5 Top Reasons to Visit The Old Inn

Historic inn dating back to 1614 recognised for outstanding guest experience and luxurious Treetop Spa

The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn has been named AA Hotel of the Year at the 2025 AA Hospitality Awards, a major accolade recognising the property as one of the finest hotels in the UK.

The award celebrates the Old Inn’s unique heritage, exceptional guest experience, and recent transformation following Galgorm Collection’s £2.5 million investment in its Treetop Spa, an outdoor retreat surrounded by woodland featuring a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, hot tub, and The Conservatory with heated marble loungers and a woodfire stove.

Dating back to 1614, The Old Inn is one of Ireland’s most historic inns, with literary links to world-famous author C.S. Lewis. Today, it occupies a 1.5-acre site in the charming village of Crawfordsburn, perched above Crawfordsburn Country Park, along the North Down coastline, offering forest and coastal walks with stunning views. The hotel is dog-friendly and offers 33 individually styled guestrooms, ranging from petite rooms to luxurious suites, including the unique C.S. Lewis Suite, ideal for private dining, meetings, and celebrations.

The Old Inn’s win came as part of a successful evening for Galgorm Collection, which also saw its flagship Galgorm property awarded AA 5-star status and Gillies restaurant receive an AA Rosette for culinary excellence.

“Our mission is to provide more than a stay – offering guests exceptional hospitality while minimising environmental impact. These recognitions motivate us to continue raising standards.

“I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank the entire team across all our properties and restaurants for their hard work and commitment to our guests and the business. The awards reflect their dedication and I am immensely proud of everyone.”

The Old Inn has been recognised in other leading guides, including Ireland’s Blue Book 2023, The Irish Independent’s Top 100 Hotels in Ireland 2025, and was named Atmospheric Destination of the Year in the Georgina Campbell Awards. Also, achieving Green Tourism Gold in 2025.  Earlier achievements also include AA four-star silver status and an AA Rosette for its 1614 Bar and restaurant, with seasonal menus combining homely classics and modern dining.

Galgorm Collection continues to invest in Northern Ireland’s hospitality sector, with a £40 million expansion plan supporting local tourism, employment, and sustainable growth.

Escape to the charming village of Crawfordsburn this Christmas for an exceptional gourmet getaway, where culinary excellence and relaxation go hand in hand.

Have A Merry Little Christmas at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

From the moment you arrive at the thatched property, known as one of Ireland’s most historic inns, with a history dating back to 1614, the magic of Christmas is all around. Located just a short 15-minute drive from Belfast city centre, escape to the charming village of Crawfordsburn this Christmas for an exceptional gourmet getaway, where culinary excellence and relaxation go hand in hand. Recognised as an AA Hotel of the Year (NI) 2025 and AA rosette-awarded restaurant for its cuisine and home to the serene Treetop outdoor spa, overlooking the frost-tipped fir trees in the stunning Crawfordsburn Country Park, there is plenty of Christmas bundles on offer to ensure that you embrace the most wonderful time of the year at The Old Inn.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas at The Old Inn, 24 -26 December

Revel in the magic of Christmas at The Old Inn, embodying a playful blend of the old and the new, the local with the worldly and feel right at home this Christmas as you are welcomed with heart-warming hospitality, a seasonal cocktail and luxury canapés. Once settled in, wrap up in a fluffy robe and make your way to the showstopping outdoor Treetop Spa designed to relax even the busiest of minds. Once you have worked up an appetite indulge in a festive three-course meal designed by The Old Inn’s notoriously skilled chefs before joining your nearest and dearest to sing carols and snack on mince pies around the Christmas tree keeping warm with hot chocolate or mulled wine, finally sip on your festive favourites before tiptoeing off to bed. Whether your Christmas morning begins with a glass of fizz, a peaceful trip to the Treetop spa or a morning dip in Helen’s Bay, make it a memorable one at The Old Inn. This package includes a two-night stay from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day and is subject to availability. For more information and to book, visit 

here

Tis’ the Season to snuggle up by the fire in a rural retreat

Following a long day scrambling to find those last-minute Christmas gifts, put your feet up and unwind as you enjoy a festive overnight stay in Crawfordsburn’s rustic Old Inn.  The festive feeling will kick in upon arrival as the smell of homemade mince pies greets you as you enter your luxurious guestroom. Once settled in, explore the facilities in the luxurious Treetop Spa before making your way to The Old Inn Restaurant to tuck into a hearty 3-course seasonal meal- specially designed by the restaurant’s head chef, coupled with a bottle of house wine to quench your thirst. To top off the evening, retire to the 1614 Bar for a Christmas night cap, enjoying conversation with the locals before drifting off for a good night’s sleep. Before saying farewell, tuck into a home cooked, full Irish breakfast made with the best of fresh and local produce. Priced from £295 per room based on two people sharing. Available Sunday-Thursday, from 17th November. For more information and to book, visit 

here

Taste the magic with Christmas dining at The Old Inn Restaurant

There’s a reason The Old Inn, with an AA rosette for culinary excellence, with foodies across the island of Ireland travelling from far and near to dine in The Old Inn Restaurant. Set in a casual, yet elegant space, with the glistering Christmas lights setting the ambience for your festive dining experience, indulge in a taste of magic with Christmas dining offerings at The Old Inn Restaurant. Whether its Christmas Day lunch, December dining or festive afternoon tea, wine, dine and experience the finest hospitality at The Old Inn Restaurant this holiday season. For more information, or to book festive dining, please visit 

here

This Christmas, surprise your loved ones with the ultimate gift of luxury and relaxation with a voucher from The Old Inn. Nestled in the heart of the charming village of Crawfordsburn, The Old Inn is a haven of historic charm, timeless elegance, and modern indulgence – the perfect way to show you care this festive season.

Choose from a range of gift vouchers that are sure to delight every recipient. Whether it’s an overnight stay in one of our beautifully designed rooms or a monetary voucher to let them tailor their own experience, every gift offers the chance to create cherished memories in a truly special setting. From the warmth of crackling fireplaces to the elegance of our Victorian interiors, The Old Inn is a place to slow down and savour life’s most beautiful moments.

This year, why not gift the magic of relaxation with an overnight stay and access to our exclusive Treetop Spa? Perched above Crawfordsburn Country Park and available only to hotel residents, the spa offers a tranquil retreat where guests can unwind with soothing thermal experiences and, from February 2025, bespoke treatments that refresh both body and mind. It’s a gift that promises ultimate serenity – perfect for anyone in need of a little festive pampering.

For food lovers, our AA Rosette-awarded restaurant offers dining experiences to remember. Treat them to an exquisite meal made with the finest local ingredients or a traditional afternoon tea in a setting steeped in history and charm. The Old Inn is the perfect place to escape the winter chill and enjoy culinary delights that are sure to warm the soul.

Monetary vouchers are also available, providing the ultimate flexibility for recipients to choose their perfect experience. Whether it’s a romantic getaway, a spa escape, or a delicious dining experience, these vouchers allow your loved ones to immerse themselves in the unique charm of The Old Inn at their leisure.

This Christmas, give more than a gift – give the promise of unforgettable moments, timeless traditions, and treasured experiences. Discover the perfect voucher at

theoldinn.com and share the magic of The Old Inn this festive season.

The sun is shining, the temperatures are rising, and the longer days are upon us. It can only mean one thing – it’s time for a Summer Getaway. With the summer spirit in full swing, there's no better moment to plan a luxurious escape to recharge your batteries and prepare for the fun-filled months ahead. The Old Inn, Northern Ireland’s perfect rural retreat, has all the options you need for the ultimate summer break. Whether you're looking for rejuvenating spa experience, exclusive getaways, exquisite dining options, or unique accommodations, kick off your summer with a taste of luxury at The Old Inn.

Nestled in the picturesque village of Crawfordsburn, Co Down, The Old Inn provides a charming summer escape. With scenic views of the stunning coastline and country park that come to life with floral bliss at this time of year, this historic hotel, dating back to 1614, exudes warmth, charm, and character.

Renowned for its outstanding dining at the AA Rosette Old Inn Restaurant and the hotel's Treetop Spa, offering a haven of relaxation with top-notch facilities and panoramic forest views, immerse yourself in the tranquillity of summer at The Old Inn and create lasting memories amidst its timeless ambience and natural beauty.

Summer Gourmet Getaway | From £295 per room

Why not kick off the new season with a ‘Summer Gourmet Getaway’ at The Old Inn? There’s a reason The Old Inn, with a rosette for culinary excellence, has been recognised as an AA 4 Star Silver hotel, with foodies across the island of Ireland flocking to the gourmet destination. Indulge in a delightful three-course evening meal, where you'll savour dishes from a carefully crafted seasonal menu. Whether you choose to soak up the sun with a stroll along Crawfordsburn beach, watch the sun set in the horizon as you enjoy the facilities in the Treetop Spa, or enjoy a nightcap by the fire in the 1614 bar, there’s no better place to get away from it all this summer. After a restful night's sleep, awaken to a Full Irish Breakfast before returning to the bustle of everyday life.

For more information or to book, please visit:

Summer Getaways

All offers are subject to availability.

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea | Sunday 14th July, 12:30pm | £45pp

Known for its gastronomic delights, the AA rosette restaurant at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn has an exclusive Wimbledon Afternoon Tea experience on Sunday 14th July. Set amidst the elegant ambiance of the historic Gallery room, enjoy this timeless tradition with a delightful twist. Watch the men’s final as you savour in meticulously crafted finger sandwiches, think cucumber, chive and cream cheese on white as well as roast sirloin of beef, horseradish and rocket on granary and much more, alongside freshly baked scones with clotted cream & jam. Treat your palate to an array of exquisite pastries and desserts, such as Battenberg cake, lemon and vanilla tennis ball macaroons, shortbread and white chocolate tennis rackets and much more, all baked in house by the talented pastry chefs inspired by the flavours of summer and the excitement of Wimbledon.

It’s not Wimbledon without Pimm’s, enjoy a glass on arrival as you take your seat for a day of fun, The Old Inn will serve up delicious food and drinks with a warm welcome, just add the company!

Book your table now:

Wimbledon Afternoon Tea