The Culloden Estate and Spa blends opulence and elegance seamlessly. Here’s why you should consider staying here on your next trip to Northern Ireland
The grandeur of the Culloden Estate and Spa strikes you as soon as you pull into the car park.
It’s beautifully designed Gothic towers peer over the trees as you make your way through the grounds on your way to the hotel’s entrance.
Luxury is guaranteed at this stunning resort in Northern Ireland’s Holywood hills, and I was again taken aback when I entered the lobby.
Tapestries, stunning pieces of artwork and stone arches greet you as you make your way to the check-in desk.
The design is exquisite, and it is no wonder why celebrities, including the likes of Sir Cliff Richard, Kylie Minogue and even Dolly Parton have chosen to stay here.
In fact, we arrived just as the Northern Ireland football team were departing for a training session.
The grandeur of the Culloden Estate and Spa strikes you as soon as you pull into the car park
Tapestries, stunning pieces of artwork and stone arches greet you as you make your way to the check-in desk
The Culloden proudly holds the acclaim as being Northern Ireland’s first five-star hotel.
It was built back in 1876 by leading Belfast Stockbroker William Auchinleck Robinson. Most of the stone you’ll see on the manor’s walls was imported from Scotland, with the owner naming the hotel after his wife, Elizabeth Jane Culloden.
The Culloden later became home to the Lord Bishop of Down and has grown to become one of the most highly regarded hotels in the United Kingdom.
On its website, the Culloden Estate describes itself as a ‘sanctuary’. And it is exactly that. This outstanding retreat just outside of Northern Ireland’s capital offers a welcome break from the bustle of city life.
It is situated just a 10-minute drive from George Best Belfast City Airport, and another 20 minutes from the city centre, making this the perfect destination to head first to if you’re planning a golf trip to Northern Ireland.
Rooms
The staff at the front desk are charming and accommodating on your arrival. A warm liqueur was offered to me and my colleagues as soon as we approached the front desk. Staff then showed us to our rooms and kindly offered to carry my very heavy golf bag for me.
It was a great gesture following a very long day of travelling.
While this hotel was first built in the 1800s, it does come with some very modern quirks, including a very classy glass lift, which takes you up to the residential areas of the hotel.
Guests can pick from one of the Culloden Estate’s 98 rooms, each offering luxury and relaxation. From the sea-view Tower Suites to the garden-view Estates, there really isn’t a bad room in the house.
The rooms are massive and offer up some incredible views over the Belfast Lough
I stayed in one of the hotel’s Estate Rooms, which is situated inside the original structure built by Auchinleck Robinson.
The rooms are massive and offer incredible views over the Belfast Lough.
I found myself sitting on one of the windowsills early one morning, watching boats ferry their way in and out of the harbour.
A large king-sized bed sits in the middle of the room, with hotel staff providing super soft bed sheets and blankets, which again was very welcomed after a long, wet day on the golf course.
The bathrooms are equally large, with each room coming with its very own shower and bath. Staff had also placed a little rubber duck on the side of the tub.
General amenities, including tea and coffee and Wi-Fi, are all provided and guests can also order room service from the hotel’s restaurant, Vespers, to their rooms.
One of the hotel’s most extraordinary offerings is its Palace Suite, a luxury 100m-square suite that comes with its very own living room and terrace. On a sunny day, guests can enjoy a glass of champagne as they sit and take in the scenery from the harbour and the grounds around the Culloden.
Guests can pick from one of the Culloden Estate’s 98 rooms, each offering luxury and relaxation. From the sea view Tower Suites to garden view Estates, there really isn’t a bad room in the house
Dining
Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or just a quiet drink, the Culloden has an outstanding range of options available for guests.
My favourite dining experience here was by far the hotel’s Cultra Inn Restaurant. This is a small pub situated on the grounds of the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Its wooden beams, stone fireplaces and welcoming staff gave this eatery a very mellow and warm ambience, particularly on a cold, windy night in Belfast.
And depending on your tastes, there is something here for everyone, with the Cultra Inn serving up some great local tastes.
I tucked into a bowl of Irish smoked fish chowder to start, followed by a plate of fish and chips, but my colleagues raved about the crispy buffalo chicken wings and the sweet cured pork chops.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Vespers, offers an elegant dining experience and was, last September, awarded two AA Rosettes.
‘It is a true reflection of the hard work and passion of our culinary team, led by executive head chef Mark Begley, who are committed to creating memorable dining experiences that showcase the very best of local produce,’ Cormac Fadden told Belfast’s News Letter.
The hotel’s main restaurant, Vespers, offers an elegant dining experience and was, last September, awarded two AA Rosettes
My favourite dining experience here was by far the hotel’s Cultra Inn Restaurant. This is a small pub situated on the grounds of the hotel and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner
The food here really lives up to the billing.
The buffet breakfast, featuring a selection of hot and cold delights, fills you up for a busy day. Meanwhile, the evening menu will leave you wanting to book in again the following day. Fillet Steaks, Thornhill Duck, and Monkfish Fillet are some of the highlights on the menu, while guests can cap off their meal with a traditional Irish Coffee or a Tia Maria.
That leads me nicely to the Lough Bar. Situated at the back of the hotel, this is the perfect place to pitch up and take in the views from the harbour with a cold drink.
Food is also served here, and includes a series of small plates, including scones to sharer plates, and if you’re feeling in the mood for something a little more filling, the Korean fried chicken burgers are immense.
Spa
Just as the restaurant has been recognised for its excellence, the Spa at the Culloden Estate has also won awards. In 2024, it was recognised as the Luxury Spa of the Year by the Travel and Hospitality awards.
And relaxation is the name of the game here.
Guests and those not staying at the hotel are able to book from one of the Spa’s luxurious – and very well priced, might I add – treatments, including facials, massages, nail treatments, and even tanning beds.
After an appointment, guests can also take a dip in the Spa’s jacuzzi or step into the rainforest shower.
There is also a eucalyptus steam room, which is a must-visit if you’re looking for a detox, while guests can also take advantage of the sauna, which also delivers fabulous views over Belfast Lough.
There is also a eucalyptus steam room, which is a must-visit if you’re looking for a detox, while guests can also take advantage of the sauna, which also delivers fabulous views over Belfast Lough (pictured)
After an appointment, guests can also take a dip in the Spa’s jacuzzi or step into the rainforest shower
Golf and other experiences
As mentioned earlier, one of the great things about the Culloden Estate is its location.
Just a five-minute drive away, you’ll find the Holywood Golf Club. It is one of Northern Ireland’s must-visit spots, particularly if you’re a McIlroy fan. Here you can find out how it all began for the five-time major champion and take a tour of the club’s Rory McIlroy Experience.
McIlroy holds pride of place in this esteemed and charismatic club. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be welcomed here with open arms by the staff and club captains, who you can tell are all incredibly proud of the venue and its history.
Green fees are very well priced here, with this undulating par-71 parkland track proving to be a thoroughly entertaining round of golf. Though it may not be as challenging as the nearby Royal Belfast, the range of holes on offer here keeps you hooked from start to finish. My favourite was the 433-yard par four 12th, a fairly straight hole, but it is the toughest on the course, due in part to its blind approach shot from around 150 yards out.
The Holywood Golf Club is situated just a ten-minute drive from Belfast city centre and is home to a thriving community of golfers
A museum has been built in the clubhouse in tribute to the Career Grand Slam winner, featuring his Ryder Cup bags, flags from each of his major triumphs and trophies he has won over the years
After your round, head inside and check out The Rory McIlroy Experience, the club’s museum dedicated to their star man. Here you’ll find trinkets, trophies, golf clubs, flags and golf bags all on display, showcasing the Northern Irishman’s achievements.
Among the highlights of the tour, you’ll also be able to see McIlroy’s replicas of the Claret Jug, US Open trophy and Wanamaker Trophy. His golf bag from the 2012 Ryder Cup at Medinah also stands in the museum, while his scorecard from when McIlroy broke the course record at Royal Portrush as a junior player is framed on the wall in the bar.
Another 10-minute drive east, you’ll find the Royal Belfast Golf Club, a 6,309-yard award-winning track that offers up a hugely entertaining round of golf.
The course is challenging with strategically placed bunkers, doglegs, and some blind tee shots, all combining to force the golfer to think carefully about every hole they play.
This parkland course is manicured to perfection. The greens roll fast, and sloping fairways mean you will often be playing with the ball above and below your feet.
The 170-yard par-three 11th is the signature hole here, with golfers hitting uphill on a blind tee shot, trying to avoid a bank of foliage on the right. It is an epic, yet challenging hole, demanding you to hit a nice high-cut to land the ball on the green.
And if you’re not a golfer, then there’s plenty going on in Belfast to check out!
We took a trip to the Titanic Belfast experience on the docks and I couldn’t recommend it more.
It features nine galleries that are spread across six floors, with the building’s exterior featuring four glittering metal outcroppings that mimic the Titanic’s pointy bow.
The Titanic Experience features nine galleries that are spread across six floors, with the building’s exterior featuring four glittering metal outcroppings that mimic the Titanic’s pointy bow
Another 10-minute drive east, you’ll find the Royal Belfast Golf Club, a 6,309-yard award-winning track that offers up a hugely entertaining round of golf
Inside, you’ll relive the story of the Titanic. It is an insightful journey that begins with how the luxury cruise liner was built at the Harland & Wolff docks in Belfast, recounts the tragedy of the boat’s crash and how the wreckage of the Titanic was later uncovered.
I’d also recommend taking a trip to Belfast’s Metropolitan Arts Centre, where you’ll find a range of events, including pop-up galleries, theatre shows and musical performances.
The Crumlin Road Gaol is also another one of Belfast’s top attractions and if you’re hungry, why not take a trip to St George’s Market.
The last word
Whether you’re planning a golf trip to Northern Ireland or are just taking a trip to Belfast, the Culloden Estate is a must-consider if you’re looking for a place to stay.
It offers something for everybody, with its brilliant location, refined luxury and outstanding food options all making this one of the best hotels in the UK.
Thinking about booking a golf trip to Northern Ireland? Check out our five-day itinerary, which starts right here at the Culloden Estate and Spa!
Planning a golf trip to Northern Ireland? Visit Tourism Ireland Golf here
