The best bars and pubs in Portrush if you're on the ground at The Open
Heading to Northern Ireland for Open week? Here's our pick of the watering holes to hit after a long day on the links.
Come next week, the sleepy maritime town of Portrush on Northern Ireland's north coast will be a place transformed.
With Royal Portrush set to host The Open once again for the second time in six years, all eyes will be on this small stretch of County Antrim coastline as the world's best compete for one of the most hallowed trophies in golf.
Located just a stone's throw from the course, Portrush itself is set to become a hive of activity, players, staff and visitors for one week only. And if you're heading along to take in the sights and sounds of a major championship in a truly iconic location, it's only right you have somewhere pleasant planned to indulge in a pint and a good meal at the end of the day's play.
With that in mind, we thought we'd save you the hard work and provide a comprehensive guide to the best bars and pubs where you can cap off what's set to be an incredible week of golf.
The Harbour Bar & Bistro
Address: 6 Harbour Road, Portrush
Best for: Good beer, great guinness and a slap-up meal
A local institution in Portrush, The Harbour Bar has long been the town's most popular pub, and has recently been incorporated into the wider Ramore restaurant complex that has grown alongside it near the town's waterfront.
Harbour Bar remains the favourite it always was, however: the lower-level Front Bar the very model of the Irish pub you've always dreamed of viewing, complemented by a purpose-built gin bar upstairs. Next door sits the Harbour Bistro, which specialises in wood-fired meats and grilled goods from local butchers JD Hart & Sons.
Kiwi's Brew Bar
Address: 6 Harbour Road, Portrush
Best for: Craft beers and great burgers
Kiwi-founded but thoroughly Irish in spirit, Kiwi's has become ground zero for burger lovers and craft beer enthusiasts in Portrush since its opening a few years back. Expect a range of great local brews served both on tap and in tinnies, alongside an extensive burger menu and plenty of TVs to catch all the post-round analysis
Wine Bar
Address: The Harbour, Main St, Portrush
Best for: Upmarket food and wine
Around the corner from Harbour Bar and occupying the same precinct as the pub, Wine Bar is a great shout if you want to cap off your weekend visit with something a little more special. The modern bistro menu is full of reinvented classics from steaks to burgers, while the wine list is extensive and takes in some excellent drops from both the old and new worlds.
The Quays Bar & Gastropub
Address: Eglinton Street, Portrush
Best for: Cozy drinks and elevated Gastropub fare
If cozy vibes and an inviting atmosphere are top of your priorities list, look no further than The Quays, which has been serving locals great food and great drink for years. The Gastropub has some of the best dining in the area, while for a more casual meal the dog-friendly Atrium is an al fresco space with smash burgers, fried chicken and loaded fries from resident takeaway Smash n Bird.
Kon-Tiki Boat Bar
Address: Eglinton Street, Portrush
Best for: Tropical drinks and excellent cocktails
A tiki bar on the Northern Irish coast? Say no more. Expect tropical-themed drinks and decor with a naturally rum-heavy lean, although beer, whisky and an excellent wine list is also on offer for the less adventurous.
Springhill Bar
Address: Causeway St, Portrush
Best for: A classic Irish pub experience
Springhill Bar, which up until earlier this year was family-owned, sticks to the basics and does them well: good Guinness, a selection of homemade pies and pastries, and all the craic you could ever ask for. The Springhill hosts entertainment seven nights a week, including trad music nights, making it a great place to truly mingle with the locals.
Brad Nash is Reviews Editor at GolfMagic, having joined the team in June 2025 to look after all things reviews, soft goods testing and equipment alongside Equipment Editor Tom. Primarily a writer, you may see him pop up in videos or on the GolfMagic socials from time to time.
