Bushmills Inn Hotel & Restaurant

Although the village of Bushmills is best known around the world as the home of the oldest licensed whiskey distillery, the story of Bushmills Inn actually began around the same time. The oldest part of the inn was originally a coach house and stables that opened back in 1608, the same year Old Bushmills first got its license. In the 1820s, a major rebuilding of the town, led by Sir Frances Workman Macnaghten, included the main hotel building. Soon after, Bushmills Inn gained a reputation as a lovely stopover for travellers bound for the Giant’s Causeway.

By the 1890s, however, the arrival of a tram link to the Causeway saw the Inn’s fortunes wane. The building shifted into all sorts of functions, from a boarding house, a private residence, to a bicycle factory. It wouldn't be until 1987 that the property was revived as a guesthouse. The neighboring Mill House was absorbed as part of the property in 1997, followed by another expansion in 2009. Today, Bushmills Inn is an award‑winning boutique hotel and restaurant, boasting various distinctions such as two AA Rosettes, as well as membership in Ireland's Blue Book collection.

Bushmills Inn is a piece of history dating all the way back to 1608, originally established as a coaching inn and stables, and now operating as a charming boutique hotel. The inn and stables remain mostly intact, featuring exposed timber beams and stone walls that now form part of the restaurant. The main building is comparatively more recent, built in the 1820s during the town's redevelopment. This part of the property retains the vernacular character of that era, as its interior areas are still equipped with inglenook fireplaces, hayloft snugs with oak beams, and traditional gas lighting in the Gas Bar. Some parts have been modernized, however, such as the Garden Room and the Mill House wings.

As an award-winning dining establishment, Bushmills Inn takes great pride in its culinary offerings, introducing classic Irish fare with modern twists. The main restaurant lies nestled in the old 17th‑century stables and wine cellar, its kitchens led by Executive Chef Gordon McGladdery and Head Chef Alan Hope. They serve everything from refined a la carte dishes made with seasonal produce to elegant multi‑course meals. They also have special menus for delectable bar fare, weekly Sunday carveries, and two-course suppers for the inn's movie nights.

If you're looking for a more relaxed vibe, the Gas Bar embraces the inn's heritage aspects and uses gaslight for illumination. Here, you'll find traditional pub grub alongside fusion offerings like Irish tapas, seafood like oysters, and drinks by the fire, often with live music on weekends. The garden patio is also available for alfresco dining during the warmer months, letting you bask in the refreshing Irish outdoors while enjoying your meal.

Opening hours:
Day Menu: Monday to Saturday: 12 pm – 4 pm
Evening Menu: Daily 5 pm – 9:30 pm
Bar: Monday to Saturday: 5 pm – 8 pm; Sunday 12 pm – 4 pm, and 5 pm – 8 pm
Sunday Lunch: 12:30 pm – 3 pm

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Bushmills Inn may be hundreds of years old, but this wonderful inn is an establishment able to keep up with the trends of today. The inn has its very own cinema, where you can catch scheduled screenings of both new and classic serials and movies. There are also weekly live performances from local artists, so enjoy some lovely covers and original works from Northern Ireland's musical talents.

The village of Bushmills, thus including Bushmills Inn, sits right in the heart of Northern Ireland’s spectacular Causeway Coast and Glens. Right outside the door is the world’s oldest licensed whisky maker, Old Bushmills Distillery, where tours and tastings offer the flavors of centuries‑old traditions. This particular part of County Antrim has a wealth of cultural, historical, and outdoor activities within easy reach. Just a short drive takes you to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns formed by ancient volcanic activity and wrapped in legend. Nearby, you can test your nerve on the Carrick‑a‑Rede Rope Bridge and explore the striking ruins of Dunluce Castle perched above the sea. The eerie, photogenic avenue of beech trees known as The Dark Hedges also became the iconic Kingsroad in the hit show Game of Thrones. Another set of destinations visited by fans of the show are fishing villages like Ballintoy that served as the Iron Islands of the Greyjoys.

For nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, there’s no shortage of scenic vistas to discover. You can take coastal cliff walks along paths like The Gobbins, enjoy bird‑watching or boat excursions to Rathlin Island, or drive through the rolling landscapes of The Glens of Antrim. Water activities are also a hit during the warmer months, ranging from surfing and paddleboarding on Blue Flag beaches to fishing along designated areas or taking a boat charter. For a more relaxed pace, spend a quiet morning or afternoon visiting artisan markets and trying the local food establishments around the towns. Golfers, in particular, are spoiled for choice, as the region is dotted with world‑class courses like Royal Portrush, which has hosted multiple Open Championships, alongside classic links courses at Portstewart and Castlerock.

Whether you’re planning for a company conference or a private family function, Bushmills Inn has several wonderful venues available. The larger Macnaghten Suite accommodates around 50 delegates, while intimate options like the Secret Library are more suited for boardroom-style sessions. You can even book the Still Room Cinema for presentations or screenings. Each space comes equipped with essentials such as complimentary Wi-Fi and audiovisual equipment. The inn's events team can also tailor setups and packages to suit the event you have in mind, whether they're half-day gatherings or full residential galas.