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Bushmills Inn

Originally a 19th-century coaching inn, developments here have been done well, improving amenities without loss of character.

The traditional tone is set by the turf fire and country seating in the hall and public rooms - bars, the famous circular library, the restaurant, even the Pine Room conference room carry on the same theme.

Bedrooms are individually furnished in a comfortable cottage style, and even have “antiqued” bathrooms, but it’s all very well done and avoids a theme park feel.

Although quite expensive, it’s hard to think of a better base for a holiday playing the famous golf courses of the area (Royal Portrush is just four miles away) - or simply exploring this beautiful coastline and its hinterland; taking the Magilligan-Greencastle ferry, day trips can comfortably include a visit to the beautiful Inishowen peninsula in Co. Donegal.

Garden. Fishing (fly). Broadband wi/fi; children welcome (cot available, £10). No pets.

Rooms 32: 22 in Mill House, 10 in Coaching Inn; (6 superior, 7 shower only, all no smoking, 2 family, 1 for disabled) B&B from £89 pps.*Short breaks offered.

Restaurant:

The inn is known for its wholesome food and it makes a good place to plan a break when touring, as it offers both day and evening menus in cosy surroundings (although be warned that coaches often make a lunchtime stop here for the same reasons, so it can be very busy).

Pride in Irish ingredients is seen in A Taste of Ulster menus that offer a range of traditional dishes with a modern twist: an unusual speciality, for example, is Dalriada cullen skink, a ‘meal in a soup bowl’ based on smoked haddock and topped with an (optional) poached egg; another is onion & Guinness soup, which is topped with a cheese croûton like the French soup that inspired it - and, of course ‘Bushmills coffee’, which is better than a dessert any day.

Seats 110 (private room, 40, outdoor, 14); not suitable for children after 6pm; wheelchair accessible; reservations advised. L&D á la carte; D daily 6-9.30; L daily, Day Menu 12-6.00; (Sun: carvery from 12.30-2.30pm and day menu to 6pm); bar food Sun only 12-4 (soup & sandwiches). House wines from £15; SC discretionary. Closed 24/25 Dec. MasterCard, Visa.

Directions:

On the A4 Antrim coast road, in Bushmills village, as it crosses the river.