Arrival/Check-In: We left Belfast early so I could make my tee time at Royal Portrush, just a short drive from The Bushmills Inn. We arrived in the charming parking area beside the inn and were able to check into one of our two rooms well before the official check-in time, which was a welcome convenience. I unloaded the car, unpacked my clubs and headed to the course, while my family relaxed at the inn and checked into the other room a few hours later.
Guest Quarters: We stayed in two Mill House Deluxe rooms located in a newer wing of the inn that overlook the River Bush, a lively, fast-moving stream. Although this section is more recent, the rooms retain the same character and charm found throughout the property.
Each room featured a queen-sized bed with a carved headboard and footboard, matching night tables and a large window with river views. Opposite the bed was a comfortable loveseat and a practical desk and chair where I set up my laptop. The rooms are named for notable Irish whiskeys; ours carried the names “Cowan’s” and “Hand in Hand.”
The bathroom was a highlight, finished in a soothing light green palette and fitted with a spacious, old-fashioned soaking tub plus a separate shower. The Irish country style included a stone countertop with a bowl sink and a wall-mounted faucet, along with a wooden vanity painted in moss green. A deep wooden shelf held fluffy towels and bath amenities from Elemis, enhancing the overall bathing experience with quality soap, shampoo, conditioner and lotion.
Services/Amenities: The Gas Bar provides a classic Irish setting to enjoy a Guinness or a fine whiskey. We stopped in for lunch one day and enjoyed an Irish smoked salmon plate; it was also a comfortable spot to warm up after sightseeing in cooler weather.
The inn’s main restaurant impressed throughout our stay. We looked forward to every meal, whether breakfast or dinner. Service was attentive and friendly—our dinner server Michael handled requests with charm—and the dishes, from seafood to poultry and meat, were consistently excellent. Desserts were particularly satisfying.
The décor of the restaurant and bar reflects the inn’s long history. Exposed wooden beams, fieldstone walls and well-worn wood surfaces evoke the building’s past and add warmth and character to the dining and lounge areas.
The Experience: The Bushmills Inn is a memorable and highly recommended destination when visiting Northern Ireland. Its combination of history, atmosphere and location makes it a perfect base for exploring nearby attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and Royal Portrush Golf Course. Alternatively, it’s an excellent place to relax and enjoy first-class service and traditional Irish hospitality.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet
Less than 10 minutes for check-in
Separate tub and shower
Large vanity
High-quality towels
Powerful, unattached hair dryer
High-quality bed linens
Large, flat-screen television
Large desk with convenient outlets
Large, complimentary laptop safe
Complimentary in-room WiFi
Complimentary bottled water
Stocked minibar
Ample lighting
In-room coffeemaker
Iron and ironing board
On-site restaurant
24-hour room service
24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center
Turn-down service
The Bushmills Inn
9 Dunluce Road
Bushmills, Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland BT57 8QG
tel 44 28 2073 3000
bushmillsinn.com