Pictured in the stunning surroundings of the MacAuley Suite is Paul Truscott, general manager of The Harbourview Hotel.
Phase one of an ambitious £1.5m redevelopment of one of Ireland’s most historic country hotels has been completed.
The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough outside Ballymena is on track to reopen to the public this spring. The much-loved Antrim Coast hotel, formerly known as The Londonderry Arms, was acquired by a consortium, headed by hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master Irish whiskey distiller, Darryl McNally and entrepreneur Carl Harrison in summer 2024.
As part of a phased reopening, the impressive new MacAuley Suite function room will open its books for wedding bookings this week. Catering for over 80 guests, the beautifully appointed suite offers the perfect backdrop for couples seeking a stunning Causeway Coast location.
The beautifully appointed MacAuley suite at The Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough, County Antrim
The new hotel, which is on schedule to open before Easter, will retain stunning features including open fires and original terrazzo flooring, alongside a newly refurbished bar, restaurant, and 35 elegantly appointed bedrooms, offering the perfect blend of timeless charm and modern Irish hospitality.
Described as Ireland’s first ‘whiskey hotel,’ The Harbourview is poised to capitalise on the growing whiskey tourism market in Ireland. The hotel bar will serve a collection of over 300 whiskeys, alongside classic whiskey cocktails and will play host to a diverse programme of regular whiskey themed events and tasting experiences.
The hotel’s new name is a tribute to the village’s picturesque harbour views and signals a new chapter for the historic property, built in in 1848 by Frances Ann Vane Tempest, and once owned by Sir Winston Churchill.
Co-owner Adrian McLaughlin, a Ballymena native with extensive experience running some of Ireland’s top hotels, believes the new hotel will provide a unique and exceptional guest experience, bringing significant attention to Carnlough and creating a one-of-a-kind destination along the Causeway Coastal route.
Commenting on the redevelopment, he said:
“As we near completion of the first phase of our redevelopment, we are excited to begin to see our vision for this historic property come to life.
“This hotel has been a cornerstone of the community for generations, and we are committed to preserving that legacy while shaping its future as a leading short break and wedding destination.
“The Harbourview Hotel offers the ideal setting to create countless cherished memories, with the assurance of a warm welcome, first-class service, and a top-quality experience.”
Speaking of the stunning new MacAuley Suite, Paul Truscott, general manager of The Harbourview Hotel, added:
“We are thrilled to now launch the MacAuley Suite and showcase what this fantastic space, and our dedicated team can offer.
“As we open our availability for wedding bookings this week, we’re confident that our unique offering will be a strong pull for local couples, as well as those seeking a destination wedding in the heart of the scenic Causeway Coast.”
For further information, visit www.theharbourviewhotel.com or connect with The Harbourview Hotel on Instagram, @theharbourview_hotel or Facebook, @heharbourviewhotel.
History of The Harbourview Hotel
• In 1848, Frances Ann Vane Tempest had a coaching inn built on this site at Carnlough facing the harbour. Here weary travellers could rest and refresh themselves as they made their way along the difficult coast road. The inn’s reputation for a warm welcome and fine traditional hospitality saw the business prosper and grow. Soon, instead of breaking their journey there, travellers were making the inn their destination.
• The Vane Tempest estate subsequently passed down through generations and at one point it – and the inn – was inherited by Winston Churchill. His framed original deeds of ownership will be on display in the newly appointed Churchill suite.
• In 1947 the Londonderry Arms, as the hotel was then called, was acquired by the O’Neill family. They would maintain almost 80 years of unbroken stewardship, setting exceptional standards of quality and service.
• In 2024 the hotel changed hands for only the second time in its long history. A new chapter began. The past remains present but there is change too. Ireland’s first destination whiskey hotel has arrived. Make yourself comfortable. There’s no rush.