The Old Inn

Never was a hotel more aptly named – The Old Inn was established in 1614, which supports its claim to be the oldest hotel on the island of Ireland. The long and low building has understandably seen a few changes since its seventeenth century beginnings as a coaching inn. Yet, situated in the small village of Crawfordsburn, a mere ten-minute drive from Belfast, it remains at heart a thoroughly comfortable and also contemporary place to stay.

A section of the building’s roof remains thatched and the period charm extends to the sometimes sloping floors of the individually-named bedrooms, ranging from Petite, Carriage, Highway and Suite, and including a traditionally-styled stand-alone Cottage. The luxury Treetop Spa offers a full range of well-being and pampering ,with an outdoor pool, sauna, steam room and multiple treatments, but for those less concerned with aligning their chakras, the 1614 bar serves a range of superb cocktails alongside a roaring fire, while the French-inspired cuisine at the Restaurant is much-loved by locals and guests alike.

The Old Inn celebrates its literary links to celebrated author C S Lewis who spent his honeymoon there in 1958, while musician and near-neighbour Van Morrison has been known to pop in on occasion. And why not?  The Old Inn’s guest  rooms are spacious and have all the amenities you would expect in a hotel of this level, including big comfy beds, nespresso machines, satellite TVs and robes and flip-flops for enjoying the pool and spa facilities.  You're also within easy reach of the shores of Belfast Lough and and the nearby Crawfordsburn Country Park, making it a perfect spot for a country break.