North Irish Lodge - Brennan's Barn

About

Welcome to North Irish Lodge Holiday Cottages
Nestled on the picturesque east coast of County Antrim, North Irish Lodge offers a retreat steeped in charm and history. Located on the tranquil peninsula of Islandmagee, which derives its name from the historic Mac Aodha (Magee) family, the cottages blend natural beauty with a rich cultural legacy.

Just a 30-minute drive from Belfast City Centre and perfectly positioned at the gateway to the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, the lodge provides a unique combination of rural serenity and accessibility. Surrounded by rolling countryside, guests can revel in spectacular sunsets over Larne Lough, with views stretching to Scotland’s Paps of Jura, Mull of Kintyre, and Ailsa Craig. Offshore, the Maiden’s and Copeland Islands further enrich the coastal scenery.

The North Irish Lodge is made up of 3 specially named holiday cottages, all lovingly restored stone buildings dating back to 1850:

1. Brennan’s Barn: Sleeps 5 adults  / 1x double, 3 x single beds

2. Annie’s Croft: Sleeps 4 adults / 1 x double, 2x single, 1x cot

3. Leahy’s Loft: Sleeps 4 adults / 1x double, 2 x single

Each retains its rustic charm while offering luxurious accommodations, ideal for family getaways, reunions, or hosting wedding guests attending nearby venues like Magheramorne Estate, Ballygally Castle, and Hillmount House. Every cottage is thoughtfully designed to be accessible, comfortable, and family-friendly.

Guests are welcomed with a thoughtful pack including tea, coffee, milk, butter, and bread, setting the tone for a relaxing self-catering experience. Each cottage features cosy open fires, electricity and heating included in the stay, superfast Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. Self-catering facilities are complemented by in-house laundry services, ensuring convenience for all visitors. At the front of each cottage, a west-facing picnic and BBQ area invites guests to enjoy al fresco dining while taking in the mesmerizing sunsets over Larne Lough and the Glens of Antrim.

Adding to the charm, guests can enjoy views of iconic landmarks, including the Game of Thrones “White Wall” filming site at Magheramorne Quarry. The lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to the beauty and culture of County Antrim.

Owned by the Brennan family since 2022, the North Irish Lodge carries the warmth of a family legacy in Islandmagee spanning over a century. They invite you to experience the comfort, history, and natural beauty of this enchanting destination.

Local Attractions

Whitehead is a 5 minute drive from Islandmagee and nestles between two headlands: one Basalt (Blackhead), the other formerly Limestone, from which Whitehead got its name. You can check out everything to see and do in both areas HERE or see key highlights on our doorstep below:

1. The Gobbin’s famous Cliff Path *Book tours online or at the Visitor’s Centre

2. The Greedy Gannet Cafe in the Gobbin’s Visitor Centre and adjacent children’s play park

3. Gobbins Crafts Économusée:  jewellery making workshopc4. Brown’s Bay Beach with views of The Maiden’s Lighthouse

4. Portmuck Harbour and Browns Bay Beach / Ferris Bay

5. The famous homemade Rinkha Ice-cream parlour / Toy shop. Serving the community for over 70years and previously a dance hall.

6. Whitehead Railway Museum and Cups and Carriages cafe

7. Tweedie Pies Bakery Whitehead: fresh soda and potato bread for a traditional Irish breakfast fry-up

8. Lots of coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and places to eat in nearby Whitehead and Ballycarry - check out full listing HERE

9. Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art

10. Whitehead Heritage & Wellbeing Trail and Blackhead Coastal Path with Lighthouse

11. Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus Museum and Andrew Jackson Cottage with US Rangers Museum

12. Golf Courses: Larne Golf Club (Islandmagee), Whitehead Golf Club and Bentra Golf Course 

13. E – bike hire and local information at Whitehead Centre

14. Equestrian centre located on Islandmagee

15. Local blacksmith classes with Swifts Forge

16. Gleno Waterfall

17. Carnfunnock Country Park (parts closed during 2025/26)

18. Bird Watching over Larne Lough

19. Fishing spots:  Skernaghan’s Point and many others

20. Famous Causeway Coastal Route

21. Boat Tours:  Carnlough and Carrickfergus

22. Glenarriff Forest Park and Waterfall

23. Glenarm Castle and Garden

24. Glenarm Forest River Walk (Please ask for directions)

25. Whiskey experiences:  Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough (opening Spring 2025)

26. The Steenson’s Jewellers Glenarm:  family run goldsmiths with handcrafted distinctive jewellery