The New Year is set to be a giant one for Northern Ireland as The 153rd Open Championship returns to Royal Portrush Golf Club, several new hotels will open their doors for guests and a number of much-loved attractions celebrate special milestones.
Visitors to The Open will see three new places to stay in the area with the opening of the Causeway Coast’s only five-star hotel, Dunluce Lodge, The Marcus and the Adelphi Hotel in Portrush.
There will also be celebrations in Co Fermanagh as the Marble Arch Caves, located in the heart of the Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark, celebrates its 40th anniversary, while a special festival will be held to celebrate Oscar Wilde.
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Visitors from far and wide are expected in counties Armagh and Down this year as St Patrick’s Way: The Pilgrim’s Walk, an 82-mile signed walking trail, celebrates its 10th anniversary. While in Co Antrim, the thrilling Gobbins Cliff Path is also gearing up to celebrate a decade in operation.
Northern Ireland is bursting with great value experiences and attractions for the whole family to enjoy and with many of them less than 90 minutes from Dublin, it’s the perfect place for a day-trip or short break.
If you’ve been lucky enough to secure tickets to the 153rd Open Championship or decide to embark on a giant adventure in Northern Ireland there are a host of unique accommodation offerings waiting to be enjoyed.
Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of what’s new for 2025.
Accommodation
Dunluce Lodge, Portrush
In February, a new standard in hospitality will be set on the Causeway Coast as Dunluce Lodge opens its doors. Overlooking the fourth fairway at Royal Portrush Golf Club, Dunluce Lodge features 35 luxury suites across the hotel including its private lodge, The Stookan. The hotel is minutes from Magheracross Viewpoint and just a short drive from the UNESCO World Heritage site the Giant’s Causeway and its state of the art, award winning visitor centre, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, and Old Bushmills Distillery – the world’s oldest licenced whiskey distillery.
Portrush Adelphi Hotel, Portrush
If you’re looking for somewhere more central, Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts are now accepting reservations for the brand’s newest property, Portrush Adelphi Hotel, from 1st April 2025. The 34-key hotel is the collection’s second property in Northern Ireland – it also owns the Slieve Donard in Co Down – and will offer guests distinct beauty and rich fabrics complemented with textural layering that embodies the spirit of the Causeway Coast.
The Marcus Hotel, Portrush
Another new addition for the town in time for The Open will be The Marcus Hotel on Main Street. Under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand, The Marcus is located in a lovingly restored historic building in the heart of the resort. With an on-site bar and restaurant, the hotel is perfectly located close to the town’s main attractions, beaches and harbour. A short stroll will also take you to Royal Portrush Golf Club.
Dunluce Lodge, Portrush opens its doors in February
(Image: Dunluce Lodge, Portrush)
Harbour View Hotel, Carnlough
Fans of Game of Thrones looking for something a little different should make their way to the picturesque Carnlough Harbour and keep their eyes peeled for a staircase used in scenes depicting the Free City of Braavos. If you fall for the tranquillity of this charming coastal village, stay a while in the refurbished Harbour View Hotel. Once owned by Sir Winston Churchill, the hotel is to be transformed into the island’s first whiskey hotel, where they will celebrate the water of life (Uisce Beatha) in all its forms, from grain to glass.
The Buck’s Head Inn, Dundrum
In the Mourne region, foodies will find paradise at The Buck’s Head Inn in Dundrum. The re-opening of this hotel and restaurant marked a homecoming for talented chef, Alex Greene who began his career washing dishes and preparing vegetables in The Bucks Head. After the successful re-opening of the restaurant in 2024, the transformation will be complete in 2025 with the opening of several refurbished guest rooms.
ÖÖD Lough Neagh Mirror Houses, Crumlin
On the shores of Lough Neagh you’ll have the chance to reconnect with nature in an innovative way as the unique, reflective ÖÖD Lough Neagh Mirror Houses have opened their doors. The first of its kind on the island, these two distinct mirror houses – the Sunrise House and Sunset House – offer guests a serene stay with breathtaking scenery and cabins featuring a private hot tub and access to a shared outdoor sauna.
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The Gobbins Cliff Path
(Image: © 2023 Rob Durston/Tourism Nothern Ireland)
Events
Wine Geese Festival, Enniskillen
It’s 300 years since Thomas Barton, one of the most famous Wine Geese, arrived in Fermanagh. This festival honours the Barton family’s rich connection to the Fermanagh Lakelands and showcases the finest wine and food experiences the region has to offer. Stay tuned for a spectacular celebration from May 31-June 7, 2025 blending heritage, flavour, and the scenic beauty of Fermanagh.
In Our Dreams, Enniskillen
In Our Dreams marks the 125th anniversary of Oscar’s Wilde’s death and celebrates his connection to Co Fermanagh. Oscar Wilde attended school at Portora Royal School from the age of 10 to 17 (1864-71), the longest he lived anywhere outside Dublin (his birthplace) and London (his married adult life). Enniskillen was where his love of the writing and philosophy of Ancient Greece and Rome was first kindled and honed. The new Enniskillen festival takes place from October 16-20.
Marble Arch Caves, Co Fermanagh
(Image: © Paul Lindsay/Tourism Northern-Ireland)
Oireachtas na Samhna, Belfast
Belfast is to host Oireachtas na Samhna – the oldest Irish language and arts festival on the island of Ireland – from 29 October to 2 November 2025 which attracts up to 10,000 participants and spectators each year. Oireachtas na Samhna celebrates Irish language, arts and traditions with a packed timetable of events, competitions, debates, film screenings, workshops, awards and more.
There are also a host of other exciting hotel updates in Belfast throughout 2025 including the expansion of the Harrison Chambers of Distinction and the refurbishment of the former Park Inn, which will become a Marriott Moxy. In Derry~Londonderry the Holiday Inn Express is set to expand with a further 39 rooms and 27 new suites.
Whether you’re seeking a relaxing weekend escape or a chance to immerse yourself in an unforgettable cultural experience, make 2025 the year of your giant adventure in Northern Ireland. For further inspiration or to plan your giant adventure to Northern Ireland in 2025 visit discovernorthernireland.com.
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