Portrush Coastal Zone
Portrush Coastal Zone is dedicated to promoting the conservation of our fantastic local marine environment and is located right at the water’s edge in the heart of the Skerries and Causeway marine Special Area of Conservation.
Our aim is to celebrate and highlight the incredible coastal wildlife, maritime heritage and marine environments of Northern Ireland. Did you know that more than 50% of Northern Ireland’s wildlife and habitats are found on the coast and at sea? Underwater, our reefs, sandbanks and seagrass beds provide a home for thousands of marine species. We also have a wealth of shipwrecks and fascinating maritime history to be explored.
Among the exhibits is a large display of whalebones, local shipwreck artefacts, a preserved adult thresher shark and features on our local geology, as well as aquaria showcasing starfish, crabs, lobsters and fish – including shark species. Seabirds, seals, harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins and even minke whales can be seen from the centre’s viewing platform!
The centre is open seven days a week from June – September and guided tours for school and community groups can be booked by appointment at any time of the year, including winter. Our facilities are free, fully accessible and we’re always keen to accommodate visitors with special needs. For more information, please contact our Warden.
We’re open now – so come and join us to explore Portrush Coastal Zone!
