A visitors’ guide to Portpatrick
When guests at Coorie Retreats ask us for advice on places to visit, we always recommend a trip to nearby Portpatrick. Not only is it a mere 30 minute walk (or 4 minute drive!), it’s also one of the nicest places to spend time together with your friends and family. Enjoy fresh sea air and beautiful views over the Irish Sea. On a clear day you can see Ireland. But there’s more to Portpatrick than just it’s views – here’s a short guide to why you should visit.
Portpatrick history
Sitting on the edge of the Irish sea in Dumfries and Galloway, the little Scottish town of Portpatrick makes for a fascinating place to visit. It takes its name from St. Patrick who, according to legend, crossed the water to Scotland in a single stride. With around 21 miles separating Portpatrick from Ireland, that is surely a man with long legs!
Originally named Portmontgomery, this was a very small fishing port when people fist began living here around 500 years ago. The first proper harbour was built by famous civil engineer John Smeaton in 1770. It quickly became one of the main routes for getting to and from Ireland. Unfortunately the unpredictable and often harsh Scottish weather would regularly cause problems with the buildings required to run such a port. This led to nearby Stranraer becoming a more popular base for transportation. These days, this quaint little port is more famous for being a photogenic holiday destination on the quiet Scottish coast.
What to do in Portpatrick
The pastel-shaded houses and rocky backdrop give Portpatrick a sense of calm amidst crashing waves. Taking a walk along the harbour or along the beach brings with it an opportunite to not only admire the stunning location, but also reflect on the relativley brief but intense history it can tell over the last few hundred years.
Clifftop walks allow visitors the best views of the area, and you can make your way to Killantringan Lighthouse. Built in the late 1800s, this now decommissioned lighthouse sits high on rocky cliffs. It is a great objective for an an invigorating walk!
If you’d rather plonk yourself down somewhere and watch the world go by, there are few finer places to do so than The Crown. It offers stunning views out over the water, and serves food and drink all day. What a perfect place to sit and watch the world go by.
Of course, something many of us love to do when near the sea is enjoy some fish and chips. A great place to find this dish in Portpatrick is at the Harbour House Hotel. Not only is the food great, they are dog friendly too.
Coorie Retreats near Portpatrick
Stay with us at Coorie Retreats and have Portpatrick on your doorstep. With spectacular views over to Ireland and a great place to spend the day enjoying this part of Scotland, it’s a fantastic place to visit. And then return to your luxury retreat with us, and look forward to immersing yourself in both a hot tub and a Netflix movie. Check out our special offers and book your luxurious break at Coorie Retreats today.
