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Visitor numbers from the Republic of Ireland to Northern Ireland are rising, the CSO figures show, and accommodation options across the region are expanding. Travel writer Thom Breathnach told RTÉ Radio 1’s Drivetime about six standout places to stay, one in each county.
Arthur’s — County Down
Arthur’s opened in 2023 after restoration by Lynne and Jonathan McCabe, who previously ran their family house Lisnacurran as a guest property and later Ralph’s Moira. The couple renovated the building carefully, with Lynne studying interior design as part of the work.
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The small boutique hotel offers roughly a dozen rooms decorated with a mix of period detail and relaxed bohemian flair. Guests can expect a hearty Ulster-style breakfast served in the café on the ground floor.
Located in the centre of the village, Arthur’s sits across the road from Hillsborough Castle and its gardens, which have staged seasonal exhibitions in recent months.
The Harbourview Hotel — County Antrim
Set in the coastal village of Carnlough, the Harbourview — formerly the Londonderry Arms — reopened after a comprehensive overhaul. The 1848 building has local and historic links and is now run by whiskey distiller Darryl McNally alongside Carl Harrison and Adrian McLaughlin.
The property, recently upgraded to four-star, markets itself as **Ireland’s first whiskey hotel**, with an on-site bar stocking more than 300 whiskies and a programme of tastings and tours. It was named Northern Ireland’s Hotel of the Year 2026 by The Times and The Sunday Times.
Carnlough makes a convenient base for coastal walks and sea trips, including excursions toward Rathlin Island and boat passages that connect the area with whisky-producing parts of Scotland such as Islay and Campbeltown.
The Botháns — County Derry
The Botháns — from the Irish for a small hut or shed — comprises two secluded cabins set into the slopes above Castlerock and Downhill. Lucy and Rob Oates run the 13-acre site in the Binevenagh Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Recently awarded five-star accreditation by Tourism NI, the cabins come with features like a private outdoor bath, a dedicated firepit supper and on-site massage treatments. The location is close to cultural and natural attractions including Mussenden Temple and the Giants Sconce, and the accommodation welcomes families and dogs.
Newforge House — County Armagh
Near Magheralin, Newforge House is a five-star Georgian country house run by sixth-generation owners Louise and John Mathers. Sitting about 30 minutes from Belfast, the property offers six individually named bedrooms and an intimate country-house atmosphere.
The house emphasises seasonal, locally grown produce: fruit from the orchard is used in desserts and preserves, vegetables feature on dinner menus, and eggs from the resident hens appear at breakfast. Newforge appeals to travellers seeking a quieter, family-run alternative to larger resorts.
Sperrin View Glamping — County Tyrone
Sperrin View sits at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains and offers A-frame pods with large viewing windows so guests can watch the night sky from bed. The site lies close to Davagh Forest, home to the OM Dark Sky Park — Northern Ireland’s first International Dark Sky Park — and plans for additional observatory facilities are underway nearby.
The surrounding countryside is well suited to cyclists and walkers, while the ancient Beaghmore Stone Circles are a short walk from the glamping site, adding an easy historic diversion.
Triumphal Arch Lodge — County Fermanagh
Triumphal Arch Lodge is a restored gate lodge on the Colebrooke Estate, the historic seat of the Brooke family. The building was rescued from ruin by the Irish Landmark Trust in 2009 and is listed for its architectural interest.
The compact property sleeps four across two period rooms, and retains features such as an open fire and a standalone bath. There is no television, though Wi‑Fi is provided, and guests can enjoy woodland sunrises and hilltop sunsets from the estate grounds.
Bonus: The Irish Landmark Trust also offers other distinctive stays across Northern Ireland, from a converted kiln in County Antrim to a coastal lighthouse in County Down.
