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Rayanne Country House

Situated almost next to the Holywood Golf Club and Redburn Country Park, and with views across Belfast Lough, the McClellands’ family-run country house is a tranquil spot in which to unwind, and a fine alternative to impersonal hotels.

It has a long-standing reputation as a relaxing place, known for its friendly staff and extensive breakfasts (including a ‘healthy house grill’, with nothing fried), and the restful option of dining in the restaurant here rather than having to go out in the evening.

However the ante has well and truly been upped recently, with extensive refurbishment and the addition of a new wing, which has been carefully designed to blend with the period features of the original house.

Some bedrooms have views of Belfast Lough, and all are individually decorated to a high standard with phones, television, hospitality tray and many little extras.

Conor McClelland cooks for up to 30 guests in the restaurant, which is also open to non-residents by reservation. He offers an impressive, mainly classical, dinner menu with about half a dozen choices on each course.

Friendly staff are helpful and make families with children most welcome; beach, shops and restaurants are all just a few minutes’ walk away.

Small conferences/banqueting (15/34); free broadband wi/fi. Parking (14). Rooms 11 (4 shower only, 2 family, 1 ground floor, 1 disabled, all no smoking); children welcome (under 2s free in parents room, cot available without charge, baby sitting arranged). B&B £55pps, single £80. No pets. D £48, by reservation. Short breaks offered. Garden, walking. Closed 24/25 Dec, 31 Dec, 1 Jan. MasterCard, Visa, Switch.

Directions:

Take A2 out of Belfast towards Holywood 10km (6 miles), up to top of My Ladys Mile; turn right; 200 metres.