As the 153rd Open Championship gets underway at the Royal Portrush this week, here’s a guide of where to stay and what to see while in the area …
Portrush Adelphi, Portrush
Marine and Lawn is known for its impressive portfolio of hotels adjacent to destination golf courses such as St Andrews Old Course, Royal County Down, Troon and North Berwick. Its sixth property is the Portrush Adelphi, just beside the Royal Portrush Golf Club, where The Open takes place this week. Newly renovated, the townhouse hotel opened earlier this summer and is a maximalist’s dream with plenty of visual inspiration. Think Ralph Lauren-style tartans and tweeds in the communal areas, exotic greenery, comfy armchairs overlooking the comings and goings in this popular seaside town. The boutique hotel vibe is maintained in its 34 rooms which are decorated in a palette inspired by the land and sea.
As a four-star gem, this is a supremely comfortable base from which to explore the area. A must-do is take the stunning drive from Portrush to Bushmills, where you’ll pass the 16th-century Dunluce Castle. Stop off at Magheracross Viewing Point, a great sunset spot also noted for its stargazing. In the evening, take a stroll to the Harbour Bar, one of the oldest on the coast for a drink or to listen to some live music. Gin lovers should try the local Basalt Volcanic Rock gin inspired by the Giant’s Causeway – the water used in its production has been filtered through basalt rock and drawn from a 600ft borehole. www.marineandlawn.com
Dunluce Lodge, Portrush
A golfer’s paradise situated just outside Portrush, Dunluce Lodge couldn’t be in a better position for The 153rd Open Championship. The hotel overlooks the the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club. With 35 luxury suites, including eight in The Stookan, its private annex for larger groups, the new hotel caters to golf connoisseurs. An onsite putting green, designed by renowned golf architect, Martin Ebert, is complemented by private transfers to the nearby helipad and to the clubhouses at Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Club. Post-play, The Spa at Dunluce Lodge is the place to restore balance to the body and the mind, while the restaurant is equally impressive. À la carte dining, tasting menus, a wine vault and private dining spaces all add up to a supremely luxurious experience. www.dunlucelodge.com
Harbourview Hotel, Carnlough
Described as Ireland’s first whiskey hotel, the newly opened Harbourview is capitalising on the growing whiskey tourism market. Formerly known as The Londonderry Arms, the hotel was acquired by a consortium headed by hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master Irish whiskey distiller Darryl McNally and entrepreneur Carl Harrison in summer 2024. Since then, the trio, who also own Outwalker and Limavady Whiskey, have completed an extensive yet sensitive restoration of the historic hotel. Retaining original features including open fires and terrazzo flooring, the hotel features a new lounge and bar (serving over 300 whiskeys) and a restaurant, plus 35 colourful bedrooms. Whiskey fans will enjoy the diverse programme of monthly events and tasting experiences, including boat trips to Islay for guided tours of the Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries. Of note is the Carnlough Whiskey Festival (from August 20 to 23) which will feature local brands Bushmills, Shortcross, Copeland, Outwalker and Limavady, in addition to a line-up of music from The Rogues, The Causeway Shantymen and String Ninjas. www.theharbourviewhotel.com
The Surfer’s House, Portrush
This stylish haunt belongs to big wave surfer Al Minnie (@al_mennie). His aim was to combine a cool and comfortable place to stay with optional guided tours of the area. As a surfer he’s always on the lookout for the best waves and through that he finds all these great hidden spots around the coast. Al’s partner is fashion designer Sara O’Neill – if visiting Bushmills, pop into The Designerie, where you’ll find Sara’s latest collection in addition to other interesting gifts and crafts. Also recommended, seeing the famous coastline from a different perspective – by boat. Aquaholics arranges boat trips from Ballintoy Harbour. www.thesurfershouse.com
Elephant Rock Hotel, Portrush
Insiders will tell you that Portstewart is the quieter sister resort of Portrush, which has always been known for its lively nightlife. Both have great beaches and relatively new boutique hotels. In Portstewart, the undeniably chic Mr and Mrs Jones is matched by Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush. There’s been a real buzz about its design – mixing bold colours, deco details and bespoke upholstery – and food. The hotel’s restaurant and cocktail bar, overlooking the Skerries Islands, East Sands beach and the Atlantic, is ideal for a sundowner after a round of golf on the Royal Portrush Golf Course. www.elephantrockhotel.co.uk
The Salthouse Hotel, Ballycastle
Location, location, location – The Salthouse Hotel is perfectly poised to visit the Carrick-A-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbour and Kinbane Castle. It’s also adjacent to a golf club and a very short drive to Ballycastle Beach. A summer highlight in the area is the Old Lammas Fair, held on the last Monday and Tuesday of August which has its roots in the pre-Christian mythology of Lugh, the Celtic sun god. Not to be missed are some of the local delicacies of dulce (seaweed) and yellowman (ultra sweet honeycomb). Do take the Rathlin Island Ferry to the island for a cycle or walking tour and look out for the resident birdlife. Razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and a puffin colony are the island’s main residents. However, if you are looking for a more relaxing spa break, facilities at this eco hotel include seaweed baths, a thermal suite and a good range of Voya treatments. Accommodation includes 24 spacious bedrooms and suites, in addition to eco lodges and a farmhouse (which sleeps eight). All enjoy great views while the laidback bar and restaurant are further reasons to visit. www.thesalthousehotel.com
Ardtara Country House, Co Derry
Seamus Heaney’s HomePlace, the Giant’s Causeway, and the links golf courses of Royal Portrush, Portstewart or Castlerock are easily accessible from this secluded retreat, once the home of linen baron, Harry Clarke. Rooms are comfortable, while food is a forte, overseen by chef/patron Ian Orr and comes with a Michelin recommendation. Helpfully guests have Upperlands Mill & Dam Trail as well as the Drumnaph Wood beside the hotel to work up an appetite. Other notable eateries in the vicinity include Eighteen Ninety Four restaurant overlooking Portstewart Strand and Browns Bonds Hill Restaurant in Derry. If visiting as part of a foodie getaway this autumn, the nearby village of Bushmills is hosting a Salmon & Whiskey Festival from October 3 to 5. www.ardtara.com
Bishop’s Gate Lodge, Co Derry
The National Trust website has a range of interesting holiday rentals in grand locations, from campsites (at Crom Estate, Co Fermanagh) to caravan parks (at Castle Ward Estate, Co Down) as well as a rose-covered cottage (at Florence Court). Bishop’s Gate Lodge is at the entrance to Downhill Estate famous for its folly the Mussenden Temple, one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland. Garden enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Bishop Gate’s Gardens (with its rare tree species) and Walled Gardens. It’s also a good place for breezy clifftop or beach walks, close to the Blue Flag beaches at Downhill and Benone. The cosy Bishop’s Gate Lodge has a stove for cooler evenings and a private garden for relaxing or dining outdoors. Pop over to Castlerock for some surfing or book one of Derry’s fabulous dining spots: Artis Derry, the Asian fusion cuisine at Umi Derry, or the impeccable Browns in Town Restaurant. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Ballygalley Hotel, Larne
To celebrate 400 years Ballygalley Hotel has a special two night escape, called the Fortress of Beginnings package which includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning, a two-course dinner in the Garden Restaurant on one evening, served with a bottle of Prosecco, and a seaweed bath gift. Also of note, there’s a Murder Mystery weekend taking place on October 18. This is an ideal setting – the hotel is rumoured to be haunted. www.ballygallycastlehotel.com
Aurora, Bushmills
Aurora’s twin log cabins combine rustic beauty and modern luxury for year-round escapes in comfort and style. Complete with wood burners, supersized beds, outdoor hot tubs and private verandas, this self-catering option is just one mile from the Giant’s Causeway and the village of Bushmills. www.auroranorthcoast.com
The Shepherd’s Hut, Ballymoney
If you are inspired by a farm stay, this cabin is just beside one and is situated in a mature garden with a pond and waterfall. It’s a rustic, romantic getaway, only 15 minutes from Portrush. A further bonus is drifting off to sleep as you gaze up at the stars through the curved skylight above the bed. www.discovernorthernireland.com
Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim
Long before Game of Thrones popularised the coast of Antrim, Bushmills Inn was a destination for foodies and hotel aficionados. Originally a coaching inn, dating from the 1600s, it’s always been a popular hotel and base for exploring the coastline with peat fires, cosy rooms, and interesting nooks and crannies. No visit would be complete without a visit to Bushmills distillery a stone’s throw from the hotel. (This week to coincide with The Open, Bushmills Irish Whiskey has partnered with golfwear brand Malbon to release a stylish capsule collection). There’s lots to see in the village – make a beeline to Taylor Yates boutique to see the new collection of linen beach totes or to The Courtyard, an interesting collective of artisans and creators. I discovered local cosmetics brand, Pearl Beauty, in addition to Assumpta McGonigle who repurposes men’s ties into statement accessories with vintage jewellery. After a wander round the shops, grab a toastie at Mini Maegden, or book dinner back at the Old Inn, where the setting is in the former 17th-century stables. Guests also have access to movie screenings in the Inn’s Still Room cinema. www.bushmillsinn.com
Bushbank Studio, Bushmills
If you prefer a self-catering option, then try the newly opened Bushbank Studio, a one bedroom apartment which has been renovated and tastefully decorated by local hotelier Lynne McCabe. She co-owns boutique hotels such as Ralph’s Moira and Arthur’s Hillsborough in addition to Lisnacurran Guest House, Co Down. The same attention to detail and comfort is apparent in the studio which offers a central location and room for pets too. Guests will enjoy the local beaches for walks – Castlerock, Portstewart strand and Cushendall are all closeby. www.bushbankstudio.com
Glenarm Castle, Ballymena
The 17th-century Glenarm Castle is a lovely rural getaway along the Causeway Coastal Route which has added holiday pods to its accommodation offering. These are cosy, fully furnished and have electricity, running water and heating and feature an expansive glazed entrance, coffee dock, shower room, double-bed, Wifi and somewhere to sit and relax. You can bring your own food or have the option of pre-ordering a breakfast or barbecue pack delivered to your pod. www.glenarmcastle.com
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