Portrush, from Port Rois meaning landing place on the promontory, had its heyday in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In the early 19th century, this naturally protected port quickly developed into a major shipping and commercial center. With the arrival of the railroad in 1855, the sea facing town grew to be a fashionable seaside resort. It became a lifeboat station in 1860. And enjoyed a great building spree that lasted through the early 20th century.

Online maps are a great travel planning resource and a great way to get the kids involved in a family vacation. Use online maps to pinpoint your family travel destination and get a lay of the land. Use interactive maps of Northern Ireland to locate a city, street or attraction and create an itinerary.

Books are a great way to introduce young children to a new adventure and get teens and tweens ready for a family trip. We've compiled a list of books about the Emerald Isle and books by Irish authors for children of various ages and with varying interests. Find classics, adventure stories, historical novels and Irish myths. Discover books by modern authors and classic writers including Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, James Joyce, Oscar Wilde and Bram Stoker. What better why to begin a journey that a trip through literature?

Read Northern Ireland newspapers online and, in addition to brushing up on Northern Ireland current events, find out what's happening in Belfast and Derry and discover what the Irish Brits are reading about. There's a wealth of insight in the newspaper as well as listings of local happenings.