Ardtara Country House

Ardtara, a grand home with well-proportioned rooms and lovely stained-glass windows, was built in 1856 by the Clark family, owners of the village linen mill. A downturn in the Clark family fortunes shut the gates for many years, and the house lay sleeping until it received a new lease on life as a country house hotel. Central heating and modern bathrooms were added, but care was taken in keeping architectural details. Many of the 16 original fireplaces have been converted to open gas fires, which give the house a cheerful warmth. All but one of the bedrooms has a cozy fireplace. It’s a comfortable place where the staff, many are locals, offers a warmth welcome. The restaurant has gained an excellent reputation for its food and takes great pride in its locally sourced produce. The impressive dining room has a hunting frieze and a ceiling dominated by an enormous glass skylight, a perfect place to enjoy delicious food. Just a 5 minutes drive from major roads, Ardtara is a perfect location for a day trip along the Antrim coast to visit the famous Giant’s Causeway. There are five golf courses nearby including Royal Portrush. Derry town is an hour’s drive away.