Hilton launches The Marcus Portrush as first Tapestry Collection Hotel in Northern Ireland

Hilton has officially launched The Marcus Portrush, marking the debut of its Tapestry Collection brand in Northern Ireland. Opening its doors just weeks ahead of the 153rd Open Championship at Royal Portrush, the new 80-room hotel is expected to significantly bolster tourism and hospitality in the seaside town.

Occupying a prime position along Portrush’s dramatic North Atlantic coastline, The Marcus Portrush has transformed a historic Victorian-era building on Main Street that originally opened in 1895.

The building served as a hotel and artisan bakery for over 85 years, before closing in the 1980s.

The extensive £11 million restoration carefully preserves original architectural features – including decorative floor mosaics, a tiled façade, and period signage – while introducing a playful and immersive modern design concept inspired by a fictional adventurer named Marcus.

A seaside storytelling experience

Designed with character and creativity, the hotel’s unique concept is built around “Marcus”, a comic book–style explorer whose mythical journeys inform every corner of the guest experience.

From illustrated murals and treasure displays to story-themed rooms, the hotel invites guests into a whimsical world of exploration rooted in Portrush’s maritime history.

Families are offered complimentary copies of The Adventures of Marcus, a bespoke children’s storybook, adding a narrative layer to their stay.

Meanwhile, heritage photography and curated design elements offer a tribute to Portrush’s past as one of Northern Ireland’s most beloved tourist resorts.

The interiors blend warm coastal tones, textured fabrics, and contemporary furnishings with nods to the town’s Victorian and nautical heritage. Historic and modern collide throughout the space, creating a destination that is as visually engaging as it is welcoming.

Dining with a twist: Nemesis and Heritage Bar

Culinary innovation is central to The Marcus experience. The hotel’s flagship restaurant, Nemesis, is an Asian fusion eatery named after a mythical giant octopus featured in Marcus’s imagined tales. The menu reflects a globe-trotting flair, offering locally sourced dishes with international influence.

Notable dishes include:

• Irish sirloin steak with bone marrow butter and Asian steak sauce

• Korean bibimbap with beef, steamed rice, vegetables, and kimchi, topped with a perfectly fried egg

Guests can also unwind at the Heritage Cocktail Bar, inspired by cosy seafront inns. With low ceilings, rich textures, and warm lighting, the space delivers an inviting, intimate ambiance.

Its cocktail list features bespoke creations using small-batch Irish spirits. One standout is the Orra Margarita – a bold, Northern Irish twist on a classic, combining Poitín and mango in tribute to the scenic Orra Drive that winds through the Antrim Glens.

Boosting Portrush’s tourism economy

The hotel’s opening comes at a crucial time for Portrush, which is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors for the return of The Open Championship in July 2025 – its first hosting of the major golf event since 2019.

“As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch – making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer,” said Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President, UK & Ireland, Hilton.

“Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm.”

Operated under a franchise agreement with Andras House Ltd, the region’s largest hotel group, the project is anticipated to generate £1.1 million in annual visitor spending and provide over 40 permanent jobs, supporting local economic regeneration.

“I am delighted to be welcoming our first guests to this exciting and high-profile project,” said Rajesh Rana, Director at Andras House.

“Portrush has so much history and fond memories created here over the years, and our architects and designers have responded by delivering a scheme that embodies these stories in a modern style.

“This investment of £11 million will bring much-needed modern hotel accommodation to the area, helping to regenerate the Main Street of Portrush and secure its future as a must-go tourism destination.”

Strategically positioned for exploration

Beyond its ties to the upcoming Open Championship, The Marcus Portrush benefits from its proximity to some of Northern Ireland’s most iconic attractions. These include:

• The Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

• The historic Bushmills Whiskey Distillery

• Blue Flag beaches popular with surfers and families

• The Causeway Coastal Route, regarded as one of the world’s great scenic drives

Whether for a weekend getaway, golfing pilgrimage, or cultural adventure, the hotel’s location, design and story-driven experience make it a compelling choice for domestic and international visitors alike.

Booking and More Information:

Guests can book directly at www.tapestrycollectionbyhilton.com or through the Hilton Honors app.