Step back in time with a stay in a historic country house hotel or Bed & Breakfast. We have carefully selected the very best country houses for you to consider, a selection of highly-recommended luxury hotels or Bed & Breakfasts set in magnificent historic buildings with stunning rural locations. Our checklist has included original features, four-poster or Victorian brass beds (but with a modern luxury mattress of course), environment, location and of course, recommendations.
We have grouped the accommodation by location: 1. Causeway Coast & Glens, 2. The Fermanagh Lakelands and 3. Belfast and County Down (including the Mournes area). To help you plan your itinerary, you can use the map to locate each hotel / Bed & Breakfast.
Causeway Coast & Glens
This area stretches between Belfast and the historic walled city of Derry~Londonderry and includes the Causeway Coastal Route and the nine Glens of Antrim. Highlight attractions in the area include the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Bushmills Distillery and the Dark Hedges. Popular activities include golf, hiking, boat trips and water activities. A day trip to Derry~Londonderry should also be on your agenda and it is also very possible to do a day trip to Belfast. Read more about the The Causeway Coast & Glens.
Country Houses: Dromore House | Whitepark House | Ardtara House | Oranmore House
Dromore House
88 Coolyvenny Rd, Coleraine BT51 3SF
- Accommodation type – Bed & Breakfast
- Built around 1826
- Georgian country home set in three-acre grounds
- Views of the surrounding countryside
- Gardens, small kitchen garden and patio
- From £175 (approx) per night
Set in a three-acre garden with beautiful mature trees and stunning views over the surrounding countryside, Dromore House is just 25 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway and 5 minutes from the market town of Coleraine. Originally built almost 200 years ago, the house has been lovingly restored, with care taken to retain almost all of its original Georgian features.
Guests can choose from four unique and traditionally furnished bedrooms, one with a four poster bed. Expect open fires, luxurious Egyptian cotton sheets, antique furnishings and serene countryside views with sightings of hares, badgers, foxes, squirrels and hedgehogs.
Great quiet location in the countryside with a beautiful and expansive garden to get lost in. Breakfast was delicious with a great amount of choice and all cooked to perfection. The room was very comfortable and the shower luxurious. We felt very well cared for by Angela and loved every aspect of our visit from arrival to departure.”
Duncan (booking.com)
Recognition
- Sawdays Special Places – 9.9/10
- Booking.com – 9.7
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Accommodation
Four Poster and Brass Beds | Clawfoot Bathtub | Ensuite | Tea & Coffee facilities | Wifi | TV | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Breakfast includes a traditional Ulster Fry using local produce butcher’s sausages or a daily special which might be Eggs Florentine/Benedict or Fluffy Pancakes, amongst other choices. Vegetarian and vegan choices are also available.
For dining options later on in the day
Complimentary tea and shortbread is served for guests arriving between 4pm – 6pm.
For your evening meal Coleraine is just five minutes drive away and Portstewart only 15 minutes drive, offering numerous dining options including the beachside Harry’s Shack and the seafront Amici in Portstewart.
Location
- Belfast City Airport – 1 hour 30 minutes drive
- Belfast International – 40 minutes drive
- Dublin Airport – 1 hour 15 minutes drive
Ardtara Country House
8 Gorteade Road, Upperlands, Maghera BT46 5SA
- Accommodation type – Hotel
- Built in 1896 by Henry Clark
- A Historic Country House with heritage dating back over 150 years
- Nestled in a Secluded 10 acre Countryside Estate
- Renowned Irish Restaurant on site
- From £215 (approx) per night
With a rich history dating back to the linen industry in Northern Ireland, The Ardtara boasts a rich heritage and interior filled with unique antiques and furnishings. Bedrooms have incorporated a modern, luxurious touch with original fireplaces and flooring. The 10-acre grounds of the hotel offers a garden restaurant, rolling fields and green views. Belfast, Derry Londonderry, Giant’s Causeway and many other attractions are within a 45 minute drive from Ardtara, making it an excellent base from which to explore the Causeway Coast.
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Very cosy and welcoming. Genuine Edwardian / Victorian country house in big gardens. Very rural. Excellent food in the dining room and cosy bar.”
Jane (booking.com)
Recognition
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Accommodation
Original Fireplaces | Ensuite | Toiletries and Towels | Tea & Nespresso Coffee facilities | Wifi | Flatscreen T.V. | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
The Ardtara offers a delicious breakfast with your stay. Guests can choose from the breakfast menu, freshly cooked to order.
For dining options later on in the day
The award-winning Ardtara Clark Restaurant’s chef changes the menu daily showcasing the best of local produce. The restaurant also has garden seating available.
You can also choose to sit for an Afternoon Tea.
See & Do
- The Giants Causeway
- The Nine Glens of Antrim
- Bushmills Distillery
- Belfast and Titanic Centre
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 1 hour away via car
- Belfast International is 45 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 2 hour 30 min away via car
Oranmore House
147 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, County Antrim, BT42 1DE
- Accommodation type – Bed & Breakfast
- Built in the 1800s
- Traditional and luxurious interiors
- Grand, relaxing grounds
- Lounge/ Bar
- From £170(approx) per night
An exquisite Victorian House built in the 1800s and now restored to its former glory without foresaking modern conveniences. A family-run, pet-friendly B&B, the accommodation has a licenced bar and an award-winning restaurant offering service throughout the day.
The hotel is located close to several top golf courses and is a popular choice for golfers. Oranmore is located just outside Ballymena, which has a train service to Belfast and Derry Londondery, and within easy driving distance of Belfast and the Causeway Coast.
Beautiful surroundings and delightful rooms. A trip back to gracious Victorian living. The staff went beyond to make us comfortable and welcomed.”
Gillian (booking.com)
Recognition
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Accommodation
Antique, country style rooms | Ensuite | Garden views | Flatscreen TV | Restaurant and bar | Wifi | Daily housekeeping | Onsite Children’s Playground
Food & Beverage
Guests are offered breakfast upon their stay at Oranmore. Morning tea consisting of coffee, scones and cream is also available.
For dining options later on in the day
Onsite the Oranmore’s restaurant offers a fine dining experience flavoursome dishes that showcase the top-quality produce that Northern Ireland has to offer. Most fresh ingredients are grown on site while the Oranmore chickens provide the freshest eggs for your breakfast.
See & Do
- Slemish Mountain (St. Patrick Heritage site)
- The Glens of Antrim
- Cushendun Village
- Ballymena Golf Course & the Galgorm Castle Golf Course
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 35 min away via car
- Belfast International is 26 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 2 hour 35 min away via car
Fermanagh Lakelands
Manor House Country Hotel
Killadeas, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh, BT94 1NY
- Accommodation type – Hotel
- Built in mid-18th century
- Breathtaking views of Lough Erne
- Original house and architectural features
- Swimming pool, sauna and spa
- From £180 (approx) per night
The family-run Manor House Country Hotel is located on the shores of Lower Lough Erne and boasts an impressive history dating back to the mid 18th century. The hotel retains some of the original architecture and original entrance, awe inspiring hallway, majestic staircase with its marble columns will leave a lasting impression. The hostel boasts two restaurants, a bar and a swimiming pool/spa complex. The hotel has won many awards over the years including the AA’s Northern Ireland’s Hotel of the year and an AA Silver Award – 5* rating.
Incredible views, stunning property, food was exquisite and the staff were awesome. I could not recommend this property more. I will definitely be going back.”
Liz (booking.com)
Recognition
- AA Silver Award 5* rating
- AA Rosette Restaurant
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Accommodation
Four-post bed (Executive Lake View Room) | Ensuite | Air Conditioning | Tea & Coffee facilities | Wifi & T.V | Swimming pool, Sauna and Spa Facilities | Fitness Suite | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Manor House offers hotel getaways with bed and breakfast options. The Belleek Restaurant has a Traditional Full Irish breakfast along with other great breakfast options.
For dining options later on in the day
The AA Rosette Belleek Restaurant; Cellar Door Bar & Bistro is perfect for diners seeking a culinary experience. Besides boasting a delicious menu, the restaurant offers views across Lough Erne with the Cliffs of Magho off in the distance. The Hotel also has two amazing bars where you can wet your whistle after a day’s exploring the beautiful lakelands.
See & Do
- Boat hire options on the ‘Lady of the Lake’ Cruiser
- Manor House Coach Tours
- Manor Marine Tennis & Golf Facilities
- Castle Archdale Country Park
- Enniskillen Castle and Museum
- Cuilcagh BoardWalk
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 1 hour 45 min away via car
- Belfast International is 1hour 45 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 2 hours away via car
Belfast & County Down
The Old Inn
Main Street, Crawfordsburn, Crawfordsburn, County Down, BT19 1JH
- Accommodation type – Hotel
- Built in 1614
- Historical links with author and 20th Century Literary icon C.S. Lewis
- Idyllic location beside Crawfordsburn Country Park, and a short walk to the sea
- Victorian interior with authentic luxury
- From £185 (approx) per night
Set in the small village of Crawfordsburn with fabulous views over the Crawfordsburn Country Park, the Old Inn was originally a coaching house built in 1614. The hotel is still very olde worldy with panelled walls and firelit corners, but also offers guests a modern spa and of course other modern comforts in the rooms. The Old Inn is famousely where Belfast born C.S. Lewis, author of the Narnia Chronicles, spent his honeymoon.
Conveniently located for day trips into Belfast and just 15 minutes from Belfast City airport (George Best Airport) visitors can also enjoy walks through the country park and along Belfast Lough with views across the Lough to the Glens of Antrim. Good road connections make a day trip to the Causeway Coast or south of Belfast to attractions such as the Mournes, the Game of Thrones Studio Tour and Hillsborough Castle a possibility.
Excellent – everything was great, room, hospitality, evening meal, breakfast! Highly recommended! Sean was so hospitable and friendly as were all the staff. We’ve stayed once before , hope to stay again!”
Ann (tripadvisor.com)
Recognition
- 9 – Booking.com
- Two AA Rosettes for the Clark restaurant
- Telegraph – 8/10
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Accommodation
Four-post bedsteads | Ensuite (Rooms available with Copper Bathtub/ Hottub) | Toiletries and Towels | Tea & Nespresso Coffee facilities | Wifi | T.V. | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Breakfast is available upon booking, you can even amp up the luxury with breakfast in bed. The restaurant offers guests an a-la carte breakfast menu with vegetarian and vegan options.
For dining options later on in the day
Expect quality dining when eating at The Old Inn Restaurant for lunch or dinner. The menu offers a range of delicious pub grub to French fare using seasonal offerings.
Why not try the 1614 bar which offers a range of drinks in a comfortable, laid back setting. The bar was a usual haunt for famous writer C.S Lewis!
See & Do
- Crawfordsburn Country Park
- Ulster Folk Museum
- Royal County Down Golf Club
- Belfast and Titanic Centre
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 15 min away via car
- Belfast International is 45 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 2 hours away via car
Banoge House
17 Hall Road, Donaghcloney, County Down, BT66 7LJ
- Accommodation type – Bed & Breakfast
- 1800 century backdrop
- Private gardens
- Country house
- Antique furnishings
- From £80 (approx) per night
A stunning stately home where visitors can relax in the elegant lounge areas and library, as well as enjoy the peaceful and elegant gardens. The en-suite rooms feature period furniture and opulant soft furnishings giving you the perfect sense of stepping back in time.
The location is a very peaceful country setting, with beautiful garden grounds. The accommodation is a large country house, with great period furniture. A full cooked Irish breakfast is included in the price, an ideal place to chill out, and will certainly return on our next visit to the area.”
Alexander (booking.com)
Recognition
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Accommodation
Four Post Beds | Ensuite | Lounges | Library | Hot tub and BBQ facilities | Wifi | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Bangoe House is a bed and breakfast. Guests can enjoy a traditional Irish or English breakfast.
For dining options later on in the day
Banoge House offers drinks at the Blue Lounge or Grand Lounge. There is also a self-catering kitchen which guests can use. Alternatively if you fancy grabbing a meal outside, Donaghcloney and Banbridge offer plenty of dine-out options.
See & Do
The perfect country retreat for a quiet getaway
- Fishing in the River Lagan
- Game of Thrones Tours
- Aberdelghy Golf Course
- Brownlow House
- Lough Neagh Discovery Centre
- Oxford Island Nature Reserve
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 34 min away via car
- Belfast International is 32 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 1 hour 30 min away via car
Kiltariff Hall Country House
Kiltariff Hall, 5 Drumlough Road, Rathfriland, Co.Down
- Accommodation type – Bed & Breakfast
- Built in 1888
- Victorian style interior with antique furnishings
- Views of the Mournes Mountains
- Gardens and terrace
- From £140 (approx) per night
A family-run boutique hotel set amongst mature oaks and pine trees just on the outskirts of the small market town of Rathfriland. Built by the host’s Great Grandfather in 1888 and handed down through generations, the hotel has kept its original beauty, boasting antique woodwork and original fireplaces. Guests can use the patio and grounds to enjoy the dreamy views of the Mournes Mountains. The rooms promise a peaceful night sleep in their king-size beds with high-quality cotton linen.
Absolutely amazing. A fabulous welcome, beautiful, comfy room and bed. The breakfast was to die for. We don’t want to leave.”
Ivan (booking.com)
Recognition
- 9.7 – Booking.com
- Evilivo – Outstanding Host Award Winner
- Hotels Combined – Recognition of Excellence 2021
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Accommodation
Ensuite | Tea & Coffee facilities | Wifi | Hair dryer | Towels | Daily housekeeping | Drawing room with TV to watch available upon request
Food & Beverage
The hotel prides itself on its working farm heritage and provides good locally sourced food for their traditional Ulster Fry breakfast, served daily. Vegetables and fruits are sourced from the hotel’s own gardens. The menu also offers a range of choices for vegetarians and vegans.
For dining options later on in the day – A 10 minute walk away is a stylish wine bar and bistro. With many other dining options a short drive away.
See & Do
The Kiltarrif is surrounded by things to see and do:
- The Mourne area offers hiking, bird and wildlife watching
- Tollymore Forest Park in which many Game of Thrones scenes were set
- Visit the 100 acre grounds of Hillsborough Castle
Getting there
Local Airports
Belfast City Airport is 1 hour away via car
Belfast International is 1 hour away via car
Dublin Airport is 1 hour 15 min away via car
Ballydugan Country House Hotel
61 Ballydugan Rd, Downpatrick, Country Down, BT30 8HA
- Accommodation type – Bed & Breakfast
- Built in 1770
- Family-friendly guest house
- Georgian home with antique furnishings
- Peaceful, green surroundings
- Fishing and canoeing
- From £170 (approx) per night
Guests staying at the Ballydugan Country House can enjoy its historic and charming character, with tasteful decor throughout. As well as being well situated in St Patrick’s Country and close to all the outdoor activity offered by the Mournes, Ballydugan also provides both game and clays shooting opportunities, regarded as some of the very best throughout Ireland and beyond
We had such a lovely time here in this beautiful period property. The large room was both comfy and cosy but best of all was Simone the hostess with the mostess!”
Elaine (tripadvisor.com)
Recognition
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Accommodation
Ensuite | Tea & Coffee facilities | Wifi | Breakfast | Picnic area and sun terrace | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Enjoy a full English/ Irish breakfast with your stay at Ballydugan. Produce from the grounds is also on offer with fresh honeycomb made by Ballydugan’s bees.
For dining options later on in the day
Tea and homemade cakes are on offer if you are feeling peckish. For a dine out meal explore the fishing village Ardglass or go into the historic town of Downpatrick for a bite to eat.
See & Do
- Down County Museum
- Dundrum Castle
- Balmoral Golf Club
- Ballynoe Stone Circle
- St. Patrick’s Centre & Grave
Getting there
Local Airports
Belfast City Airport is 50 min away via car
Belfast International is 1 hour away via car
Dublin Airport is 1 hour 50 min away via car
Ballymote Country House
84 Killough Road, Downpatrick, Country Down, BT30 8BJ
- Bed & Breakfast
- Built in 1730
- Traditional country house
- Luscious green surroundings
- Dog friendly
- From £170 (approx) per night
A 300-year-old family run country home promises ‘far from the bland run of the mill B&B experience’. Ballymote is surrounded by tranquil green lands, located in the heart of St. Patrick’s country. County Down offers guests a plethora of activities to do, such as golf, horse riding, walking in the Mountains of Mourne and historical sites to visit. The rooms are designed for guests to retreat into country-style comfort with luxury at the heart of the room’s furnishings.
We had an excellent stay at the Ballymote Country House. The owners are extremely helpful and accommodating – nothing is too much trouble. The place was spotlessly clean & tidy. Our room was very comfortable and we slept well. Breakfast was top class and plentiful. thank you.”
Irina (booking.com)
Recognition
- Northern Ireland Bed and Breakfast 4*
- 9.6* Booking.com
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Accommodation
Ensuite | Tea & Coffee facilities | 7ftX7ft ‘Emperor bed’ (Curtis Room) | Wifi | Lounge/ TV area | Gardens | Daily housekeeping
Food & Beverage
Tuck into a breakfast meal that promises to set you up for anything your day has to offer. From a traditional Irish kitchen guests are offered locally sourced and home made breakfast.
For dining options later on in the day
Downpatrick is not only a great place to visit for its history, guests can also visit the town to grab a bite. Rather for a seaside meal, visit the small fishing village of Ardglass or Dundrum. The hosts are also very knowledgeable in suggesting places to dine and are happy to help guests organise bookings.
See & Do
- Down County Museum
- The St. Patrick Centre
- Golf (Royal County Down Golf Club, Ardglass Golf Club)
- Horse Riding
- Castle Ward
Getting there
Local Airports
- Belfast City Airport is 50 min away via car
- Belfast International is 1 hour 8 min away via car
- Dublin Airport is 2 hour 8 min away via car
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