County Antrim is a stunning part of Northern Ireland that is awash with glorious scenery. Its glacier-shaped glens and numerous waterfalls spring to mind, along with vast expanses of grasslands, all finished with a coastline that alternates between dark and rugged rocks and sandy, sweeping bays. And on the very edge the incredible Giant’s Causeway. Our pick of the best places to stay in County Antrim includes farm stays, B&Bs, converted castles and country houses, seaside retreats, and a rather grand spa hotel.

This is a hugely varied landscape and not surprisingly appeals to a wide range of travellers — walkers and hikers, fisher-folk, surfers, divers, families, lovers of Irish culture and traditions... But one of the major groups of visitors is those who are on a pilgrimage to destinations used in the filming of Game of Thrones. From Ballintoy Harbour, used for Pike and the Iron Islands, to the Caves of Cushendun, where Melisandre gave birth to a shadow-child.

The fantastic sight of the Giant’s Causeway is one of the region's great treasures, but don't miss the coastline around Fair Head, which has some of the same remarkable basaltic columns, Dunluce Castle and Carrickfergus Castle and Colin Mountain, for its cairns. Bushmills, which is known for its whiskey distilleries, and pretty, popular, port-side Portrush are some of the best places to stay in County Antrim if you’re looking for a small centre and base. If you’re looking for lovely beaches we recommend looking at Ballycastle, Cushendun and Larne.

The Best Places to Stay in County Antrim

For a golf and spa resort

• The Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort is a large, and luxurious, spa hotel, set right next to a river, on 163 acres of mature woodlands just outside Ballymena. As well as impressive facilities, there’s an impressive array of rooms, plus private cabins, shepherd’s huts, cottages and lodges. If you want your own hot tub, that’s an option, and there are all sorts of romantic upgrades, as well as family-centric ones. The spa offers five outdoor hot tubs, two saunas, indoor and outdoor pools and a hydrotherapy pool. There’s also a gym, a choice of four dining options, tennis courts, championship golf course and opportunities to go fishing or horse riding.

For a Countryside Escape

• Ballylagan Organic Farm has four guest rooms and a private, self-catering cottage, filled with rustic antiques and cosy, sitting and dining rooms. The food served is organic, local produce, but it’s quite gourmet in style as well as being fresh and wholesome. Families will do well in the self-catering cottage.
• Ardtara Country House is an elegantly symmetrical country house, with lots of large windows — perfect for admiring the picturesque grounds. There are nine guest rooms, all uniquely decorated in classic country house style with nice antiques, soft fabrics, and tasteful art. The location is quiet and secluded, and the restaurant excellent.

For Couples

• Overlooking Portrush harbour, Pier 39 is a small and charming B&B with a nautical spin, and light, airy rooms, the best rooms of which boast a private terrace. The breakfasts are indulgent, and you’re within a very pleasant stroll of some excellent bars and restaurants.

For Families

• Ballygally Castle is every bit the ‘proper’ castle, complete with fairytale turrets worthy of Rapunzel. Its interiors are more contemporary than the exterior style, and while each of the 54 rooms and suites varies in size, they’ve all decorated with simple style and comfort in mind. The Family Suites are a good size, and the restaurant has a hearty kids’ menu, alongside its main menu which features plenty of local produce. Kids are also welcome in the castle’s walled garden. And of course you’re just across the road from a beautiful beach.
• The Fullerton Arms is a charmingly traditional pub-with-rooms in the pretty coastal village of Ballintoy. There are just 13 rooms and suites, including family rooms which sleep up to six. All of them are decorated with great contemporary style. Downstairs in the pub there’s a hearty Irish menu and a great range of drinks.
• The Marine Hotel in Ballycastle is perfect for a family seaside holiday. There's a good range of comfortable, modern accommodation (family rooms have bunk beds for the kids), casual dining at Marconi's and you're just steps from the sandy beach.

For a Countryside Escape

• At Bushmills Inn there’s a friendly mixing of locals and tourists, with golfing holidaymakers as well as those here for the Giant’s Causeway. The award-winning restaurant is part of the draw, but the courtyard is charming and the atmosphere convivial. There are 41 rooms and suites, wood-panelled or white, with antiques and vintage pieces. 

Best B&Bs

• Portrush’s Blackrock House is an impeccably designed adults only B&B. Each of the three rooms has wonderful sea views, a pleasant mix of antiques and contemporary pieces and a white and soft grey colour scheme. There's a separate self-catering apartment overlooking the harbour, for those looking for a more independent or longer stay.

Prefer a Private Apartment or Cottage?

• If you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Belfast Airport is in Aldergrove, which is in County Antrim. If you’re travelling to Antrim itself, it’s a 15 minute bus or taxi journey from the airport, or just over half an hour if you’re arriving into Belfast by rail. If you’re heading towards the northern coastline or the Giant’s Causeway, you need to aim for about Bushmills, which you can get to on a bus from Belfast, or towards Portrush, which you can reach by train from Belfast and Antrim.
• If you want to hire one we recommend you visit our online partner, Rentalcars.
• If you’re hoping to see County Antrim in the nicest possible weather, the best time to visit is between late spring and early summer. This part of Northern Ireland has mild summers and cool winters, the regulating power of the Gulf Stream ensures temperatures are never too extreme, but it does catch quite a bit of squally rain in off the Atlantic. Spring is pretty with wildflowers, and if you wait until autumn you’ll see colourful foliage. Even winter has its appeals, especially if you like windswept coastal walks, atmospheric mountain views, and roaring pub fires afterwards!

Still not sure where to stay?

• Expand your search to include our Gurus’ recommendations for the best places to stay in Northern Ireland
• Refine your search to just the best places to stay in Portrush, Bushmills or Belfast
• Or you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.