A wonderful location and a colourful history set the scene for a special experience at this unusual shoreside restaurant in the scenic Ramore Head area of Portrush.
Right on the rocky foreshore, with fantastic views of the famously rugged coastline and the nearby Skerries islands, this re-purposed lifeboat house dates back to 1900, with various changes of usage along the way - the story on their website, going back to the arrival of the first Portrush lifeboat in1860, is well worth reading.
In 2015 'Expressions of Interest are invited to lease the shelter' and, after some seriously roller-coaster years, Kevin and Catherine McCarry opened the Shanty, initially serving 'serving Takeaway Coffees, Brunch & Light Bites' and then, finally, in July 2022, as the beautiful fully-fledged restaurant and cocktail lounge that visitors are delighted - and often very surprised - to find here today.
On arrival the exterior is deceptively traditional and it seems that little has changed down the years, bar a good paint job. But once inside the famed big red doors, all is modernity and light, with the very best bit to be found at the far end of the restaurant, where the wonderful terrace tables are so close to the shore that it feels as if the terrace itself has become part of the seascape. A dramatic setting at any time, but in fine summer weather it would be hard to imagine anywhere to rival it...
Happy staff who are clearly proud to be part of this good news story meet, greet and seat new arrivals promptly, and the well-planned menus that soon follow have plenty to please every taste, whether traditional or contemporary international. While there's no supplier list, the sprinkling of producers name checked on dishes are an indication of the philosophy at play here. Who would not be tempted by a lunchtime sharing dish of Baked Cooleeney cheese with caramelised red onion, fig confit and toasted sourdough from the wonderful Ursa Minor in Ballycastle? Or, from the Grill menu, a burger or one of a range of steaks from nearby Dunluce Farms? This 30-day aged beef has many fans - and of course many head here specially for fresh fish and seafood too, including old favourites like battered scampi and whole lemon sole on the bone, and (if you are lucky with the season and the weather) lobster from local bays too.
An extensive drinks list is another big draw to this lovely place, not only for its wide-ranging and fairly priced wine offering (complete with tasting notes) but also craft beers, an interesting range of non-alcoholic drinks - and a terrific collection of spirits, mainly local / Irish. They even have their own house tipple, Shanty Dry Gin ('with notes of Lemon Balm & Sweet Orange') and of course many of the spirits find their way into the cocktails that are the speciality of Skippers Lounge.
One for the Sat-Nav next time you're heading north.
