Situated in County Down, Arthur’s Royal Hillsborough is a distinguished guest house that brings in travellers not only from nearby Belfast but also from diverse places. Found in the same vicinity as Hillsborough Castle, a royal haunt and the occasional residence of Secretary of State, Hilary Benn, Arthur’s is nestled amongst Forest Park and a variety of cafes, gastropubs and delis – with notable ones being The Round House, Keane’s Deli and Kin + Folk. This posh guest house, named after the marquess of Downshire, who also laid the foundation for Hillsborough, houses twelve rooms, each of which is a tribute to local history. Both Lynne and Jonathan McCabe, the proprietors of Arthur’s, also manage two other establishments in the area, namely Lisnacurran Country House and Ralph’s Moira, which also echo their affection for details, antiques and thoughtful design. Breakfast is served at the ground floor café, which also serves as a venue for recurrent restaurant pop-ups, the forthcoming one of which is with chef Joery Castle, scheduled for the 21st of September. An overnight stay at Arthur’s starts at £150. Visitors should make sure to check out the farmers’ market at Hillsborough Fort’s Dark Walk on 28th September for some engaging arts, crafts and food booths.
In County Down, you can as well find St John’s Point Ketch and Sloop situated on St John’s Lighthouse Station, which is the highest lighthouse in Ireland. Constructed in 1844, it is notable for its prominent black and yellow stripes painted by Brendan Behan. Found outside Killough village and along the Mourne Coastal Route, it is located enroute between Ardglass, celebrated for its harbour and medieval tower houses, and the beaches of Rossglass, Minerstown and Tyrella, as well as the Murlough Nature Reserve. The route ends in Newcastle, where the esteemed Royal County Down Golf Club is hosting the Amgen Irish Open from September 12th to 15th. Both cottages located on the lighthouse station can accommodate up to four guests and offer breathtaking views of the Isle of Man and the Mourne mountains. A minimum of two nights stay is required, beginning at £326 on weekdays.
Larchfield Estate, situated in Co Down, was the chosen location for the filming of series three of the ITV/Netflix crime drama ‘Majella’, in which it served as the Maguire family’s home. Despite its on-screen drama, the estate is a tranquil haven spreading across 600 acres, with no threats lurking in its idyllic surroundings. The grounds are home to alpacas, miniature donkeys, and Robert, the Shetland pony. Due to its stunning backdrop, Larchfield is a favoured location for weddings and offers diverse self-catering accommodation options, from commodious cottages to a contemporary Gate Lodge, priced at £586 per night. I have personally stayed in the Rose Cottage, priced at £295 per night, that offers a picturesque view of the estate’s enclosed garden. Alternatively, “Myrtle”, a Swiss Army truck from 1952, has been ingeniously remodelled for luxury glamping – equipped with under-bed heating, sauna, and fire pit, priced at £285 per night. These rates include a delightful breakfast hamper filled with home-grown apple juice, smoked salmon, eggs, and wheaten bread. Additional amenities, like wellness treatments and a private chef, are offered on request. If cooking isn’t on the cards, The Pheasant gastropub is conveniently located across the road. Nearby, Saintfield is a hotspot for antiques while Ballynahinch’s Montalto Estate offers garden inspiration and lovely walks.
Another lesser-known jewel of Co Down in the North is the Ards peninsula. Brent Lodge, a chic self-catering hideaway in Newtownards, takes its name from the Brent geese that migrate from Canada to spend the winter on Strangford Lough’s shores, drawn there by the plentiful eel grass. Close to the lodge, an additional accommodation option, Brent Cove, can also be rented. Both can accommodate two, with an extra small bed for a child if needed, and come equipped with wood-burning stoves, underfloor heating, and individual terraces to enjoy remarkable sunsets and the spectacle of over 30,000 Brent geese on the shore. Prices start from £140.
Finally, the Elephant Roc Hotel is another option worth considering.
Looking for a place to stay on the Northern Coast? Portstewart, the tranquil twin of Portrush, is highly recommended by locals. Both towns boast beautiful beaches and contemporary boutique hotels. Portstewart is home to the stylish Mr and Mrs Jones, whereas the Elephant Rock Hotel is a popular choice in Portrush. The latter has been causing a stir with its vibrant design – a mix of bright hues, art deco features and custom furnishings – and dining offerings. Its restaurant and cocktail bar enjoy scenic views of Skerries Islands, East Sands Beach and the Atlantic Ocean, making it the perfect spot to unwind following a day on the Royal Portrush Golf Course. This month, the hotel welcomes renowned chef Stephane Delourme, previously at Rick Stein’s restaurant in Padstow, who’ll be preparing seafood delicacies as part of a Fire and Feast event running from September 19th to 20th. A two-night stay with dinner included starts from £280 per room.
If you’re interested in art and culture, consider staying at The Harrison Chambers of Distinction in Belfast during the city’s annual International Arts Festival, Belfast 2024. The festival, taking place from October 16th-23rd, offers a series of intriguing talks, readings, exhibits and theatrical performances in various locations. In close proximity to the Ulster Museum and Botanic Gardens, The Harrison is perfect for literature enthusiasts, with each of its 17 rooms in the Victorian townhouse named after a famous author or poet and featuring corresponding literature. Their Night to Remember package, inclusive of cheese and charcuterie boards, wine, and room-delivered breakfast the next day, begins from £200.
As an alternate option, you might consider Regency House also in Belfast.
During your shopping spree in Belfast, make sure to explore the fashionable Lisburn Road, home to independent boutiques such as Please Don’t Tell, Weekend Max Mara, and Blush. You’ll also discover home decor shops like Herbert Gould and Maven, second-hand stores including Labels and Deja Vu, and popular dining spots like Shu, Cù, Trait Coffee and Output. For a luxurious stay in the Queen’s Quarter, look to Regency House. This chic hotel guarantees comfort with its expansive suites equipped with personal kitchens and living spaces. Prices begin at £400 for an overnight stay, including breakfast.
Positioned advantageously is The Salthouse Hotel in Co Antrim, ideal for visiting the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbour and Kinbane Castle. The hotel lies next to a golf club and is a short drive from Ballycastle Beach. A nearby ferry will transport you to Rathlin Island, where you can cycle, walk, or enjoy birdwatching. Relaxation seekers can indulge in the luxury eco hotel’s spa facilities, which include seaweed baths, a thermal suite and a wide variety of Voya treatments. The hotel provides 24 sizable bedrooms and suites, environmentally-friendly lodges and an eight-sleeping capacity farmhouse. From the laid-back bar and restaurant to the fantastic views, it’s an excellent visit at £170 per room each night.
Newforge House in Co Armagh is a top choice for epicureans visiting the “Orchard County”. The ivy-covered Georgian building has been part of owner John Mathers’ family for six generations. The house features six cosy rooms adorned with family heirlooms, one of which sports a four-poster bed. Standard offerings include plush bathrooms, a selection of pillows and beautiful garden views. Each night, dinner is a culinary experience cultivated by John, a professional chef, using produce sourced from the kitchen garden. Overnight stays including breakfast start at £175.
Lastly, consider the Killyhevlin Hotel & Lodges in Co Fermanagh.
If you’re passionate about history, enthralled by nature, or yearn for adventure, a weekend trip to Fermanagh Lakelands would be an engaging experience. The region offers a broad array of attractions, from grand historic estates to the Marble Arch Caves and Geo Park, as well as the well-known Cuilcagh Boardwalk, colloquially termed the Stairway to Heaven. The island town of Enniskillen is also a favourite among visitors. My family and I frequently lodge in the pet-friendly and self-sustaining Lakeside and Woodland Lodges at Killyhevlin Hotel. These cosy lodges can accommodate two people and feature fully-stocked kitchens and living areas that lead to private outdoor decks. The sight of cruisers and swans gliding along the lake is a constant source of pleasure. We had the pleasure of staying in the new Lakeland Studios during our last visit. Guests here have full access to the hotel’s facilities, including its dining areas and wellness club, complete with an indoor swimming pool, Jacuzzi, steam room, and sauna. While lodging here, you could taste delectable meals at Cellar Door Bistro at The Manor Park, savour traditional afternoon tea at Lough Erne Resort, or enjoy delicious patisserie items from The Jolly Sandwich Bar in Enniskillen. The lodges require a minimum two-night stay, with prices ranging from £245 per night at the Lakeside Lodge, £315 at the Woodland Lodges, to £160 per night at the Lakeland Studios.
For those seeking a quiet getaway, Ardtara Country House in Co Derry fits the bill. Previously the residence of linen tycoon Harry Clarke, it now offers warm and cosy rooms. The food service, helmed by chef-patron Ian Orr, is noted for its Michelin recommendation. Their Autumn Escape package includes breakfast, dinner, and wine, for £139.50 per person sharing. In the surrounding area, you can also visit the notable Eighteen Ninety Four restaurant that provides views of Portstewart Strand, or Browns Bonds Hill Restaurant in Derry. If you’re a gourmet enthusiast, consider dropping by the village of Bushmills for its Salmon & Whiskey Festival running from October 4th to 6th.
Lastly, consider the Bishop’s Gate Lodge in Co Derry, for a truly memorable stay in Northern Ireland.
Visit the National Trust website to discover an assortment of unique holiday accommodations situated in lavish settings. Take your pick from caravan parks at Castle Ward Estate in County Down, campsites located in Crom Estate, County Fermanagh, or a charming cottage draped in roses at Florence Court. Downhill Estate boasts Bishop’s Gate Lodge, idyllically located at the entrance. Famous for the well-known Mussenden Temple, this estate captures numerous shutterbugs from all across Northern Ireland. Nature lovers will appreciate a stroll through Bishop Gate’s Gardens and Walled Gardens which house a range of rare trees. Add a scenic clifftop or beach walk to your to-do list with easy access to the Blue Flag beaches at Downhill and Benone. Warm up on chilly evenings with Bishop’s Gate Lodge’s stove and enjoy outdoor meals or relaxation in its private garden. Consider a quick dash to Castlerock for some surf and sustenance or book a table at one of Derry’s culinary hotspots – Artis Derry (don’t miss the two-course lunch offer at £32), Umi Derry’s East-meets-West cuisine, or the peerless Browns in Town Restaurant. A minimum two-night stay is necessary at Bishop’s Gate Lodge, priced from £275.
Particularly perfect for lovers of nature’s nightly light show, Sperrin View Glamping in Cookstown, County Tyrone offers a prime spot for stargazing and capturing the aurora during the autumn equinox on September 21st. Conveniently close to Davagh Forest, one of Ireland’s three certified International Dark Sky Parks, and the OM Dark Sky Observatory where the night sky meets archaeological history. This fascinating place also houses an exhibition that connects the natural landscape with astronomical and archaeological history of the Sperrins. Stay within reach at Sperrin View Glamping, offering luxurious pods with specially designed windows for admiring the night sky. These pods accommodate up to three guests and feature a kitchenette, a shower room, and even the luxury of outdoor fire pits and barbeques. Avail a concierge service and an optional hot tub package starting from £126. Be sure not to miss the ancient stone circles at Beaghmore and the iconic Tea Rooms at Killymoon Castle, designed by none other than John Nash, the creative brain behind Buckingham Palace. Soak up the starlight and make unforgettable memories on your visit to Northern Ireland!