Arrival/Check-In: We left Belfast early so I could make my tee time at Royal Portrush, just a stone’s throw from The Bushmills Inn. We pulled into the quaint parking area next to the inn and were able to check into one of our two rooms — a real plus, as we arrived many hours before the official check-in time. Within a few minutes, I was unloading the car and unpacking my clubs for my short drive to the course. My family relaxed at the inn, able to check into the other room in a couple of hours.

Guest Quarters: We were booked in two Mill House Deluxe rooms in a newer section of the inn with views of the River Bush, which is more like a fast-moving creek. This may be a newer section of the hotel, but the rooms are no less charming than the rest of the property.

Our room contained a queen-sized bed with lovely carved headboard and footboard, two matching night tables and a large window facing the river. On the opposite side of the room sat a comfortable stuffed loveseat and a functional desk and chair where I set up my base of operations. The rooms at the inn are named for famous past and present Irish whiskeys; ours were called “Cowan’s” and “Hand in Hand.”

The bathroom was absolutely fantastic with a light green color scheme and a large, old-fashioned soaking tub and separate shower. The “Irish country” motif featured a bowl sink on top of a stone vanity top with the faucet protruding from the tiled wall and a vanity with wooden batten board doors, painted moss green. A deep, painted wooden shelf off the vanity housed towels and bath amenities by Elemis, a leading British spa and skin care company. Soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotions enhanced the bath experience.

Services/Amenities: The Gas Bar offers a traditionally Irish venue for sipping a Guinness or a fine Irish whiskey. We enjoyed an Irish smoked salmon plate for lunch here one day, and it also provided a nice place to warm up after a day of touring.

The main restaurant at Bushmills is, in a word, wonderful. We looked forward to every meal, be it breakfast or dinner. Our dinner waiter, Michael, was ready for any request and served us with charm. Whether fish, fowl or meat, we found the cuisine exceptional, including a fine sampling of desserts.

The restaurant and bar décor speak of the history of the inn, which once housed chickens on the upper floors. Exposed wooden beams, fieldstone walls and woods with beautiful patinas decorate the many rooms.

The Experience: The Bushmills Inn is a special place and a must for any agenda in Northern Ireland. I can’t think of a more charming and historical spot. It offers a perfect location for touring, very close to the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, Dunluce Castle and Royal Portrush Golf Course. Or just relax at The Bushmills Inn and let them pamper you with their first-class service and style.

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item check=yes]24-hour room service[/item]
[item]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

The Bushmills Inn

9 Dunluce Road
Bushmills, Co. Antrim
Northern Ireland BT57 8QG
tel 44 28 2073 3000
bushmillsinn.com