.
The Skerries are small islands and not typically set up for extensive walking trails. The boat tours provide views and close proximity.
Skerries Holiday Park offers caravan and camping pitches with amenities like shower units and laundry facilities. Some reviews mention limited shop stock.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Portrush has a variety of restaurants and cafes. Shanty, for example, offers great views and features coastal artwork.
Food and drinks are generally not provided on Skerries boat tours. It's advisable to eat before or after your trip.
Portrush offers a range of dining options, from seafood restaurants to casual cafes and pubs, catering to various tastes.
Skerries Holiday Park has a shop that stocks essential items, though some visitors note it has limited selection.
You can find scenic spots along the Portrush coastline for picnics, offering views of the Skerries and the sea.
📸 📸 Photography
The Skerries offer fantastic photographic opportunities, especially during sunset from viewpoints like Hamilton's Seat. Boat tours provide unique angles of the islands.
Golden hour, during sunrise and sunset, provides the most dramatic lighting for photographing The Skerries.
Drone footage can capture stunning aerial views of The Skerries and the surrounding coastline. Ensure you comply with all drone regulations.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal landscapes, while a telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Besides the Skerries themselves, the Portrush coastline, nearby beaches, and viewpoints like Hamilton's Seat are excellent for photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Consider booking a family-friendly tour that might offer slightly calmer routes or longer viewing times. Nearby, Portrush offers beautiful beaches perfect for building sandcastles and playing in the waves. For accommodation, Skerries Holiday Park provides camping and caravan options with essential facilities.
🚗 Road Trippers & Motorcyclists
The area is ideal for exploring by car, allowing you to easily access nearby attractions.However, motorcyclists and scooter users should be aware of specific access policies at Skerries Holiday Park. Some reviews indicate that motorcycles are not permitted on the grounds, requiring parking further away.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider taking a speed boat tour for unique angles and close-ups of the islands and any seals present.
+1 Drone photography can provide breathtaking aerial perspectives of the entire coastline. Remember to pack versatile lenses – a wide-angle for sweeping vistas and a telephoto for wildlife – and always check local regulations regarding drone usage. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring The Skerries by Sea
+1 These tours are not just about the destination but the journey itself, with the wind in your hair and the salty spray on your face. Many visitors highlight the chance to spot seals basking on the rocks or playing in the water, adding a magical wildlife encounter to the adventure. The speed boat experience provides a unique perspective of the dramatic coastline and the geological formations of the Skerries, making it a must-do for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.The Causeway Coast surrounding Portrush is renowned for its natural beauty, and The Skerries are a key part of this stunning landscape. From the water, you can truly appreciate the scale and ruggedness of these offshore islets.
Some tours may even allow for brief stops or slower passages for better viewing and photography. It's recommended to book these popular tours in advance, especially during the summer months, to secure your spot and make the most of your visit to this picturesque part of Northern Ireland. Photography Hotspots and Tips
When planning your photo sessions, consider the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset – for the most dramatic and flattering light.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the sweeping coastal vistas, while a telephoto lens can be useful for zooming in on wildlife like seals or distant seabirds. Additionally, the Shanty restaurant provides a unique indoor photo opportunity with its custom-painted coastal map of the Skerries and North Coast islands, offering a different artistic interpretation of the area. Accommodation and Campsite Insights
While the holiday park offers essential amenities, the on-site shop is described as having only the 'bear essentials,' so planning for groceries or other needs from local supermarkets in Portrush is advisable.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit