Welcoming guests since 1614, The Old Inn, one of Ireland’s oldest hotels, nestles in the heart of the whitewashed village of Crawfordsburn in north Co Down.
Along with that charming setting, the property benefits from being flanked by Crawfordsburn Country Park, from which a short meander leads guests to the beautiful shores of Helen’s Bay and Belfast Lough.
Belfast itself may feel like another world away — yet it’s a mere 15-minute drive — so consider the inn an excellent coastal add-on to a city break, or a very worthy standalone escape in its own right.
The Inn is one of the newest members of Ireland’s Blue Book fold (it joined in 2023), and guests can expect many of the hospitality hallmarks we expect from the collection.
An atmospheric reception, glowing by an open-hearth fireplace, makes for an inviting introduction.
Beyond lie a number of smartly-appointed lounges (ideal for afternoon tea) and the inn’s 1614 bar: A character-laden bar with supremely inviting corners and nooks.
And dare I say Inn-stagrammable? Polished yesteryear aesthetics, together with stylish refurbs and the inn’s swish new garden spa, mean there’s a sultry symbiosis between the timeless and the contemporary here.
The welcome is as warm as that crackling fire.
At the restaurant for dinner and breakfast, the dapperly uniformed team members are confident and assured, and though at times businesslike during the dinner bustle, every member is friendly and polite.
Writer CS Lewis honeymooned here with his wife, Joy, 67 years ago, and it’s easy to appreciate the sense of romance in the property, both in its yesteryear era, and indeed now.
Room categories range from charming petites overlooking the village to luxurious suites featuring the added appeal of standalone copper tubs.
I stayed in the hotel’s carriage room, renovated from the living quarters of the inn’s one-time owner.
It’s a spacious, richly-decorated room where a cloud-like king bed is enveloped by textured wallpaper, decorative drapes, and landscape oil paintings.
Period, country living luxury is tastefully fused here. A particularly lovely en suite also impressed with touches like a seaweed-green marble sink and sit-down shower.
Perhaps Lewis would not have found the views to the car park from this side-facing suite much to write home about, but with this level of comfort, who’s peering outside?
Rooms feature Nespresso machines and a small box of Irish oatmeal biscuits.
Though a seasonal fixture, my suite also featured a Christmas tree, which was a lovely ambient addition.
Plush robes and slippers are also provided for handy pottering out to the spa.
The Old Inn’s excellent restaurant is a warm (and clearly popular) space with seating ranging from garden-side views to smart booths overlooking the main street.
The menu plays an Irish-inspired homage to hearty fare with dishes including roasted wood pigeon with beetroot, apple balsamic, and raisins, to loin of Wicklow venison with fried savoy cabbage, roast pumpkin, and walnuts.
The inn’s 1614 bar is also open for gastropub grub options.
Breakfast features a wonderful rustic buffet fit for a Martha Stewart photoshoot offering myriad interesting options including mackerel pâté, ginger shots, and gluten-free lemon cake.
The standard continues with the à la carte options, not least with their highly tasty kedgeree.
Considering the historic nature of The Old Inn, the property’s quite glorious Treetop Spa (complimentary to all guests) comes as a surprising but harmonious vibe-switch.
The beautifully designed adults-only oasis set into the courtyard gardens features a statement outdoor pool surrounded by a thermal suite of steam room, sauna, hot tub, and stylish cabana.
An inviting relaxation room cozily overlooks Crawfordsburn Country Park, and with aspects like sheepskin throws and that thick forest cover, there’s almost a Nordic feel to this delightful northern escape.
Gripes are very minor here, but I found £3.50 for an accompanying sauce at dinner a considerable surcharge. Little can be done about those car park views—or can it?
The inn offers one accessible bedroom located on the ground floor close to reception.
Yes.
The restaurant offers a lovely children’s menu, though the inn strikes me more as a couples’ or adults’ escape.
Dog-friendly rooms are available for a £15 surcharge.
B&B rates from €220.
