Historic Carnlough hotel to rebrand as the Harbourview Hotel

Plans for major revamp of the Londonderry Arms spark mixed reactions from locals

The Londonderry Arms in Carnlough, a historic hotel with 176 years of heritage, is set to undergo a significant transformation under its new ownership. Acquired this summer by a group of three businessmen, the hotel will soon be rebranded as the Harbourview Hotel. This change has sparked mixed opinions among locals, with some welcoming the investment and others concerned about the loss of the building’s historic identity.

Originally built in 1848 by Frances Ann Vane Tempest, the Marchioness of Londonderry, the property later became part of Sir Winston Churchill’s inheritance. Since 1947, it has been owned and operated by the O’Neill family. Following Denise O’Neill’s retirement, a consortium led by Adrian McLaughlin, Darryl McNally, and Carl Harrison has taken control, with plans to transform the venue into Ireland’s first “whiskey hotel.” This move aims to capitalise on the growing whiskey tourism market across Ireland.

The £1.75 million refurbishment project is already underway, with work revealing some of the hotel’s original features, including terrazzo floors that had been hidden beneath carpet for many years. Around 200 chairs are also being fully restored. The hotel is due for a full relaunch in spring 2025, with the new owners aiming to offer a four-star experience for guests keen to explore Ireland’s whiskey culture.

Adrian McLaughlin, a Ballymena native with experience running Belfast’s Merchant Hotel, believes the revamped hotel will provide a unique and exceptional guest experience. Despite the concerns over the name change, the development is expected to bring significant attention to Carnlough, creating a one-of-a-kind destination along the Antrim coast.