THE Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough, one of the north’s best-known hotels and one favoured by artists, writers and musicians, is being sold as a going concern for an as yet unspecified price.
The 35-bedroom hotel, which was built in 1848 and which has been sympathetically developed and extended over the years, has been in the ownership of the O’Neill family since 1947.
Located on the world-famous Causeway Coastal Route, equidistant between Belfast city and the Giant’s Causeway, it was originally a coaching inn for Frances Anne Vane Tempest, then Marchioness of Londonderry, its original owner.
Its rich history was further enshrined when, following the death of Lady Londonderry, the hotel was eventually inherited by her great grandson Winston Churchill in 1921.
The hotel - which has always retained its original elegant Georgian architecture - has a renowned reputation for hospitality, service, and excellent locally-sourced food, and is a much-loved haven to families and visitors, both locally and internationally.
It sits at the heart of the Carnlough community, and for generations has been the centre of many family celebrations. It has also hosted many artists, writers and musicians and featured in both film and literature.
More recently, it has become established on the tour route for Game of Throne enthusiasts, as the beautiful Carnlough harbour was the film location of Free City of Braavos Canal.
Its popular Arkle Whiskey bar, serving a range of Irish and Scottish whiskeys, is named after the legendary steeplechaser and hosts a unique collection of Arkle memorabilia, including one of its horseshoes that many a guest has rubbed for good luck.
Owner Denise O’Neill said: “The hotel represents what is best about Ireland, both for those living and visiting here. The hotel is a real gem and its location gives it a huge advantage, situated in what I consider to be simply spectacular surroundings.”
Mark Patterson, a commercial property consultant at selling agents O’Connor Kennedy Turtle (OKT), is confident that with such a rich history, the hotel will generate significant interest at home and overseas.
He said: “We anticipate strong interest in the Londonderry Arms, which is a unique property on the stunning Antrim Coast Road, that has serviced both local and tourist markets for generations.
“There is space for further expansion, so it offers tremendous potential for a new owner to further extend its long history of hospitality.
“This sale presents interested parties with a rare opportunity to write the next chapter in this famous hotel’s story.”
