Luxury Weekends

The best hotels in Northern Ireland 

The magnificent Culloden Estate and Spa is one of the top hotels in Northern Ireland. Ten minutes from Belfast city, this former Bishop’s Palace resides in 12 acres of gardens and woodland, overlooking Belfast Lough and the Antrim coastline.  

If you like your city breaks city-centred, Belfast’s Fitzwilliam Hotel (5*) oozes contemporary style, while The Merchant Hotel (5*) does glamour with a Victorian and Art Deco twist. And, to make a good day extra special, book yourself in for dinner at the riverside OX restaurant (with its Michelin Star).

Newry’s Canal Court Hotel and Spa (4*), on the banks of the city’s waterway, has you close to the main shopping centres and within easy reach of the rolling countryside and Mourne Mountains. The elegant Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry~Londonderry is one of the city's finest, taking opulent luxury to new heights. And foodie-favourite, Browns in Town, is casual dining super-styled.  

A Winterfell weekend 

Something completely different, The Cuan (4*) on the shores of Strangford Lough has restorative powers, with 21st century luxury in an historic setting. It played host to the Games of Thrones® cast while filming at Winterfell Castle, just a mile away. In real life, it’s Castle Ward, a National Trust property, with wonderful walking, cycling and horse riding trails. Royal County Down golf course is also nearby. Or take the ferry to the scenic seaside town of Portaferry if the mood takes you. 

On the waterfront 

That’s where you’ll find One Shore Street (5*), a boutique and unique B&B. Overlooking Donaghadee Harbour in County Down – if it were any closer it would be in it – it’s the perfect spot for a stylish weekend. Cashmere mattresses take softness to a new level. Goose feather and down duvets and fine linen make it a particular favourite with material girls. And the views, frankly, speak for themselves. If you can tear yourself away from this beautifully restored Georgian treasure, a tour of nearby Copeland Distillery will give you a taste for local life.  

Restoring travellers since 1614 

A former coaching inn, the Old Inn at Crawfordsburn (4*) is where travellers stopped for a night to rest themselves and their horses. Who knows what they’d make of the power showers and flat screen TVs in the bedrooms today? Though they’d surely appreciate the luxurious four-poster beds and Victorian afternoon tea. Close to the stunning North Coastal Path, it’s a spectacular place to be. And if the shops are calling, Belfast’s just a short hop away. 

Northern Ireland is a special place. Especially for a weekend. An abundance of top 4* and 5* hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, from the traditional to the contemporary make it a 5* experience - with a world class welcome - every time.