If you are starting to plan your dream trip to Northern Ireland and want to stay in beautiful hotels, castles and historic buildings at every stop, this is the post for you. From the 400 year old Bushmills Inn next to the Giant’s Causeway to the historic Bishop’s Gate Hotel in Derry, these are the best hotels in Northern Ireland for a trip you won’t forget! Planning to go down south? Check out these 60 amazing places to visit in Ireland.

PRO TIP: If you’re planning to travel to Northern Ireland, be it on a budget or on a luxury tour, I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to have decent travel insurance – especially as medical care is CRAZY expensive here. I always use World Nomads, as they’re known as the best insurer for backpackers and long term travellers.

Best hotels in Northern Ireland

The Bushmills Inn, Bushmills

Located in the small town of Bushmills (named after the local Whiskey distillery that is definitely worth a visit), The Bushmills Inn is one of the most loved hotels in Northern Ireland, if not the world! This historic hotel, which dates back hundreds of years to when the building was originally a coach house, is full of charm and definitely deserves a spot of this list of top hotels in Northern Ireland. If you have some free time during your stay, be sure to explore the building where you may come across their secret library or their private cinema! The food in the restaurant is world class (the fillet steak flambéed in Bushmills whiskey is a must!) and given the history of the hotel, there’s endless great Irish whiskey to be tasted in the bar. This boutique hotel is perfect for people looking to stay in a traditional Irish Inn that comes with a lot of history but with a touch of luxury added on. Close to a golf course, and less than 5 minutes drive from the famous Giant’s Causeway, it’s the perfect place to base yourself while enjoying the Causeway Coastal Route.

COST: From £180 per room per night.

Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry

Bishop’s Gate Hotel is a luxury hotel located inside the old city walls of Derry. The hotel is situated in a Grade B1 listed building and is just minutes from the old Bishops’ Gate entrance to the city. This luxury hotel dates back to 1899 and has blended old with new to create a modern hotel inside a perfectly preserved building. There is a champagne bar, a restaurant and a private dining area for groups, located in what was an old Georgian townhouse. The rooms have been decorated with a lot of thought and include working vintage telephones on the bedside table. It is the small details that you will appreciate in this beautiful hotel, from the chocolate treats and welcome note to the decor and photographs that shine light on the history of the building and surrounding area. A full Irish breakfast awaits you each morning before you head out to explore the beautiful city of Derry. By far one of the best hotels in Northern Ireland, add it to your list!

COST: From £127 per room per night

Blackrock House, Portrush

While not technically a hotel, this five star Bed and Breakfast deserves a place on this list. You probably won’t find a better B&B in all of Ireland, where an Irish welcome is part of the package. Located in the seaside town of Portrush, along the famous Causeway Coast driving route, Nicola will welcome you with open arms and ensure your stay here is one you won’t forget. If you’re lucky, your host might even leave some creamy homemade fudge on the bedside table in your room, or you might arrive back from a long day sightseeing to the smell of freshly baked cakes and a freshly brewed pot of tea, waiting for your arrival. The mix of vintage furniture and beach theme isn’t one you’d think would scream luxury but sitting on a plush velvet sofa in the Drawing Room or watching the stars through the telescope in The Snug says different! If you’re planning to stop in Portrush, be it to go surfing, golfing or just to enjoy the beach, Blackrock House is the place to stay.

COST: From £150 per room including breakfast

Causeway Hotel, Giant’s Causeway

While definitely not as luxurious as the other hotels on this list. I still believe this hotel deserves its spot. Owned and operated by the National Trust, Causeway Hotel is the nearest hotel to the Giant’s Causeway and probably the only place I would recommend to stay if you are hoping to catch both the sunrise and the sunset at the Giant’s Causeway. Situated right behind the visitor centre, staying here gives you free access, panoramic views of the causeway coast and a place to chill out with a cold pint after a long day sightseeing. There is both a bar and restaurant on site, and it’s just a few minutes drive to the town of Bushmills if you’re looking to explore more pubs in the evening.

COST: From £117 per room per night

Galgorm Resort and Spa, Ballymena

Located on the far side of Belfast, near enough to explore during the day but far enough to enjoy a clear night sky, Galgorm Resort and Spa is the perfect place for a getaway. It might also be the only hotel in Northern Ireland, and certainly the only hotel on this list, that comes its own Gin Library! Believe me, once you’ve experienced a gin library you will wonder how you ever lived without one. If you’re here for the spa, then you are in for a real treat. Steam rooms, treatment rooms, sauna, swimming pools, a freezing cold snow room and everything in between – all you could ask for in a world class resort and spa. There’s also a restaurant that serves a mean burger and an even tastier steak! You can read our full hotel review, with photos, here.

COST: From £185 per room per night