Dunadry Hotel And Gardens

The walls of this iconic venue carry centuries of history, stretching back to the 1600s when it was known as The Middle Fort, or Dun-Eddery. Positioned as the middle of three forts along the road from Tara to Dunseverick, it was once home to the legendary Red Branch Knights of Ulster. By the 1700s, the site had transformed when Daniel Blow established a paper mill within The Middle Fort, known as Blow’s Mill, which produced paper until the turn of the 20th century. Later, the mill was converted into a linen mill, and this industrious period continued until the 1920s.

In 1957, the Falloon family purchased the village of Dunadry and the old linen mill. They built a hotel on the mill’s grounds, preserving unique features such as the wooden beetles, originally used to impart lustre to linen, which still give the Copper Bar its distinctive character today. In 2017, the McKeever Hotel Group acquired the property and brought new life to the site, establishing the Dunadry Hotel and Gardens. Even now, visitors can discover the historic details woven throughout the hotel and its grounds.

Set on the site of an ancient fort and later a linen mill, the hotel still carries traces of its past in the stone walls, the shape of the spaces, and the way the building sits by the Six Mile River. Even after later changes and renovations, the focus has always been on keeping those earlier layers visible.

Walking through the large latched door, you arrive in the Rotunda, once part of the original mill. Shields showing the coats of arms of Ireland’s 32 counties line the walls, along with flag poles representing the four provinces, a reminder that Dunadry, known as The Middle Fort, once held an important place in Irish history.

At the center of the hotel is the famous fireplace, which has become a real talking point. Its origins are still debated. Many believe it was taken from Antrim Castle, while the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society notes that it was built using decorative stones from the entrance of the Botanical Gardens in Belfast.

Close by is the Copper Bar, named after the copper distillery model on its wall. Wooden beetles from the old linen mill were worked into the design here, adding a link back to the site’s working days. While the historic features remain, the hotel has also upgraded its suites and rooms to bring in a more modern, comfortable feel. Interiors are calm and understated, designed to feel luxurious without taking away from the building’s character.

Beyond the main building, the design extends into the beautifully landscaped gardens. Two giant lime trees sit proudly at the heart of the grounds. They have grown together for over 100 years, slowly becoming inseparable. Just beside the main building, The Cottage offers a more private stay. Set within the gardens, it has three king bedrooms and feels ideal for families, friends, or small groups. Guests have the peace of a separate retreat, along with access to the hotel’s facilities, plus a private patio and hot tub that look out onto the greenery.

The Mill Race Restaurant

The AA Rosette Mill Race Restaurant serves seasonal dishes made with local produce, right by the Six Mile River. The kitchen serves everything from slow-roasted beef and fresh seafood to quality steaks and comforting vegetarian and vegan plates. Desserts take a more indulgent turn, with chocolate fondant, apple tart tatin, and playful twists on familiar classics. They also have gluten-free options, and local suppliers shape much of what arrives on the plate, keeping the food rooted in Northern Ireland’s produce.

Opening Hours: 5.00 pm to 9.30 pm (Monday - Saturday); 4.00 pm to 8.30 pm (Sunday)

Copper Bar

The Copper Bar at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens is full of character and stories from the past. You’ll notice the old wooden beetles from the Linen Mill and the famous fireplace, which some say came straight from Antrim Castle. The Bushmills Distillery model on the wall is how it got its name. It’s always friendly and welcoming, whether you’re popping in for a drink with friends, catching the live music on Saturday nights, or trying the daily specials. The bar also has a wide range of drinks from all over the world.

Garden Lounge

The Garden Lounge at Dunadry Hotel and Gardens is a cosy, relaxed spot with great views over the gardens and the Tree of Peace and Unity. It’s perfect for grabbing a morning coffee, catching up with friends, enjoying an after-dinner drink, or having a casual meal. 

The kitchen uses fresh, local ingredients to put together everything from light bites like chicken wings, halloumi fries, and prawn cocktails to bigger mains like burgers, sandwiches, pasta, risottos, and steaks. They also have vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The lounge also serves plenty of coffees, teas, and other drinks, including their house McKeever Hotel Blend roasted in Northern Ireland.

Opening hours: 12.00 pm to 9.30 pm (Monday - Saturday); 12.00 pm to 8.30 pm (Sunday)

Afternoon Tea

At Dunadry Hotel and Gardens, Afternoon Tea is served both in the Mill Race Restaurant and the open spaces. It’s a popular traditional experience. You can expect a selection of sandwiches and wraps, including egg & cress, croque monsieur, cured salmon, and oak-smoked chicken with avocado mayo. For sweets, there are macarons, bonbons, chocolate delice, mango pannacotta, moss cake, and Bakewell-style tarts. Homemade scones with jam and clotted cream are also included. There’s also a Prosecco option for an additional cost. A GBP 5 (USD 6.7) deposit per person is required when booking.

Opening hours: 12 pm to 4 pm (Monday - Friday); 12 pm to 3 pm (Saturday)

Sunday Carvery

On Sundays, the hotel serves a traditional carvery lunch in the Grand Ballroom, a space known for its high ceilings and crystal chandeliers. It is popular with both staying guests and people visiting the area for the day.

The meal follows a classic carvery format with a choice of starters, roasted meats with seasonal sides, and a selection of desserts. Soft background music plays during lunch, and the setup suits a slow Sunday after sightseeing. Prices are GBP 34 (USD 45.51) for adults, GBP 17 (USD 22.76) for children under 12, and children under 5 eat free.

Opening hours: 12.30 pm to 3 pm

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens hosts weddings across its riverside grounds and indoor spaces. The hotel can accommodate anything from very small ceremonies to larger gatherings of up to 220 guests. Only one wedding takes place per day, so the gardens, reception rooms, and shared spaces stay dedicated to that event. Ceremonies often happen outdoors near the Six Mile River or within the gardens, with receptions held inside the hotel’s main function rooms.

Wedding bookings work through a range of packages, each offering different menus, drink options, and decor styles. Couples can adjust elements like food choices, table settings, and bar selections to suit their preferences. A wedding coordinator and a master of ceremonies are included to help manage timings and practical details throughout the day. A small tradition at the hotel involves the couple signing the champagne cork from their first toast, which the hotel keeps as part of its ongoing records. Most wedding bookings include use of the honeymoon suite for the night, with additional rooms available for guests staying over.

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Dunadry Hotel and Gardens has a lot to offer right on its grounds, with experiences designed to suit all kinds of visitors. Hidden beneath the historic walls is The Cellar, a space where you can try wines and whiskeys from around the world. You can join a tasting evening, book a private session with friends, or just enjoy discovering the different flavours on your own. The stone arches and old mill foundations give the cellar its unique atmosphere.

The Spa Garden is tucked into the hotel grounds and is a peaceful place to relax. Guests have private access, with hot tubs, a heated pool, sauna, cold plunge, fitness facilities, and Thai massage therapies. There’s also a Thermal Glass House Lounge to relax in. A short walk along the century-old Millrace takes you to the Secret Garden, a quiet spot with a waterfall and a small island where weddings, proposals, and live music events have taken place. The Walled Garden is another tucked-away area framed by the original mill house.

If you want to explore beyond the hotel, several attractions are nearby. Titanic Belfast tells the story of the famous ship, while the Ulster Museum and Ulster Folk Museum showcase local history and culture. Belfast Castle offers historic architecture and scenic views, and Belfast Zoo is great for families. For nature lovers, Oxford Island Nature Reserve provides riverside walks and wildlife spotting. Whether you spend your time on-site enjoying the gardens and spa or head out to explore Belfast and the surrounding area, there’s plenty to do during your stay.

Alongside weddings, Dunadry also hosts a mix of other celebrations and professional events. The hotel welcomes conferences, meetings, and corporate gatherings, as well as private occasions like anniversaries, milestone birthdays, and family celebrations. Spaces range from large indoor rooms to garden settings, depending on the size and tone of the event. For teams, there are also quieter team-building experiences designed around the gardens and the Six Mile River. Created in collaboration with Bird in a Tree, these sessions focus on mindfulness and reconnection. For anyone planning an event or gathering, it is best to get in touch with the team directly to discuss what might work for your group.