| THIS delightful Bathing Village, is built in the form of a crescent, and from the sea, presents a remarkably clean, neat and picturesque appearance. At the extremeties of the bay are immense blocks of rock, serving as a protection from the mighty billows of the Atlantic Ocean in the Winter season;–one of these has a remarkable echo in rough weather, and is called by the inhabitants, the “Clunk Rock.” On the other headland, a Mr. O’Hara, has built a handsome summer residence, which at little distance, with its embrasures and towers has all the appearance of a fortification. In the distance, and immediately opposite the bay, is the Innishowen chain of coast, with its steep perpendicular cliffs; beyond is Mallin Head, and in clear weather, may be seen Instrahull, with its most useful light-tower. At a short distance from Portstewart, is a delightful strand, which, but for the interruption of the river Bann, might be reckoned 12 miles in length, and is very much resorted to, by visitors. The noble mansion of Down HILL – the seat of Sir HARVEY BRUCE, is situated on a romantic promontory overhanging the sea, on the north side of the Bann river, and a short distance from where it empties itself into the ocean. There is in it a very splendid and valuable collection of Paintings and statuary by the first Masters, open to the public. Port Stewart has an excellent hotel, and may be considered one of the most fashionable summer Watering Places in the north of Ireland; besides, many highly respectable families are permanently resident. It is distant 3 miles from Portrush, and 4 from Coleraine. [p. 54] |
