Author: Kal

You’ve decided to join us here in the beautiful North Coast for your holiday and as the North Coast’s number one fans, we couldn’t be more excited for you. Of course, in preparation for your stay, you might want to get planning (and get excited!) for the plethora of activities and adventures that await you. There’s no way that we could dive into every possibility in this one blog, but for now, we’ll give you a few of our favourite things to do in the North Coast that will make your holiday dreams come true. Dream Big and try to explore all of them!

HAVE A BEACH DAY

When we tell you to have a beach day, there are normally two types of people in Northern Ireland. The first are the kind that say, “Northern Ireland? Beaches? I don’t think so!” and the second, (the enlightened among us), will be there in their swimsuits, sun, rain or snow! The North Coast is an incredible place to explore the breathtaking natural beauty of this wonderful part of the world. In fact, in the last year, we’re proud to say that seven Northern Irish beaches ranked in the Top 50 for Best Beaches in the UK. When the sun is shining on the North Coast, it really does rival any other sandy sanctuary in the world. However, we’re keen to believe that even when it’s a bit grey or dare we say it, raining, the beaches still glisten with beauty. So bring your swimsuit and your raincoat and enjoy their magic regardless!

VISIT THE GIANT’S CAUSEWAY

Home to Finn MacCool’s myth and legend and a mesmerising geological finding, the North Coast’s Giant Causeway is an amazing day out for all the family. This site has been a visitor attraction for the last 300 years and has inspired poets, artists, scientists and travellers from near and far for much longer than we could even imagine. You’ll discover how the famous hexagonal shape of the Giant’s Causeway’s basalt stones have become a symbol for Northern Ireland and local people take great pride in sharing its beauty with all who visit. As well as that, you’ll get a chance to stretch the legs with a short, 20 minute walk to the stones and back. An easy adventure for young and old!

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

When visiting the North Coast, it’s imperative that you spend a lot of your time eating your way around. Of course, you have to indulge in some of the island’s (if not, the worlds!), greatest seafood. Tasty, fresh and cooked with passion, there are an abundance of excellent restaurants and cafes to keep you satisfied. Near to DB Stays, we’d highly recommend (insert the businesses you’re happy to include here!). As well as this, we have discovered that the North Coast has levelled its coffee game to a whole new degree. Grab a delicious brew and some tasty treats from, (insert the businesses your happy to include here!). You’ll not leave hungry or thirsty, that’s for sure.

GO IN SEARCH OF ADVENTURE

For the thrill seekers among us, there are a few daring activities that you just cannot miss when enjoying your North Coast holiday. First up, you have to visit Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge. This rope bridge was first erected by fishermen almost 300 years ago! It hangs proudly almost 100 feet above the crashing wild Atlantic waves and as many as 2000 visitors cross it per day during the busy summer period. If you’re willing to take the rickety-risk, there’s no better place to enjoy an exhilarating experience. Of course, the North Coast is also renowned for its incredible access to watersports, with many of our beaches named the best for surfing in the world. If that’s not your thing, maybe try something a little more low-key with a relaxing day golfing on world class golf courses or a day of hiking through the Antrim Coast and Glens. We really do have it all.

And so, what’re you waiting for? This list is truly a drop in the Atlantic ocean when it comes to how to entertain yourself and your family on your North Coast visit. If you’re getting itchy feet, we can help. Book your stay with us and start your holiday in the perfect, central, North Coast location, with easy access to every magical moment.

You can choose your apartment here!

Here at DB Stays, we offer our guests the opportunity to stay in one of our beautifully designed, cosy and spacious, self catering apartments, in the heart of Portrush. With a view to die for, our apartments are expertly situated alongside Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast. When choosing the style of accommodation we wanted to offer our guests, we knew that self catering was the best option to bring our guests as much freedom as possible.

Today, we sat down and had a think about the main reasons our guests have loved staying in self catering accommodation. Have a think about it and when you’re ready to join us, we’re ready to welcome you.

INDEPENDENCE AND FREEDOM

When you’re on holiday or ready for a breather from the everyday stresses of modern life, you need a space that offers absolute freedom and independence. With self catering apartments, you’re not tied to schedules, resort routines or the needs and wants of staff or other guests. Your space is your home away from home. You can stay as long as you please and move in and out freely. You aren’t restricted by hotel-set meal times or early breakfast calls! If you wish to eat your morning pancakes at 1pm, you’re free to do it without judgement! DB Stays gives your holiday some breathing space and makes your time, yours.

ENJOY HOME COMFORTS

Of course, you’re excited about being away and you want the seriousness of life to take a little back seat for a while, but we understand that there are always a few home comforts that make your holiday run a little more smoothly. Perhaps you like your clothes washed with a particular detergent. Maybe you have little kiddies who only eat one brand of cereal. And maybe, your breakfast time is a little less chaotic if you can eat it alone as a family, without a room full of strangers. No matter what your reasons are, we get it! Self catering accommodation offers you the chance to change what needs change and manage the things that need to stay the same.

SAVE MONEY, EAT IN

One of the biggest expenditures when we go on holiday is eating and drinking out. Even when we stay in hotels, we sometimes have to pay extra for breakfast, we almost always eat lunch out and about and dinner is often an extra cost in the evening. In self catering accommodation, you can bring your groceries from home and not spend any extra than you normally would. At DB Stays, our kitchens come fully stocked with utensils and appliances, to make cooking an easy task for you and your family. And with all of that extra money saved, maybe you can have a holiday treat and throw an extra bottle or a few extra goodies in the trolly!

PLENTY OF SPACE TO BREATHE

One of the defining features of self catering accommodation is the abundance of space compared to that of a hotel room. In our luxury apartments, guests are offered plenty of sleeping space as well as a kitchen and living area. Many of our apartments have stunning views of the ocean and access to our communal spa. As well as this, two of our apartments offer guests a private rooftop terrace to give even more breathing room to our guests. An abundance of space for young kids to play, babies to crawl and for you to dance in when no one’s watching.

For us, the freedom of self catering accommodation is the most convincing factor! We just love to holiday without limits and feel free to do, go and explore as we please. If you’d like to experience the breathtaking relaxation of a DB Stay, click the link below and choose your sanctuary!

Book your stay here!

You work hard all year, you’re tired of your consistent routine and you’re in need of a little break to reset, recharge and rejuvenate. We get it! It’s time to book your holiday. Now of course, we understand that the world is a big and beautiful place. You have an abundance of choice when it comes to choosing your destination. You may be in search of beautiful sandy beaches, mouth watering food in high quality restaurants and perhaps you have a house full of kids that need entertainment on your getaway. Well search no further,  we may just have you covered. And what if we told you, you didn’t have to leave your own country?

At DB Stays, we’re big fans of a staycation. Mostly because we know that a holiday can be made even more wonderful if it’s closer to home. Here’s our top five reasons to stay put this season.

NATURAL BEAUTY IN ABUNDANCE

First up, if you’re a nature lover, Northern Ireland is serving breathtaking beauty on a platter, all year ‘round. When it comes to beaches, we have it all. In fact, in the last year, seven Northern Irish beaches made The Times’ Top 50 Beaches in the UK list. These included Benone, Portrush East Strand and Portstewart Strand, all a stone throw from our DB Stays apartments. As well as that, the Antrim Coast and Glens is a globally recognised Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and we totally understand why. With valleys and greens, cliffs and rolling hills for miles, hugging the stunning coastline, you’ll be mesmerised every moment of your journey. We don’t have to travel far for glittering seas, magical mountains and awe-inspiring views. We have it all right here.

USE YOUR FREE TIME WISELY

I don’t know about you, but packing up for a trip on your own, with your partner or with a car full of chatty kids is definitely difficult enough, without having to navigate airports, security lines and plane journeys that last, what feels like, a lifetime! Not only do you save on the stress of that whirlwind, you also save on hours of travel time. We know that getting time off from work is precious and every moment should count. So why not stay in Northern Ireland and cut out some of that wasted energy? You’ll also cut out other time wasters like flight delays and jet lag!

SAVE THE PENNIES

Staycations are proven to be a lot more cost effective than holidays abroad. First up, you’ll save money on pricey flights and minimise the chance of delays or setbacks. Secondly! You’ll have the chance to use your own car and not have to worry about hiring one in a different country. Thirdly, if you choose self catering accommodation (like we have on offer at DB Stays!), you’ll be able to spend the same money you would have normally on food in your own home. You’ll not have to worry about how much things are, eating out if you don’t want to and navigating a different currency. You’ll stay right on track in the shops you know well.

BRING THE WHOLE FAMILY

One of our favourite reasons for favouring a staycation is the fact that they are so much more accessible for members of your family or friends. It’s much easier for your loved ones to join you on a getaway that is accessible via car or public transport, than it is via plane. As well as this, you can have the option of bringing your pet with you, super easily! Northern Ireland offers lots of opportunities for pets to enjoy a holiday just as much as their owners, and like two of our apartments at DB Stays, lots of places offer pet-friendly accommodation. We know just how precious our pets can be and we love to see a fluffy companion join us at DB Stays!

BASK IN THE FLEXIBILITY

Staycation holidays are often a lot more flexible than package holidays or pre-booked stays abroad. When you’re not far from home, you can truly relax into your stay, knowing that you have all year to explore if you really want to. Stay another night if you feel inspired and don’t feel the pressure to tick off every sight-seeing opportunity in one week! When you holiday at home, you’ve got more than enough time to unearth your country’s beauty, meaning you can truly relax and let go of the holiday-pressure to see, do and experience every facet of a place. So many of our guests at DB Stays use the opportunity to fully relax without the pressure of discovering the nuances of a new city or country. They can lie back in our bubbling hot tub and savour every moment, without the guilt!

So there you have it. DB Stay’s top five reasons to choose a Northern Irish staycation this year. No matter the reason, there’s one thing we can guarantee you. If you come and spend your special holiday time with us here at DB Stays, we’ll be sure to bring you a space that is designed to help you unwind, relax and truly, deeply enjoy your holiday.

What’re you waiting for? The North Coast awaits!

Book your stay with us here!