A recent survey conducted by Elephant Rock Hotel in Portrush has revealed how couples looking for winter romance on the North Coast like to spend their time.
Joanne Boyle, General Manager of Elephant Rock, said:
“I feel there is nowhere in Ireland more romantic during the winter months than the North Coast, it really is a magical place. The region is packed with cosy restaurants and bars where a meal over candlelight or walk in an area of outstanding natural beauty, is just around the next corner. Add to that the world-class tourist attractions, unforgettable places of interest, the incredible local food and drink, rich cultural history, the friendliness of the people, andthe North Coast has it all.
“In order to enhance our guest experience, we created a survey asking the public what they wanted from a trip to the North Coast,with a loved one. The results are fun, enlightening and there are a few interesting revelations including which celebrity someone would take if their partner wasn’t available.”
The survey results are revealed below.
Special North Coast
• When asked what makes the north coast special to them, 62% of respondents said, the stunning landscape whilst 21% cited the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. 12% said the vibrant local food scene and the remainder said that the rich history and culture were important factors.
Night’s in, days out
• The perfect way to spend a romantic evening for 67% of people was to go for a meal and drinks. Others said a cliff walk (18%) and some wanted a hot bath with room service (10%).
• When it comes to what romantic activities people would choose, a not unexpected 80% said they would like to relax by the fire. Bucking the trend for cold water swimming, a sensible 8% said they would take an icy dip on their trip to the North Coast and 8% said they would go on a hike.
Food and drink
• The most popular food people wanted to enjoy with their partner was an Ulster Fry with 51% of the vote, 21% said seafood chowder and 14% wanted to scoff a bowl of Irish stew.
• When asked what people would be most excited to see when they check into their hotel room, 26% said a cocktail and chocolates and 25% said wine or champagne.
• The preferred winter warmer drinks were revealed to be mulled wine (37%), hot chocolate (27%) and Elephant Rock’s Belfast Coffee riff with a gingerbread cream (18%) which is available on the hotel’s 12 sips of Christmas menu.
• Elephant Rock, which has an exciting cocktail menu, asked respondents what their favourite winter cocktail is - 31% said the Bramble, 28% wanted to enjoy an Espresso Martini and 16% chose a White Russian which is available on the hotel’s 12 sips of Christmas menu.
Beach life
• When asked which beach people would visit for the rest of their lives, they chose Portrush West Strand, Benone, White Park Bay and Castlerock beach, in that order.
Make it eventful
• Respondents were asked which events would entice them to visit the North Coast and the top 3 were the Causeway Coast Food Festival, Portrush Air Show and the Atlantic Sessions, respectively.
• Elephant Rock runs events throughout the year so when asked which people would be most likely to attend, in first place was the festive Sunday lunch with Christmas songs on the 22 December, followed by the murder mystery night in March 2025, cocktail making classes, and NYE Masquerade Ball, respectively.
Exploring for two
• Respondents were spoilt for choice when it came to where they would most enjoy a romantic winter sunset; 44% said they preferred Whiterocks Beach, 27% chose Mussenden Temple, 24% said Ballintoy Harbour and 5% chose the Giant’s Causeway.
• Respondents said that their favourite day to go for a walk with the other half on the North Coast was New Year’s Day with 44%, followed by Easter Sunday with 28%, Boxing Day with 25% and Christmas Day with 3%.
Stars in their eyes
• The celebrity people would most want to take to the North Coast in place of their partner was Liam Neeson, followed by Christine Lampard and Derry Girls actress, Saoirse Monica Jackson.
Joanne Boyle, Elephant Rock Hotel
Joanne concluded:
“We’re so lucky to have mesmerising views of the captivating Atlantic Ocean from many of our individually decorated bedrooms and from our bar and restaurant. We can also boast a dedicated team of hospitality stars who absolutely love what we do, from housekeeping to reception and our food and beverage team.
“We serve quality, locally sourced food prepared with love by our Head Chef Mahmoud Soliman and our cocktail menu boasts many classics and original creations made by our mixologists.
“Elephant Rock is also multi award winning and in October, wepicked up four more prestigious awards - three Irish Hotel Awards, the Boutique Hotel of the Year, Romantic Hotel of the Year and 4 Star Hotel of the Year, and at the Georgina Campbell Awards we were named the Boutique Hotel of the Year.”
Visit https://elephantrockhotel.co.uk or call + 44 28 7087 8787 for more information.
Further insights are listed below.
Night’s in, days out
• 40% said the one thing they would bring on a romantic trip to the North Coast is a picnic hamper and 39% said a camera in order to capture special moments.
Food and drink
• Tayto was revealed as the favourite road trip car snack followed by Yellowman.
Exploring for two
• 74% said that the best way to explore the North Coast was by car and a healthy 22% said they preferred to take in the sights on foot.