Review : The Giant's Causeway Hotel

The Giant’s Causeway Hotel exudes history and charm.  Over one hundred and fifty years old, this sturdy, white washed building perches on the majestic cliffs of the Antrim Coast in Northern Ireland.  The Mountains of Mourne Coastal Route is known as an area of natural beauty and is steeped in geological and mythological lore.

Location, as they say, is everything and you can’t quantify the priceless scapes of the strange, hexagonal pillars of the Giant’s Causeway and the sea caves and picturesque walks that abound throughout.

The Hotel stands beside the National Trust Visitors Centre.  It is free entry to the Causeway however (unless you are staying at the Hotel) the car parking is charged.  The story of the Causeway as many variations passed down from oral tradition over the years.  A favourite, more Irish in tone, goes as follows:

Finn MaCool was a family man who also happened to be a Northern Irish giant, who lived on the North coast of the Island.  Finn bragged about his giantly heroism and combat, slandering Scotland’s giant, Benandonoor in the process.  As one would imagine, Benandonoor was not pleased or privy to having his good name debunked and fuming with rage he built a bridge (Causeway) between Northern Ireland and Scotland to challenge Finn to a dual.

When mighty Finn heard this he was rightly, afraid and ran back to his wife and baby at home (probably from the pub!).  MaCool dawned his baby’s bonnet and climbed into its crib, rocking back and forth, snuggled in a blanket so that whenever Benandonoor barged through the door and caught sight of the, apparently sleeping, baby, he fled for fear of the size of the father that would bare such a child. 

As he retreated he tore up the middle of the causeway, throwing huge chunks of land into the sea (that would later be known as the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Man) so that he couldn’t be followed.

Now-a-days thousands of visitor’s journey for all walks of life to see the weird rock formations left behind.  Many choose to stay in the isolation Hotel that stands weathered and white against the night sky on the edge of a cliff.  The vista’s from the rooms are indeed spectacular however if you are seeking modernity and neutral, minimalistic accommodation, the Causeway Hotel is not for you.

The Hotel shows signs of age and the passage of time.  It is large and was very grand in its day, opulent, with rich warm décor.  Now the wallpapers peeling slightly and the carpets are worn but the cosy, friendly atmosphere is welcoming and friendly.

Photographs and landscapes of the area adorn the walls.  The restaurant bar and pub is old fashioned with brash family crests and heavy mahogany furniture.  The space is large, yet has private booths and a good range of drinks.  The food is fairly priced and of a high quality, if not haute cuisine, it is none the less a hardy and enjoyable meal.

The restaurant proper is a little sparse and less attractive but again the service and food on offer is of a high standard.  The Hotel also offers many conference rooms and suites.

The rooms are large and in keeping with mid-eighteen hundred style though with a lot less opulence.  There is an historic feel throughout and the rattlely, prominent windows are a little drafty and spooky, the corridors, echoy and lengthy.  The ambience is enchanting for ghost stories and watching sea frets move in over the coast and the whole building retains a level of dignity and splendour of a bygone age.

For a period escape with epic scenery and outdoors walks the Causeway Hotel is most apt however if you are not interested in the countryside or the Causeway, the Hotel is fairly remote and you would be better staying in the touristy sea side town of Portrush a few miles away with 24 hour shops and good public transport, many a traveller has been stranded at the Giant’s Causeway without transport.