The Marcus Portrush celebrates its opening in style

The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton celebrated its opening with a special launch event attended by Simon Vincent, President, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Hilton, Stephen Cassidy, Senior Vice President, UK & Ireland, Hilton, and Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Richard Stewart.

The hotel has been developed by Andras Hotels, Northern Ireland’s largest hotelier, which will operate the hotel as part of Hilton’s Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand. Having opened for The 153rd Open Championship in July 2025, The Marcus Portrush quickly became a summer highlight. The trusted Hilton name combined with the property’s restored heritage features and imaginative brand story drew wide attention from both domestic and international visitors, contributing to one of the busiest seasons Portrush has seen.

Simon Vincent described how important culture and local support are to Hilton, which is evident in The Marcus Portrush through its engagement with the local community as well as through the planning and opening of the hotel. Simon reflected on the ‘Adventures of Marcus’, the concept behind the design and operation of the hotel, saying: ‘In this wonderful narrative of the Marcus is a reflection of the playful character of this lifestyle hotel, which the team are embodying and which tells the story of the Portrush location and the hotel’s place in the community’.

Stephen Cassidy said: ‘The Marcus Portrush is a great example of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, which consists of independent, original hotels with unique personalities, offering authentic and vibrant experiences to guests. Each property is handpicked for its local connection, and the thoughtful design of The Marcus Portrush is clearly inspired by this heritage listed building’.

Heather Welsh, General Manager of The Marcus Portrush, said: ‘I want to begin by expressing our sincere thanks to the design teams, contractors, and our valued suppliers. We are incredibly proud to support our local supply chain and to demonstrate, through this project, the talent and capability that exists right here in our community. By restoring this iconic building and opening The Marcus Portrush, we are contributing to the local economy, not only through jobs and tourism, but by safeguarding a piece of Portrush’s heritage for future generations. This is a project grounded in place and grounded in pride.’

Heather continued: ‘We would also like to recognise the elected representatives and the officers at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. Their support, guidance, and belief in the potential of this development have been unwavering. They have been behind the project from the very beginning, and their partnership has been instrumental in turning the vision into a reality’.

The project was funded by Ulster Bank and received support from the Department for Communities through its Urban Development Grant.

Rajesh Rana from Andras Hotels said: ‘I would like to play tribute to the support we have received from our funders. Richard Lusty and the team from Ulster Bank have been behind this project from its inception and their belief has been instrumental in the delivery of this complex development. And it’s great to see how various government agencies and departments came together to regenerate Portrush to welcome The Open in 2019 and 2025. The support from DfC for this project and our Bank Apartments in Portrush has really made a difference to the heart of Portrush in Main Street, bringing new life to these heritage assets and activating the public realm.’

Rajesh concluded ‘The Marcus Portrush is the first Tapestry Collection by Hilton in the island of Ireland, and it is fitting that Portrush is the location for this brand, evoking the world class landscape, wonderful golf and stunning beaches, and fascinating history of this location’.