Dunluce Lodge Review

Positioned beneath the towering cliffs of Dunluce and alongside the fourth fairway of the world-renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club (home to this year’s 153rd Open), the newly developed Dunluce Lodge opened its doors in April and is the Causeway Coast’s only five-star resort. Offering exceptional hospitality amidst some of the most beautiful scenery that Northern Ireland has to offer. The Luxury Editor was invited to Bushmills Distillery to celebrate the launch of their oldest ever single malt the 46-Year-Old ‘Secrets of The River Bush’, with Dunluce Lodge as our luxurious base for this spirited journey. Read on to discover more.

Background and Concept

Envisioned by Jonathan Harper and Robert Covington Jr of Links Collection, who were inspired by their visit to Portrush during the 148th Open in 2019. Dunluce Lodge is an exclusive retreat offering 35 luxury suites, including eight within The Stookan, a private residence designed for larger groups. It features a fine dining restaurant serving both à la carte and tasting menus, complemented by a wine vault specialising in curated pairings and whiskey tastings along with a private dining space. Expect uninterrupted views of the fourth fairway and green at Royal Portrush, with a putting green on-site and complimentary transfers to nearby golf clubs as well as an on-site spa for that post-round wind-down or restorative treatment after a day on the links.

Location

Located just outside the famous coastal town of Portrush the area is home to the Giant’s Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the backdrop for some of the planet’s biggest silver screen productions such as Game of Thrones, the Causeway Coast is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline anywhere in the world. Getting there couldn’t be simpler; it’s a short 1.15-hour drive from Belfast which is serviced by both its International Airport, along with George Best Belfast City Airport, and if you need to be there even more promptly or privately, you can charter a helicopter to the helipad in Bushmills town.

Bushmills

It’s all thanks to Bushmills Distillery that The Luxury Editor was one of the first guests to experience the Dunluce Lodge, which opened officially to the public the day after we stayed. There are two things I am most passionate about, one is hotels and the other is whisk(e)y, so a day at Bushmills Distillery (which is just a short 15-minute drive from the property) with Master Blender Alex Thomas and her team (read my interview with Alex here) is a dream come true.

We spent the day exploring the original Bushmills Distillery before visiting the impressive new Causeway Distillery, which has more than doubled Bushmills production capacity from five million to eleven million litres per year. Master Blender Alex Thomas guided us through a tasting of both the core range and the Prestige Collection, offering insight into the layers of craftsmanship behind each expression.

We also had the chance to meet the Coopers and witness their traditional barrel-making techniques first-hand, a testament to the distillery’s dedication to heritage and quality. The day concluded in spectacular fashion with a helicopter flight tracing the path of the River Bush, bringing the story of this celebrated whiskey full circle.

We returned to the hotel for an evening of discovery with Master Blender Alex Thomas and Brand Ambassador Mark McConville, delving into the remarkable story behind the oldest Irish single malt ever released the Bushmills 46 Year Old ‘Secrets of the River Bush’. A true celebration of craftsmanship, legacy, and history.

Rooms and Suites

An all-suite hotel with guest quarters located within the main hotel building and around the central courtyard area. Each suite is styled to reflect its surroundings, from garden and woodland views to countryside and coastal outlooks and at 279 sq ft they are generous in floor space too. Garden Suites draw inspiration from the landscaped grounds, offering a calming, nature-led aesthetic. Courtyard Suites are arranged around the lodge’s central courtyard, while Causeway Suites take in the rugged beauty of the nearby coastline and Portrush Suites offer sweeping views across open countryside.

All suites come with 300-thread-count Egyptian cotton linens, Nespresso coffee machines, satellite TV with Chromecast, marble finished bathroom with underfloor heating, luxury bathrobes, slippers, a stocked mini larder with local treats, high-end toiletries and a clothes steamer.

The Dunluce Suite and The Stookan

The Dunluce Suite is the largest at 505 sq ft, offering expansive living space and panoramic golf course views, while The Stookan, separate from the hotel, presents a collection of eight suites ideal for private group stays.

My Suite During My Stay

During my stay, I stayed in room 207, a Courtyard Suite, which is located on the ground floor to the left of the reception if you are facing out into the courtyard. These suites are a few steps away from the main hotel but offer enhanced privacy via their own entrance.

The room interiors follow a contemporary country style, with natural oak flooring, tailored soft furnishings, and a neutral palette with heritage blue and sage green accents. Dual-aspect windows on either side of the room bathe the space in natural light. To the left as you enter, a king-size bed sits against a panelled oak headboard wall, flanked by elegant bedside tables and an ottoman bench at the foot of the bed. To the right, a large junior suite style sitting area with a sofa complemented by a coffee table and writing desk, and opposite a large wardrobe, with safe, steamer and hairdryer.

Housed in a dark wood unit with a marble top, the amenities station includes a Nespresso machine alongside a matching Dualit kettle and a selection of coffee pods, an ice bucket, wine glasses and bone china coffee/tea and espresso cups and saucers as well as glass domes enclosing sugar and artisan tea bags. A well-stocked mini-fridge sits below, featuring a collection of local craft beers, Bollinger Champagne, Sancerre white wine, and organic apple juice, alongside a selection of soft drinks and my personal seal of approval – mini bottles of fresh milk for tea and coffee.

A second drawer showcases a selection of snacks, including Shindigs Irish crisps, gourmet nuts, and artisan chocolate, complemented by a full-sized bottle of Chianti Classico and crystal-cut highball glasses.

Within the bathroom, a spacious marble-topped vanity is flanked by polished chrome wall sconces and soft under-lighting that automatically comes on, helping to guide you to and from the bathroom at night without fumbling for light switches. The shower area is clad in large-format marble tiles alongside a rainfall showerhead, paired with full-sized Spanish Natura Bissé body wash, shampoo and conditioner.

Bar

The bar in the heart of the hotel offers a club-style retreat ideal after a day of golfing with dark wood panelling, coffered ceiling, and herringbone parquet flooring. On one side leather banquettes and tartan upholstered armchairs are arranged around low tables while the bar itself is a focal point, with its backlit cabinet housing a collection of premium spirits and whiskeys.

Nods to the area’s golfing heritage are visible throughout, from the fanned display of vintage golf clubs on either side of the bar entrance to the Signature cocktail menu inspired by legendary figures and iconic holes in Irish golf history. French doors lead out to a terrace looking out to Royal Portrush Course and to the left a lounge space provides further seating with golfing TV on for you to enjoy.

The Restaurant

Bailiú, named after the Scots/Irish Gaelic word for ‘gathering’ is the hotel’s restaurant, championing the region’s rich natural larder using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients and working closely with artisan producers across the area. An intimate dining atmosphere designed for lingering and conversation, framed by deep olive-green walls, a roaring marble-framed fireplace to one side, button-tufted banquettes to the other and above glamorous geometric Art Deco pendant chandeliers.

With a strong emphasis on local seafood, game, and sustainably reared meats. Starters include Lough Neagh eel, North Coast crab, Lisdergan beef tartare, and Toons Bridge burrata with truffle honey. Mains feature flax-fed sirloin, Plumbrige venison, Manor Farm chicken, and North Coast scallops, halibut, and Ewing’s salmon. For starters, I opted for the North Coast Crab Tain, followed by the Flax-fed Sirloin and finished with the Chocolate and Salted Caramel Delice.

Spa

Located away from the main hotel building the spa offers a range of treatments using organic, locally sourced ingredients which harness the healing powers of the sea. Treatments include invigorating seaweed wraps and bespoke massages tailored to your individual needs.

Golf

Moments away from Royal Portrush Golf Club, guests also have easy access to several other world-class courses, including Portstewart and Castlerock (both within 6 miles), as well as Royal County Down, Ballyliffin, Ardglass, and St Patrick’s at Rosapenna, all known for their exceptional links layouts and stunning coastal scenery. Within the hotel, you can find a 9-hole putting green designed by leading golf architect Martin Ebert, and complimentary transfers to Royal Portrush and Portstewart are available for all guests.

Final Thoughts

Dunluce Lodge is an exceptional addition to Northern Ireland’s luxury hotel portfolio, bringing an ultra-luxury experience to the Causeway Coast. Whether you’re here for a round at Royal Portrush, a tasting at Bushmills, or to explore the cinematic beauty of the coastline, Dunluce Lodge and the area are guaranteed to leave a lasting impression.