The Smugglers Inn is located in a rural setting 2 km from the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Giant's Causeway and Causeway Headlands and 2 km from Bushmills, home of the world famous Old Bushmills Whiskey Distillery. The Smugglers Inns is within easy reach of Dunluce Castle and several local golf course including Portballintrae (Bushfoot), Royal Portrush and Portstewart. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or a week of sightseeing, the Smugglers Inn is a perfect spot to call home for your stay. Enjoy our rural location with views of the coast and ocean across to distant Donegal. Travel time by car from Belfast George Best City Airport is around 1hr 15m, from the International Airport around 45 minutes. The closest location for shops is the conservation village of Bushmills which has free parking at Dundarave Car Park.
The importance of our shoreline along with its stories inspired us to create the Smugglers Inn with a warm, traditional and homely atmosphere that would reflect our close connection to the ocean. The shore has played a vital part in our history and tradition as well as provide food and work for generations before us. At one time it was easier to sail from here to Scotland than to walk or ride a horse to Ballymena. Scattered around the coast you will find many harbours and boat slips, all having a story to tell. Many shipwrecks have occurred along this coast including the famous treasure ship of the Spanish Armada 'La Girona' which foundered at the Giants Causeway in 1588. There are many tales of smuggling between Scotland and here with goods such as whiskey, poteen, silk, tea, sugar and tobacco. With a rich seafaring tradition it was inevitable Ireland would have the odd pirate including a famous female pirate known as Grace O' Malley.
"Just home from very relaxing 3 night stay. Room was first class, with great sea views. All staff very friendly and courteous. The food was amazing, my wife had the duck two nights in a row massive portion. Breakfast also more than adequate for setting you up for a day out. If you did call back for lunch, well try anything on the menu, mussels, salt chilli chicken all perfect."
David McI
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Me my husband and four kids stayed here for one night on 21st July. We had a family room which was fantastic. It had a double bed and two single beds then another two single beds in a seperate room. There was loads of room and everything we needed. We had dinner which was really lovely and breakfast the next morning was a freshly made proper Ulster Fry!
Julie T.
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WOW! This is a gem. Great food, huge rooms, Fantastic staff. Well done! Do yourself a favour and book here. So well situated for sight seeing. 24 hr friendly staff at reception. We can not wait to return!!
Barbara V.
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This was my second visit with my daughter as we hiked the lovely Antrim coastline I have already booked another stay with 2 friends in April. This is a terrific small hotel in a wonderful location. 5 star rooms, great staff who are soooo helpful.