Harbourview Hotel: Ireland’s first whiskey hotel opens in Carnlough after £1.6m transformation

Co-owners Darryl McNally and Adrian McLaughlin toast the official opening of the Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough with general manager, Paul Truscott.

A historic gem on the Causeway Coastal Route is set to make waves as The Harbourview Hotel, formerly The Londonderry Arms, officially opens its doors to overnight guests on Monday, 19 May 2025.

Following a £1.6 million redevelopment, the hotel, now dubbed Ireland’s first “whiskey hotel,” promises a unique blend of luxury, heritage, and Irish whiskey culture, creating 45 new jobs in the local community.

The ambitious project, led by a consortium of hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master whiskey distiller Darryl McNally, and entrepreneur Carl Harrison, has breathed new life into the 1848 property, originally built by Frances Anne Vane Tempest and once owned by Sir Winston Churchill.

The trio, also behind Outwalker and Limavady Whiskey, acquired the hotel in summer 2024 and have spent the past year meticulously restoring its historic charm while introducing modern Irish hospitality.

“We are excited that our vision for this historic hotel will soon become a reality,” said Adrian McLaughlin, a Ballymena native with extensive experience in Ireland’s top hotels. “From the outset, we have endeavoured to build on the legacy of this landmark building, which has been at the cornerstone of the local community for generations.”

A Whiskey Lover’s Paradise

The Harbourview Hotel is poised to capitalise on the booming whiskey tourism market, offering an unrivalled experience for enthusiasts.

Its bar boasts an impressive collection of over 300 whiskeys, including heritage brands like Midleton, The Macallan, Bushmills, and Ardbeg, alongside local favourites such as Copeland, Shortcross, and the hotel’s own Outwalker and Limavady whiskeys.

Guests can indulge in classic whiskey cocktails or exclusive tasting flights, with a diverse programme of events planned through February 2026.

A highlight of the hotel’s calendar is the Carnlough Whiskey Festival, scheduled for 20-23 August 2025. This four-day celebration will feature local whiskey brands, live music from The Rogues, The Causeway Shantymen, and String Ninjas, and plenty of “craic.”

For those seeking adventure, the hotel offers boat trips to Islay for guided tours of the Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries.

“The people of Carnlough and the surrounding areas have welcomed us with open arms; and it’s been heartening to see the incredibly positive response from the local community in recent months,” Adrian added.

“We’ve poured our passion for Irish whiskey into the development of our unique food and beverage offerings and exciting events programmes.”

Timeless Elegance Meets Modern Comfort

The Harbourview Hotel seamlessly blends its rich heritage with contemporary luxury. The property retains original features such as open fires and terrazzo flooring, while its 35 elegantly appointed bedrooms—ranging from spacious singles to luxurious suites—have been completely redecorated.

Each room combines timeless style with modern comforts, ensuring a restful stay for every guest.

The hotel’s Coach House bar and brasserie is already winning over food lovers with its hearty, nostalgic menu. Available from 12-8:30pm daily, dishes include seafood chowder, beer-battered fish and chips, Guinness-braised daube of beef, and a whiskey chicken stack.

A special Sunday lunch menu, served from 12-5pm, has also proven popular among locals and visitors alike.

For those planning special occasions, the newly refurbished MacAuley Suite offers a stunning venue for weddings and private events, accommodating over 80 guests with breathtaking views of Carnlough’s picturesque harbour.

A Warm Welcome for Opening Guests

To mark its grand opening, The Harbourview Hotel is offering a “New Beginnings” package for stays between 19 May and 4 June 2025. Priced from £180 for a double room with breakfast, the package includes a complimentary cocktail from the house list, allowing guests to toast the hotel’s new chapter.

Further details and bookings are available at www.theharbourviewhotel.com.

“We look forward to toasting the opening of Ireland’s first whiskey hotel, with our first guests in the weeks and months ahead,” Adrian said.

A New Chapter for Carnlough

The hotel’s new name, The Harbourview, pays homage to the village’s scenic harbour and signals a fresh start for the historic property. With its prime location on the Causeway Coastal Route, the hotel is perfectly positioned to attract visitors exploring Northern Ireland’s stunning North Coast.

The Harbourview Hotel is not just a place to stay—it’s a destination for whiskey aficionados, food lovers, and those seeking a luxurious escape steeped in history. Follow the hotel’s journey on Instagram (@theharbourview_hotel) or Facebook (@theharbourviewhotel) for updates on events, menus, and exclusive offers.

A Storied Past Meets a Vibrant Future

Built in 1848 by Frances Anne Vane Tempest as a coaching inn facing Carnlough’s harbour, the hotel offered respite for weary travellers along the rugged coast road. Its reputation for warm hospitality and fine fare transformed it into a destination in its own right.

The Vane Tempest estate, including the inn, later passed to Sir Winston Churchill, whose original deeds of ownership will be displayed in the newly appointed Churchill Suite. In 1947, the O’Neill family took stewardship, maintaining exceptional standards for nearly 80 years as The Londonderry Arms. Now, as The Harbourview Hotel, it embarks on a new chapter as Ireland’s first whiskey hotel, inviting guests to “make yourself comfortable. There’s no rush.”

“The people of Carnlough and the surrounding areas have welcomed us with open arms; and it’s been heartening to see the incredibly positive response from the local community in recent months,”

McLaughlin added. “We’ve poured our passion for Irish whiskey into the development of our unique food and beverage offerings and exciting events programmes.”

A Whiskey Lover’s Haven

The Harbourview Hotel capitalises on the booming whiskey tourism market, offering an unparalleled experience for enthusiasts. Its bar features over 300 whiskeys, including heritage brands like Midleton, The Macallan, Bushmills, and Ardbeg, alongside local stars such as Copeland, Shortcross, and the hotel’s own Outwalker and Limavady whiskeys.

Guests can enjoy classic whiskey cocktails, exclusive tasting flights, and a robust events programme running through January 2026.

Highlights include an Ardbeg tasting on 29 May 2025, celebrating the peaty flavours of the Islay distillery; a Copeland Distillery event on 27 June 2025; and a McConnell’s tasting on 18 July 2025, showcasing a 150-year-old Irish whiskey legacy. The programme also features Bruichladdich in July 2025, a Grain to Glass experience with Clooney Distillery in September 2025, and a Midleton evening in December 2025.

Unique events like World Hot Toddy Day on 11 January 2026 and Burns Night on 25 January 2026, toasting Robert Burns with The Macallan, add flair.

Guests can register interest by emailing enquiries@theharbourviewhotel.com.

The Carnlough Whiskey Festival (20-23 August 2025) is a flagship event, offering tastings of Shortcross, Copeland, Outwalker, and Limavady whiskeys, complemented by live music from The Rogues, The Causeway Shantymen, and String Ninjas.

For adventurers, boat trips to Islay provide guided tours of Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries. More details are available at theharbourviewhotel.com/whiskey.

“We look forward to toasting the opening of Ireland’s first whiskey hotel, with our first guests in the weeks and months ahead,” McLaughlin said.

Timeless Elegance and Modern Comfort

The Harbourview Hotel retains its 19th-century charm with open fires and original terrazzo flooring, while its 35 elegantly appointed bedrooms—ranging from singles to luxurious suites—blend contemporary luxury with comfort.

The refurbished Coach House bar and brasserie serves nostalgic Irish dishes from 12-8:30pm daily, including seafood chowder, beer-battered fish and chips, Guinness-braised daube of beef, and whiskey chicken stack. A special Sunday lunch menu (12-5pm) has already won local acclaim.

The MacAuley Suite, a stunning new venue for weddings and events, accommodates over 80 guests with breathtaking harbour views, making it an ideal choice for couples seeking a Causeway Coast celebration.

Exclusive Opening Packages

To celebrate its launch, The Harbourview Hotel offers three enticing packages, bookable at theharbourviewhotel.com/stay:

•  New Beginnings: Available from 19 May to 4 June 2025, this package includes an overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, and a complimentary cocktail from the curated house list. Priced from £180 for a double room (two sharing).

•  Bed and Breakfast: Enjoy a cosy overnight stay with a full Irish breakfast cooked to order, priced from £180 for a double room (two sharing).

•  Relax, Dine and Stay: This package offers an overnight stay, full Irish breakfast, and £30 dining credit per person, priced from £240 for a double room (two sharing).

A Destination on the Causeway Coast

Named for Carnlough’s scenic harbour, The Harbourview Hotel is perfectly positioned on the Causeway Coastal Route, attracting visitors to Northern Ireland’s North Coast. Its blend of history, whiskey culture, and modern hospitality makes it a must-visit destination.

Follow the hotel on Instagram (@theharbourview_hotel) or Facebook (@theharbourviewhotel) for updates on events, menus, and offers.

For more information or to book your stay, visit www.theharbourviewhotel.com.