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The Amphitheatre Barry's Fun Ride Old Harbour and Kerr Street |
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The Causeway Coastal Routeces |
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ABOUT THE TOWN |
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The Amphitheatre Barry's Fun Ride Old Harbour and Kerr Street |
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Like most small coastal towns and villages Portrush developed and expanded from a safe harbour and small fishing port. It remained like this until the early 19th century when in parallel to the industrial revolution, its full potential as a port was realized. Portrush then became a major shipping and commercial focus along the north coast, one hundred years ago you would have seen coastal schooners, square riggers, steam ships and fishing smacks plying in and out of the harbour. Timber came from America, potatoes went to Glasgow, grain went to Cork, fish came in and went to Belfast, coal, bauxite and other raw materials all came and went from the busy quayside. The harbour was used by fishermen from near and far to land their catches or shelter from storms, it is known that Breton and Spanish fishermen were frequent visitors coming here seasonally to catch dogfish and rays. Another factor which enhanced the fortunes of Portrush was its close proximity to the Giants Causeway. The expanding rail network reached here in 1855 when the Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Portrush Junction Railway Company built a railway line and terminus. Then came a period of prosperity which saw the town become a major destination for holidaymakers from all over Ireland, Scotland, England and Wales. |