Bushmills Inn

9. Dunluce Road
Bushmills
BT56 8QG

Four scenic miles from Royal Portrush. In the village that is home to the world's oldest distillery, between the Giant's Causeway and Royal Portrush Golf Club, this hotel - Best Hotel in the British Airways Tourism Awards 2000 - has been outstandingly successful in recreating its origins as an old Coaching Inn and Mill House. There is a round tower by the main entrance, a grand staircase, a secret library (if you can find it) and no less than four turf fires. In the bar and the adjacent flagstoned kitchen, both still lit by gas light, try a glass of 25 year old Bushmills malt whiskey from the hotels private cask. Sip the 'water of life" in front of an open turf fire while you savour the delights of the award winning "Taste of Ulster" restaurant with its white washed walls and intimate pine panelled 'snugs'.