In the sleepy village of Crawfordsburn, just outside Bangor, sits The Old Inn — a historic retreat whose story stretches back over four centuries. Dating to 1614, the building began life as a coaching inn for those journeying between Belfast and the Ards Peninsula. Today, thoughtfully restored and luxuriously appointed, it remains deeply tethered to that heritage.
The exterior is a charming patchwork of whitewashed walls and low, thick-set rooflines that evoke centuries of hospitality. The weathered thatch, softened to hues of gold and grey, curves gently over small-paned windows, offering a picture-postcard introduction to Northern Ireland’s oldest Inn.
Stepping inside, the modern world quickly falls away. Warm welcomes from the staff are accompanied by the comforting presence of dark timber beams, low lighting, and interiors that feel more like an intimate lived-in country house than a hotel. Throughout the ground floor, richly patterned botanical wallpapers sit alongside exposed brickwork, while dark wood panelling guides guests through quiet corridors and cosy lounges.
These decorative details are integral to the Inn’s character. Recessed displays featuring taxidermy birds lend a theatrical, countryside charm, while framed hunting prints of hounds and horses reinforce the connection to traditional rural life. Wallpapers in deep greens, warm browns, and muted golds create a layered sense of history, enveloping guests in an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and timeless. Even the room categories, such as Carriage and Highway, pay subtle tribute to the property’s seventeenth-century origins.
I stayed in the Junior Suite, a space where grandeur and comfort coexist beautifully. The architecture is striking, defined by dramatic, steeply pitched vaulted ceilings, yet the interior feels entirely serene. Intricate scenic illustrations of forests, rivers, and wildlife wrap the walls, while floor-length sage drapes and ornate gold valances frame a large window. The room’s showpiece is a freestanding copper soaking tub resting on a circular platform beneath a sparkling crystal chandelier. Nearby, the monochromatic bathroom is timeless in design, featuring panel moulding, marble-clad countertops, and a beautifully finished walk-in shower. Natural overhead light floods the space, enhancing its bright, sophisticated atmosphere. It’s opulent, yes, but deeply comforting.
This traditional decorative charm extends across all room categories, and carries into the morning. Breakfast at the Inn is memorable, offering a choice between a refined Ulster fry featuring prime local ingredients, and delicious griddled soda bread, amongst other mains or an extensive, artisanal buffet spread—providing the perfect start to a day of exploring County Down.
At the heart of the property is the 1614 Bar. Here, weathered oak beams stretch across a soaring vaulted ceiling, drawing the eye upward to exposed timber rafters. Below, dark-painted walls, Persian rugs, and soft lamplight create an atmosphere of warmth and intimacy. At one end of the room, a large black cast-iron fireplace forms the focal point of the lounge, its substantial timber mantelpiece adorned with curated heritage artefacts, weathered leather satchels, and antique sporting displays. Deep mustard armchairs invite guests to linger over a local whiskey or settle in for a comforting meal of Irish fare. On Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday evenings, the bar fills with conversation and the acoustic melodies of live music, performed with the informality of a traditional folk session.
A more recent addition to the property is the Treetop Spa, completed as part of the Inn’s wider refurbishment. While contemporary in design, the spa adopts the same warm timber palette as the historic property, allowing it to sit comfortably within its woodland surroundings.
The outdoor pool sits beneath a canopy of foliage, while the corner hot tub overlooks the woodlands below. From the glass-fronted relaxation area, you are fully immersed in the landscape, enjoying the illusion of being suspended high in the treetops. Hydrotherapy features, saunas, and sensory showers complement a bespoke menu of treatments by hotel partner Elemis, completing a wellness experience that offers a peaceful retreat after a day spent exploring the coast of County Down.
Access to the spa is included with every stay, though curated day packages are also available for non-residents seeking a standalone pamper day. There are also currently a wide selection of Summer packages available on offer.
The Old Inn has mastered the art of making guests feel both thoroughly indulged and entirely at home. By combining four centuries of history with thoughtful luxury, exceptional hospitality, and a genuine sense of place, it is the kind of destination you will almost certainly find yourself wanting to return to.
@theoldinn1614 | theoldinn.com
The Old Inn, 15-25 Main St, Crawfordsburn, Bangor BT19 1JH, United Kingdom
