The Londonderry Arms Hotel

The Londonderry Arms Hotel Review

What awaits at this lovely traditional inn are ivy-clad walls, gorgeous antiques, astonishing wallpaper, regional paintings, prints and maps, and lots of fresh flowers—all time-burnished accents well befitting an estate once inherited by Sir Winston Churchill. Located beside Carnlough harbor on the edge of a peaceful bay at the foot of Glencloy, the second of the beautiful nine glens of Antrim on the celebrated Causeway coastal route, this 18th-century hotel was first built in 1848 as a coaching inn by the Marchioness of Londonderry from whom it derives its name. In 1921 Sir Winston, a great-grandson of the original owner, inherited the hotel which, since 1947, has been connected with the hospitable O'Neill family, and is now owned and run by the gregarious Denise O'Neill. Georgian furnishings and luxurious fabrics—we love the ultra chic French Nobilis wallpaper with its historic scenes on the ground and first floors—are immaculately kept. The spacious rooms, some with sea views, are tastefully furnished with artisan Connemara-made furniture. The restaurant serves substantial, traditional Irish meals, including High Tea, that emphasize fresh local seafood as well as ribeye of prime Irish beef, all simply prepared. The Coach House bistro offers a more informal and cheaper alternative with welcoming open fires, while the Arkle Bar's walls recount the connection with the legendary horse. The hotel runs a series of creative workshops—including painting, writing, lace making, and digital photography—and a very popular murder-mystery weekend.