Plans Progress For New Hotel Outside Bushmills

Plans for a new hotel in one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist areas have taken a step forward, with a Dublin-based property firm seeking expressions of interest from hotel operators.

The proposed development, to be known as the Gateway Hotel, would be situated just outside Bushmills, County Antrim, near the main A2 Dunluce Road.

The project has been under consideration since at least 2019. However, in a statement issued on Thursday, property advisor Savills Ireland confirmed it has now been “instructed to seek proposals from experienced hotel operators for the Gateway Hotel”.

Savills describe the proposed hotel as “a 60-bedroom development situated in Bushmills, one of Northern Ireland’s most desirable tourist destinations”.

According to the firm, the operation of the hotel could be structured under either an Occupational Lease or a Hotel Management Agreement (HMA). An HMA is a legal framework that enables the separation of property ownership from the management of a hotel business.

The hotel would be “strategically located along the famed Causeway Coastal Route, just minutes from the Giant’s Causeway”, the statement said. Savills added that the development would benefit from “exceptional tourism footfall and breathtaking scenery”.

Once completed, the hotel is expected to offer 60 guest bedrooms, along with bar and restaurant facilities, as well as event and function space aimed at weddings, celebrations, and tour group bookings.

According to Savills, the key features of the Gateway Hotel project include:

• A two-storey, 60-bedroom new-build hotel

• Bar, restaurant, and flexible function/event facilities

• Location just half a mile from Bushmills and 2.8 miles from the Giant’s Causeway

• Potential for expansion on adjacent lands owned by the promoter

• Outline planning permission already granted

• Strong trade potential

The site also neighbours a proposed 400-space Park & Ride facility. Savills noted its proximity to several major tourist attractions, including Royal Portrush Golf Club – which is due to host The Open Championship in July 2025 – as well as Dunluce Castle, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, The Dark Hedges, and several Blue Flag beaches.

Neal Morrison, Director of Commercial Advisory at Savills Northern Ireland, said:

“The Gateway Hotel presents an exciting opportunity for hotel operators to establish a strategic foothold in one of Northern Ireland’s most vibrant and expanding tourism destinations. With proximity to the Giant’s Causeway and a strong development vision, we expect strong interest from hotel operators.”