MacCool's Youth Hostel
5 Causeway View Terrace
Portrush, Northern Ireland
N.Ireland (UK)
Telephone: (0044) (01265) 824845
For £6, you can't ask for much, but MacCool's gives it to you anyway. There's no fireplace, but the commons room is plenty warm and comfortable. There's no curfew and the commons room is open all night. The kitchen seemed big enough, but for one reason or another I kept running into people. Showers are free and always hot (electric flash heaters). Rooms aren't too crowded and beds are comfortable. Laundry is available (wash & dry) for £2. I checked in, put my bag down, went to visit Giant's Causeway, and when I came back, not only had they provided sheets, but they had made my bed and turned back one corner of the duvet. It was certainly more service than I expect from a youth hostel, especially for £6.
Portrush is a convenient town from which to visit the Giant's Causeway, but everything seems to be closed most of the time. It's possible that it gains some life in the summertime, but for the time being, it feels totally dead.