If you’re planning a visit to Northern Ireland, you’ll be faced with a practically overwhelming amount of accommodations, making it difficult to know which to choose. For the best of the best, you can’t go wrong with any of these especially magnificent hotels and B&Bs.
Ballygally Castle Hotel, Ballygally
Located on the Antrim coast, just 26 miles from Belfast, Ballygally Castle dates back to 1625 and overlooks the powdery soft sand beaches of Ballygally Bay. A popular castle hotel in Ireland, it’s also the only 17th-century building that is still used as a residence in all of Northern Ireland – and, not surprisingly, it’s reputed to be haunted by a friendly ghost. The castle features cozy rooms with beautiful, original beam ceilings and tasteful contemporary décor. The Antrim Suite boasts stunning panoramic views, while the original period rooms are uniquely shaped by the structure’s imposing architecture. Carrickfergus Castle and the picturesque Glens of Antrim are nearby, and Giant’s Causeway can be reached in a scenic hour and 15-minute drive.
The Bushmills Inn Hotel, Bushmills
One of Ireland’s top hotels, The Bushmills Inn Hotel is a 17th-century lodge that is just minutes from the Bushmills Distillery in the village of Bushmills. It’s one of the region’s best-known luxury hotels and is also close to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle. Set on an acre of private lawns, the highlights of this property are its interesting nooks and crannies, antiques, roaring peat fires and a secret library. Enjoy sipping a pint in the bar that’s still lit by gaslight, afternoon tea in the garden courtyard, watching a film or the big game in a 30-seat private cinema and dining in the outstanding on-site restaurant where you can sample some of the North Antrim’s finest produce. Upscale rooms and suites include private bathrooms, sitting areas and TVs as well as tea and coffee making equipment.
Blackwell House, Scarva
Blackwell House offers a wonderful, tranquil escape at a beautiful home tucked within the rolling countryside of County Down just 30 miles southwest of Belfast. This is an ideal spot for relaxing and unwinding, as well as for exploring the region. Inside, you’ll find family antiques mixed with contemporary furnishings that are sure to make you feel right at home. In the wintertime, enjoy a good book next to the log fire, or head to the Garden Room any time of the year for a little solitude and contemplation. Popular nearby sights including Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen, where you can take advantage of a rare opportunity to see Irish Linen in various stages of production. At Tannaghmore Gardens & Barn Museum, visit rare breeds of animals found in Ulster farms a century ago and take a stroll through the rose gardens. Numerous parks and woodlands, ideal for walking, are nearby, as well as the famed Mourne Mountains, for those who are up for a more challenging trek.
Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Newcastle
Set across six acres overlooking the Irish Sea, this magnificent Victorian hotel is ideal for those who want to explore the Mourne Mountains, including the 2,700-foot-high Slieve Donard, Ireland’s highest peak. The area is a natural playground filled with scenic trails and sparkling lakes that make up the region’s highest and most dramatic mountain range. Murlough National Nature Reserve is less than a mile away and offers stunning views of Slieve Donard for those who’d rather not make the challenging climb to its peak. There are a number of other coastal and mountain paths for walkers, offering beautiful scenery and access up to the Mourne Wall and into the Inner Mournes. After a day exploring, you can take advantage of resort facilities like a vitality pool, sauna, steam room and salon as well as an exercise room – if you didn’t get enough in already, that is.
Whitepark House, Ballintoy
Whitepark House, set along the Causeway coastal route, makes an ideal base for exploring popular Northern Ireland attractions like the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, the Dark Hedges, Dunluce Castle, Bushmill’s Distillery and more. This spectacular 18th-century home overlooking Whitepark Bay and the North Sea, is superbly decorated with many items from owner Bob Isles’ exotic travels. He’ll welcome you in like a long lost friend with some afternoon tea and biscuits, helping to make sure you’re well-prepared for the day ahead. Enjoy a delicious, hearty breakfast in the conservatory with views of the lovely garden and get a good night’s sleep in lavish rooms with comfortable beds and sizeable bathrooms, along with important amenities like an iron, hair dryer, specialty toiletries and even bathrobes.
Corrigans Shore House, Enniskillen
Located in the peaceful countryside near Enniskillen, this lovely B&B run by Catherine Corrigan enjoys an especially tranquil lakeside setting with picturesque views of the Fermanagh Lakelands. Your warm and welcoming host will greet you with tea and scones, while bedrooms that await are comfortable, bright, spacious, and en-suite. Nearby attractions include golfing at three courses within easy driving distance, visiting 600-year-old Enniskillen Castle and its two museums, as well as fishing right onsite, with Corrigan’s Shore House located on the edge of Upper Lough Erne, with a public jetty adjacent to the property.
Lisnacurran Country House B&B, Lisburn
Lisnacurran Country House, just a 20-minute drive south of Belfast, is set on an acre of mature gardens and also features an old-style courtyard. Your host, Lynn, will ensure an unforgettable stay with her delectable home-cooked breakfasts featuring everything from homemade soda bread and eggs to Northern Irish yogurts and honey, jams and marmalades that are locally sourced. Modern accommodation with a vintage feel is provided in a number of distinct, beautifully decorated rooms, including a family-sized room that was converted from an old milking parlor.
Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Housed in a former bank, this grand Victorian and art deco-style hotel is located in the heart of Belfast city center’s historic Cathedral Quarter, just a short walk from St. Anne’s Cathedral. It boasts a wealth of amenities, including a stunning luxury spa and rooftop hot tub with panoramic city views, a full spa offering hydrotherapy and a full range of treatments available, as well as multiple on-site restaurants. This five-star hotel is also home to Belfast’s only authentic jazz bar offering live jazz 7 nights a week. Sumptuous, Victorian-style rooms and suites are all elegantly appointed and feature large bathrooms, separate walk-in showers and bespoke furnishings. Suites have a separate living room while some also include a fireplace.
Harpers Boutique Bed and Breakfast, Belfast
Harpers Boutique Bed and Breakfast is set in a grand Victorian townhouse situated in Belfast’s Queen’s Quarter, just a 15-minute walk to the heart of Belfast City Centre. While it’s been completely refurbished, the property retains impressive original features – along with additional touches of luxurious elegance. Lavishly furnished bedrooms are all en-suite with rainfall power showers and underfloor heating. Comfy, high-end beds are equipped with Egyptian cotton bedding, and you’ll also find a large screen LED TV. Breakfast is full Irish with fresh fruit along with a selection of breads.
Beech Hill Country House Hotel, Derry
Beech Hill is surrounded by beautiful, well-tended gardens and 32 acres of woodland and lakes, yet it’s just minutes from Derry City center. It’s seen the likes of high profile guests like former President Bill Clinton. Built in 1739, this gorgeous Georgian country hotel features its own fine dining restaurant and all en-suite rooms, some with antique furniture and garden views. All meals are prepared from locally sourced ingredients, organic vegetables and sustainable fish caught nearby. Golfing, horse-riding, hill-walking and other activities can be arranged as can guided tours of Derry and its historic walls. These are the only intact city walls remaining in Ireland, and just one of a few in all of Europe, built in the 17th century as a defense for early settlers.
Ralph's Moira, Moira
Ralph’s Moira, located in the center of the historic and charming village of Moira, is a lovely restored Georgian-style guest house surrounded by outstanding restaurants, shops, boutiques and other amenities. Nothing is too much trouble for guesthouse staff, who are especially helpful in ensuring a wonderful stay. Modernized rooms are all superbly furnished and include private bathrooms. A complimentary full Irish or continental breakfast is also provided.
Crowfield House, Coleraine
Crowfield House, set in a quiet countryside location on the River Rhee about six miles from Coleraine and about a 30-minute drive from the Giant’s Causeway, is a luxury B&B meticulously maintained. En-suite rooms offer all of the amenities you’d expect of a small, upscale B&B, and then some, including a room with sliding glass doors that open onto a private patio overlooking the lawn and stream. Breakfasts, complete with fine linen and china, include everything from the perfectly-cooked full Irish breakfast and fresh fruit to scrambled eggs with salmon.
Cul Erg Bed and Breakfast, Portstewart
A two-minute stroll to the clear blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean, Cul-Erg is a modern B&B just a short walk from Portstewart’s Victorian-era promenade. From here, you can take in gorgeous views across the North Coast, indulge in delectable ice cream at one of the famous parlors, dine in a number of pubs and restaurants, browse colorful art galleries, craft and gift shops, or enjoy an afternoon of golf. Your hosts will give you helpful suggestions about what to see and do, and you’ll appreciate the opportunity to come back to a cozy parlor warmed by a fireplace as well as a comfortable, en-suite room. In the morning, look forward to an excellent selection of hot breakfast items, as well as tea and homemade scones in the afternoon.
Rayanne House, Belfast
Rayanne House is an elegant Victorian manor that dates back to 1883, and it may be ideal for Titanic history buffs. It’s just a 10-minute drive to Belfast city center and the Titanic Belfast museum, located at the shipyard where the magnificent, but ill-fated RMS Titanic was built. You can even feast on Titanic’s gourmet delights while overlooking the lough shore where it was launched with the internationally acclaimed Titanic Menu, which is a recreation of the dinner served to the First Class Passengers on board the great Belfast-built ship. You’ll stay in a home that truly reflects the opulence of the ship – it includes an amazing print clearly showing Titanic sailing down Belfast Lough with Rayanne in the background. The lavish rooms combine period accents with contemporary furnishings. All are en-suite and some have balconies and/or sea views.
Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballymena
Set across 163 acres of lush parkland with the River Maine flowing through, this 18th-century country resort and spa offers a true haven for relaxation. Just 30 minutes from Belfast city center, it boasts elegant rooms with contemporary décor as well as signature suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, panoramic views and terraces. There are multiple restaurants and a world-class spa with a Thermal Village, featuring an indoor pool, snow cabin, sanarium, hot tub, and swimming pool, and you can choose between seaweed bath treatments, detox treatments, and hydrotherapy treatments to ease tensions away. Its peaceful, elegant atmosphere has attracted a number of big-name celebs, including Liam Neeson, Michael Fassbender and Mischa Barton.
The vast estate offers fishing, pigeon shooting, walking, archery, mountain biking, horse riding and golf nearby. Be sure to indulge in the beautifully-designed spa with its five sauna and steam rooms, each with a different type of heat and temperature, as well as an ice fountain, an infinity hydrotherapy pool and thermal water-heated stone loungers that overlook the lawns outside. Take relaxation even further by sipping afternoon tea while enjoying views of the river and the sounds of the resident pianist on a baby grand piano.
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