Bushmills is a quaint market town on the northernmost coast of County Antrim, Mecca for whiskey lovers and the gateway to the Giant's Causeway, it is the perfect place for a quiet country retreat. Flanked by countless wild green fields, clifftop castle ruins and full of quaint listed buildings, it is a beautiful historic village in the heart of gorgeous natural scenery. Our collection of the best places to stay in Bushmills are well positioned to enjoy these spectacular views.
The town itself feels old. The streets are lined with old whitewashed cottages, quaint oakwood bars and designer cafes; the market square, centred around the war memorial, is emblazoned with flags of the Union Jack, and many of the houses are listed-buildings. Indeed, Bushmills has the highest concentration of listed-buildings in the whole of the northeast - an impressive feat considering the small scale of the town. An old stone bridge stands across the River Bush, that runs south through the town, and it makes for a lovely spot to find some peace and quiet after a day of sightseeing.
If you're a whiskey-lover, then you've come to the right place. The Old Bushmills Distillery, a Mecca for whiskey lovers across the world, does excellent guided tours and is well worth seeing. If you're a history-lover, Bushmills is also the place for you. Dunluce Castle, nestling high on clifftops facing the stony grey sea, is an iconic 16th century castle complete with an abandoned town. Immerse yourself in its fascinating, albeit quirky history, like when in 1639, the entirety of the castle's kitchen was swallowed by the stormy sea.
Of course, the real charm of Bushmills lies in its near proximity to the Giant's Causeway. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is a series of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns - the result of an ancient volcanic fissure - where the stones stand in the shape of thrones, boots and camels. As legend has it, it was built by the godlike giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill, who was challenged to a fight by a Scottish giant across the cold and heartless sea. During the summer, you can reach Bushmills via the charming little steam train that trundles on the 5km journey from the town to the coast.
Why not browse through our collection of the best places to stay in Bushmills to start planning your trip?
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Bushmills (Bushmills)
Renowned inn offering genuine Irish hospitality and scrumptious food in its award-winning restaurant. Classic-chic bedrooms in neutral tones with four poster beds. A warren of little snugs and Wild West-esque gas bar create a cosy ambiance. A great choice for groups and families.