Harry’s Shack – Sand, Sea, and Seriously Good Seafood
If you’re up for a proper coastal day out — toes in the sand, sea air in your lungs, and a plate of the freshest seafood in front of you — then Harry’s Shack in Portstewart is calling your name.
Perched right on the edge of the National Trust-owned Portstewart Strand, Harry’s Shack might look like a modest beachside cabin, but inside it’s one of the most celebrated restaurants on the island of Ireland. Locals adore it. Travellers seek it out. And critics (including The Guardian’s Jay Rayner) have called it “a stupid thing to miss.” We agree.
From Lagom, it’s a scenic drive along the coast — about 45 minutes — and when you arrive, you’ll find the Shack nestled right beside the dunes, the Atlantic horizon stretching out in front of you. Whether you’re coming off the beach windswept and rosy-cheeked or dressed up for a sunset dinner, you’ll feel instantly at home.
The Food
Let’s get straight to it. This place knows fish. Freshly landed seafood is the star here — whole sole in butter, pan-roasted hake with saffron aioli, and bowls of steaming mussels with thick slices of bread to mop up every last drop.
But it’s not just about seafood. Think quail scotch eggs, fishcakes with Marie Rose sauce, whitebait in light batter, and yes — the now-legendary fish and chips. Done right. Done proudly. Served with vibrant mushy peas and tartare sauce that actually tastes like something.
And then there’s the sticky toffee pudding. You won’t think you have room. You’ll be wrong. Order it.
The Vibe
Inside, it’s warm and relaxed — wooden walls, sea views, a stove by the window (book early if you want the coveted ‘Jay Rayner table’), and a buzz of happy, hungry people. Outside, you’ve got picnic tables, festoon lights, and the beach just steps away. It’s casual and unpretentious, but the food is every bit as good as you’d expect from a place with this kind of reputation.
Drink Pairings
Local beer fans, rejoice — the Shack serves up a rotating list of craft beers, many from nearby breweries like Kinnegar, which pair perfectly with the menu. You can also grab a seriously good coffee, especially if you’re there for brunch or just popping in for dessert.
The Ethos
What we love most about Harry’s Shack is how grounded it is. Everything is driven by what’s fresh, local, and in season — whether it’s the fish, the veg (much of it grown by the team), or the beer on tap. There are no frills here. Just honest cooking, brilliant ingredients, and a love for where they are and what they do.
When to Go
Lunch with sandy feet. A golden-hour dinner. A windswept winter visit with the stove crackling. It’s good all year round, and every visit feels a little different. Just be sure to book ahead via ResDiary — it’s popular, and with good reason.
📍 Harry’s Shack
116 Strand Rd, Portstewart BT55 7PG
📞 +44 28 7083 1783
📲 Active on Twitter & Facebook (but no website — very on brand)
Our tip? Plan a coast day. Drive the Causeway Route, breathe in the salt air, stop in Portstewart, and let Harry’s Shack do the rest.
Seafood, sand, and that sticky toffee pudding — it’s a North Coast must.