Culloden Estate & Spa Is An Irish Jewel

In Irish folklore, a mystical leprechaun hides his pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, and in Northern Ireland, I wouldn’t be surprised if his bounty lies at Culloden Estate & Spa. This 5-star country house hotel in the evergreen Holywood Hills outside Belfast is a palatial treasure, surrounded by a lush carpet of statue-speckled lawns and the wide expanse of the Belfast Lough beyond. A romantic weekend here will fill your lungs with fresh air, tickle your taste buds with gourmet delights and boost your well-being with the infectious warmth of the Irish spirit.

Reaching the fairytale turrets of Culloden Estate & Spa is an easy 30-minute taxi ride from Belfast International Airport, a 10-minute drive from Belfast City Airport, or from the city centre, you can catch a quick train to Cultra Station, which is nestled on the edge of the grounds. Many might admit this as their preferred entrance, as you can stop by at the hotel’s quaint Cultra Inn to enjoy your first Guinness before check-in! Alternatively, the grand drive sweeps around to the sandstone archway at the front of the hotel, where the charming doormen will welcome you in.

The Culloden Estate & Spa was originally constructed in 1876 as an official palace for the Bishops of Down, and in its modernised form, an air of peacefulness and elegance still permeates the hotel. The traditional interiors will warm your heart, from the sounds of the tinkling piano in the lobby to the sight of the crackling fire and the sweet scent of lilies blooming as guests enjoy afternoon tea by the floor-to-ceiling windows. Throughout, the Gothic mansion’s motto rings true: ‘Built for a Bishop, fit for a King’.

Upstairs, each of the spacious 98 bedrooms and suites is uniquely appointed with classical furniture and intricate upholstery that echoes the hotel’s stained glass windows. Our Estate Room is based in the original part of the manor, complete with high ceilings, superb coastal views, a marble ensuite with a deep bathtub and rainfall shower, and an enormous free-standing TV unit that could be watched from the velvet armchairs or award-winning King Koil Cloud Bed. Snuggled under endless layers of Egyptian cotton, I’ve never slept so soundly away from home.

Mornings at the Culloden Estate & Spa start with a hearty Irish breakfast, fuelled with the finest local produce. From Lisdergan Pork Sausages and Clements Free Range Eggs to Gracehill Black Pudding topped off with a steaming cup of Thompson’s Tea, you’re in for an authentic Irish treat each day. When evening comes, the Vespers restaurant transforms into an exquisite fine dining destination with a seven-course tasting menu by Executive Head Chef Mark Begley. Each dish is beautifully plated and celebrates a blend of seasonal flavours, including locally caught fish and succulent beef fillet. It certainly is a culinary experience to savour.

Boasting top-notch hospitality, a variety of event spaces, a stand-out ESPA Spa and 12 photogenic acres overlooking the County Antrim coastline, it goes without saying that the Culloden Estate & Spa is an unrivalled wedding venue in Northern Ireland. With a specialist team to support you from the initial planning stages to the wedding day itself, it’s a special place to create everlasting memories as your love story unfolds.

To book your wedding or romantic minimoon retreat, visit cullodenestateandspa.com