The newly revamped Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, formerly the Londonderry Arms, has set May 19 as its opening date. Visitors can expect what the hotel calls a unique blend of historic charm and modern luxury when it reopens to overnight guests on Monday, following a £1.6 million (€1.9m) redevelopment that created 45 new jobs.
The hotel is positioning itself as a destination for whiskey enthusiasts, boasting a bar with over 300 whiskeys, including heritage brands like Midleton, The Macallan, Bushmills, and Ardbeg, alongside local favorites such as Copeland, Shortcross, and the hotel’s own Outwalker and Limavady whiskeys.
The hotel was previously owned by the O’Neill family since 1947. Following the retirement of Denise O’Neill, a consortium consisting of hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, whiskey distiller Darryl McNally, and entrepreneur Carl Harrison took over ownershi
Guests can expect classic whiskey cocktails, exclusive tasting flights, and a tapped cask for nightcaps or even to drizzle on porridge. A diverse program of whiskey-themed events, including fireside stories with master distillers, whiskey dinners, and boat trips to Islay for guided tours of Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries, is scheduled through February 2026. The Carnlough Whiskey Festival (August 20-23, 2025) will be a highlight, featuring local whiskeys, live music from bands like The Rogues and String Ninjas.
The hotel’s 35 bedrooms, ranging from singles to luxurious suites, have been fully refurbished to blend contemporary luxury with timeless style. Expect modern coastal chic interiors with a nod to the hotel’s 19th-century heritage, ensuring comfort and a homely feel.
The Coach House bar and brasserie offers all-day dining from 12 noon to 8:30 pm, serving nostalgic Irish dishes like seafood chowder, beer-battered fish and chips, Guinness-braised daube of beef, and whiskey chicken stack. A Sunday lunch menu, available from 12 noon to 5 pm, features classics like Glenarm Shorthorn Sirloin of Beef with Limavady whiskey sauce and Glenarm Organic Salmon, paired with creamy mash and homemade Yorkshire puddings. The restored interiors retain historic features like open fires, original terrazzo flooring, and red quarry tiled floors, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The newly completed MacAuley Suite, accommodating over 80 guests, is ideal for weddings and private events, offering stunning views of Carnlough’s picturesque harbor. The suite is already open for bookings, catering to couples seeking a scenic Causeway Coast location. Smaller spaces like the Trophy Room are perfect for intimate family events or corporate gatherings, with the hotel emphasizing exclusivity for functions.
Built in 1848 by Frances Anne Vane Tempest and once owned by Winston Churchill, the hotel celebrates its heritage with displays like Churchill’s framed deeds of ownership in the Churchill Suite. The Harbourview name pays homage to Carnlough’s scenic harbor, and the sensitive restoration preserves the building’s architectural charm while introducing modern hospitality. The hotel’s location on the Causeway Coastal Route, less than an hour from Belfast, makes it a prime spot for exploring the Antrim Coast.
To mark its grand opening, the hotel offers a “New Beginnings” package for stays between May 19 and June 4, 2025, starting at £180 for a double room with breakfast, including a complimentary cocktail from the house list.
The hotel has been warmly embraced by the Carnlough community, with locals praising the investment. It offers wheelchair access, pet-friendly policies (call to confirm), and amenities like free Wi-Fi, meeting rooms, and conference facilities. Nearby attractions include Glenarm Castle, Cranny Falls, and Carnlough Harbour.
