The Old Inn

The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn has a history stretching back to 1614, when it began as a coaching inn on a key trade route. Over the centuries, it has welcomed countless guests under its thatched roof and low beams, keeping its historic atmosphere intact. Since then, it remains a favorite for its character, fine dining, and location close to the North Down Coast.

The current building grew up around the original coaching house and operates as a 34-bedroom five-star hotel. It is particularly popular as a high-end wedding venue. The Rice family has owned and run the hotel since 1983. At the time, Danny Rice took over a 16-bedroom property and gradually transformed it into one of Northern Ireland's leading hotel experiences, known for both hospitality and gourmet offerings.

Along the way, the inn has collected a notable list of accolades. It was named AA Hotel of the Year in Northern Ireland at the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards, a top industry honor recognizing outstanding guest experience and service. The property has also held AA Rosette awards for its culinary, reflecting high standards in dining.

As one of Northern Ireland's oldest coaching inns, The Old Inn's exterior still shows parts of the original building. Later additions, like the East Wing, added Georgian-style elements.

Inside, the inn retains its historic character with oak beams, antique fireplaces, and vintage details mixed with modern amenities for added luxury. The 34 rooms are all different and are named after local landmarks and wild flowers, giving each one a distinct identity. Timber features, fireplaces, and a mix of antiques and handcrafted details throughout the lounges and guest area highlight the building's long history

The Restaurant

The Restaurant is great for a romantic dinner or a meal after a day out. The menu mixes pub favorites with French-style dishes, all made with fresh seasonal ingredients. Starters include seared scallops, beef tartare, and goat's cheese with roasted beetroot.

Mains include roasted chicken, Irish lamb, venison, halibut, and sharing options like Côte de Boeuf. They also offer a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes, along with sides, sauces, and desserts. Guests can enjoy the Old Inn Favorites menu, kids' menu, and a wide range of coffee options, too.

Opening hours: 12 pm – 10 pm

The 1614 Bar

The 1614 Bar is a relaxed spot to spend an evening with friends or family. It serves an a la carte as well as a fixed menu and a wide range of drinks from beer and wine to cocktails, including classics like martinis and margaritas. The lunch menu includes a main course with a drink for GBP 19.95 (around USD 27), two courses for GBP 26.45 (around USD 35, or three courses for GBP 32.95 (around USD 44). Dogs are welcome, so you don't have to leave your furry friends at home.

The bar is also a good place to catch live sports on the big screen. Live entertainment runs from Thursday to Sunday, and on Friday and Saturday nights, there's a free lift home within 5 miles from 10 pm to 1 am. If you enjoy quizzes, the bar hosts a monthly pub quiz on the last Tuesday of every month

Opening hours: 11 am until late
Lunch: Monday - Thursday: 12 pm to 6 pm | Friday: 12 pm to 4 pm

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea at the Old Inn is a nice way to relax and catch up with friends or celebrate something special, or just take a break. The menu includes finger sandwiches, small savory bites, scones with jam and cream, and a variety of sweet treats like cupcakes, tarts, and chocolate desserts. Plant-based options are available if you let them know while booking.

Prices start at GBP 36.50 (USD 49), with Champagne Afternoon Tea for GBP 52.50 (USD 70) or Cocktail Afternoon Tea for GBP 49.50 (USD 66) also available if you wish to add a special touch. Guests are requested to let them know about any allergies or dietary needs.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 5 pm

For couples planning a personal and private wedding, The Old Inn is well-suited to intimate and micro weddings. You can choose from a selection of indoor spaces, each designed for smaller guest lists while still feeling special. The team supports couples with key arrangements such as decor, seating layouts, music, and overall coordination. These services can be adjusted based on what the couple and the families want.

C.S. Lewis Suite
Venue type and style: An elegant and comfortable space designed for smaller weddings. The space includes soft seating, an open fire, a well-stocked library, and a Clevertouch screen for presentation or speeches.
Capacity: Up to 40 guests

The Gallery
Venue type and style: A spacious and elegant space suited to intimate wedding ceremonies or post-wedding celebrations as well as other wedding-related rituals. The open layout allows flexibility for dining, speeches, and social time.
Capacity: Up to 50 guests

Treetop Lounge
Venue type and style: A small, inviting space with a relaxed feel. It includes cozy booths, four tables, and a private bar, making it ideal for very small celebrations
Capacity: Up to 20 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

At the Old Inn, there's plenty to do both inside the hotel and nearby. One of the main highlights is the Treetop Spa set above Crawfordsburn Country Park and surrounded by trees. They offer a full spa experience here, including an outdoor pool and hot tub, sauna, steam room, unique shower, and heated waterbeds in a covered cabana. Indoors, there are heated marble loungers, a quiet conservatory, and a wood fire where guests can read a book, sit back, and unwind. The spa is open every day from 8 am to 9 pm, with treatments, day spa options, and overnight stay packages available.

The hotel also has a fitness suite for guests who like to stay active. It's a well-equipped space that works well for a morning workout as well as for stretching out after a long day. It has strength training machines, cardio equipment, yoga and pilates equipment, as well as thermal facilities. Many guests pair a gym session with time at the spa, which fits perfectly with the calm surroundings of the property.

Just outside the hotel, Crawfordsburn Country Park offers woodland paths and coastal walks and forms part of the Columban Way Heritage trail. A few minutes away is Helen's Bay, known for its coastal views, long beach walks, and open water swimming. The area feels peaceful but is still easy to explore.

For day trips, the Peninsula and Strangford Lough are around a short drive away and offer activities like kayaking, sailing, bird watching, and fishing. The Mourne Mountains are a little farther, but are popular for hiking and scenic drives. Belfast, the capital city, is also close by and adds a cultural side, with places like Titanic Belfast, Crumlin Road Gaol, Botanic Gardens, and Stormont Estate all easy to visit.

Golf courses such as Royal Belfast Golf Club and Royal County Down Golf Club attract visitors from around the world, while nearby towns like Bangor and Carrickfergus add coastal scenery and history to the mix. Altogether, staying at The Old Inn makes it easy to combine rest, outdoor adventure, and local culture in a single trip.

Seasonal stays at The Old Inn change with the time of year, with Christmas and New Year being especially popular. Over Christmas, the inn feels festive with decorated spaces, fires lit, and a slower pace that suits a winter holiday. New Year at The Old Inn offers different ways to celebrate. Guests can opt for a relaxed stay, spending time at the 1614 Bar, dining at the restaurant, or unwinding at the luxury Treetop Spa. They also host livelier celebrations with music, a busier bar atmosphere, and a more social way to welcome the year ahead. Guests can choose between a restorative break or a more upbeat New Year celebration, depending on their mood.

The Old Inn also works well for other celebrations and small events such as family gatherings, birthdays, anniversaries, and business meetings. The events team helps in planning the details and can tailor arrangements based on the size and style of the occasion. There are several spaces to choose from. The Treetop lounge suits smaller groups of up to 20 guests and includes a private bar. The Gallery can host up to 50 guests in a more open setting. The C.S. Lewis Suite offers a more intimate space for up to 40 guests, with an open fire, a library, and a presentation screen. Each space works for different types of gatherings, making it easy to find the right fit.