We check out the vibe, backstory, rooms and Treetop Spa …
THE VIBE Characterful coaching inn renowned for its generous hospitality, literary links and art.
BACKSTORY As one of Ireland’s most historic inns dating back to 1614, the hotel was acquired by the Galgorm Collection in 2021. After a £1mstg refurbishment in 2022, its rooms and restaurant facilities have been revamped to critical acclaim.
One of the unique guest rooms.
ROOMS There are 32 guest rooms in five room types – petite, carriage, highway, junior suite and suite – all individually styled. There’s also a cottage on the grounds, famous for being the honeymoon spot of local author CS Lewis in 1958. The cottage has its own secluded hot tub for a forest bathing experience (from £335stg).
The Garden Suite.
SUITE SPOT My pretty junior Garden Suite overlooked the spa and included a huge copper bath tub and French-inspired furniture (chandelier, antique wardrobes, rugs) and a spacious bathroom with own-brand Cora amenities.
The restaurant at The Old Inn.
DINING Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in the sprawling 100-seater AA Rosette restaurant. Guests can choose from an Old Inn Classic menu, which aces comfort food, or à la carte French-inspired dishes. Executive chef Gavin Murphy prioritises the local provenance of food. The pet-friendly 1614 Bar is the epitome of cosy, with lots of nooks by crackling fires. It’s a popular spot for a Cream Tea, live music and monthly quiz nights.
WEDDINGS If you want to host a wedding for up to 65 guests, event spaces include the Treetop Lounge, CS Lewis Suite and the elegant Gallery.
The Treetop Spa.
DO Make time for The Treetop Spa, created with another £2.5mstg investment. This outdoor spa includes a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, a cabane with a waterbed and The Conservatory, where guests can relax on heated marble loungers and cosy up by the woodfire stove. This month the spa launches a range of Elemis treatments (£95stg on weekdays, £105stg at weekends).
DO Use your Ireland’s Blue Book vouchers and your Galgorm Collection card which allows guests to accrue rewards across its portfolio of restaurants and hotels.
VERDICT Quirky, unpretentious and comforting, this is a great base to explore the North Down Coastal route, especially Crawfordsburn Country Park.
BOOK Overnight stays with breakfast and spa treatment cost from £365stg. www.theoldinn.com
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