The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn

I’m at the old inn all the time. It’s my favourite hotel. My friend and I stayed last night for a girls trip and to celebrate my engagement. We booked this trip in November 2025. I feel the room (petunia) wasn’t up to the usual hotel standard and we were soo disappointed. This wasn’t the carriage room I had stayed in before. The bathroom was more of a wet room, along with a shower seat and there were emergency cords which we didn’t require. It wasn’t a luxury room at all, which is such a shame considering we spent good money to be there. It seems as though we got stuck with this particular room as the rest of the hotel was probably full of wedding guests, despite the fact that we booked months in advance. It was also very loud. We were beside a couple with a dog and we could hear everything. There was a wedding, which of course is expected in hotels and whilst I understand, the noise was blaring until midnight. It was so bad we actually thought we might have to drive home because we couldn’t get any sleep. This won’t put me off coming here but I wish we could have had a better room and a better night sleep. Another little thing is that the steam room was out or order and on the second day the sauna either wasn’t working or wasn’t switched on, so we didn’t get full use of the amazing facilities.

This is a wonderful traditional old inn with great character mixed with modern features including a great spa! Rooms are full of character and well appointed and staff are very attentive. Restaurant food is great with large portion sizes and they do a great breakfast all freshly cooked to order. Overall great value for money.

Beautiful place - just not quite living up to its own promise. The building and setting are undeniably beautiful and full of character, but it feels overpriced for what’s delivered. The room décor suits the historic vibe and looks good on first glance, but it’s crying out for some maintenance TLC and a few discreet modern upgrades. Wi-Fi and mobile signal were essentially nonexistent. Reception staff were helpful and pleasant; the evening restaurant and bar service, however, was patchy. Excellent food.

Incredible place and we only were there for an afternoon private celebration in the CS Lewis function room. Stunning building with so much history and character. The food was perfect. Quality roast dinners and really good portions. Worth the cost per head.

Overall it was a mid experience at The Old Inn that was unfortunately marred by a few incidents. The spa facilities are lovely, although I did wish that there was a cold shower and the steam room could be hotter. While it was nice to be able to have drinks around the spa, there was once it took >15mins for our drinks arrive after ordering. Staff did not do regular rounds to clear any empty glasses scattered around the facilities. Some guests were not observing spa etiquette - some engaged in suggestive behaviour in the pool, talking above a reasonable volume and vaping by the pool. It did not appear to be an issue as no staff came to address it with said guests. We had dinner at The Scullery on the first night and the service staff did not clarify with us which menus we could order from and came by a few times asking us if we were ready to order etc. We were also seated next to a table where a couple were vaping in the restaurant indoors. We subtly flagged this with the staff asking for a non-smoking table; perhaps it was lost in translation but we had to walk up to the restaurant manager requesting for a table change again as we were uncomfortable with the vaping, which they did. There was no acknowledgement/apology from the staff nor any attempt to address it with said couple. We were not expecting any goodwill but it was disappointing there was no gesture from the restaurant. Food overall was well-prepared though for both breakfast & dinner. Overall it is a decent spa hotel; the bathroom in the Carriage room could be improved with more hooks/rails for bathtowels and hand towels. Would've also been nice if towel rail was heated. It was a slight inconvenience that there weren't any electrical plugs by the bed. Given their prices are comparable to some of the top spa hotels in Ireland, I can't rate it as being good value for what you're getting.

Each year we host our annual family and friends Christmas event at The Old Inn, and each year we leave wondering how on earth the experience could be improved , only to return the following year and be completely blown away all over again. From the very first stages of planning through to the final moments of the evening, the team at The Old Inn go above and beyond in every possible way. There is not a single detail overlooked. The level of care, professionalism, and pride they bring to what they do is extraordinary. Chris’s communication throughout the planning process is nothing short of exceptional. From room allocations to event setup, everything is handled with clarity, calmness, and precision, making the entire experience an absolute pleasure from start to finish. Jo somehow manages the workload of three people with effortless grace. Her ability to anticipate needs, adapt on the fly, and support us at every turn is remarkable , she is an absolute force and an invaluable part of what makes these events so seamless. On the night itself, Alison and Jodie were outstanding. From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted with warmth and genuine care, instantly made to feel special, welcomed, and at home. Their attention to guests never wavered, and it made a huge difference to the atmosphere of the evening. Drew brought an extra layer of magic to the night. Crafting exceptional cocktails while ensuring over 50 guests never once had an empty glass in hand is no small feat. His energy, skill, and presence at the bar added to the fun and flow of the entire evening. We also want to extend a huge thank you to the wider team working on the night. Our event is quirky, loud, full of energy, and very much “full of beans” , and rather than simply managing it, the team fully immersed themselves in the experience. They matched the energy, embraced the atmosphere, and helped make the night genuinely fun. Their ability to balance professionalism with personality is something truly special. This year alone would have been enough to earn our highest praise , but what makes this even more remarkable is that this has been our experience every single year for the past five years. Somehow, despite already setting the bar incredibly high, the team continues to raise it. Each visit feels more thoughtful, more refined, and more memorable than the last. They have an incredible ability to make The Old Inn feel like a home from home, while delivering truly world-class service. The meticulous attention to detail, the warmth, and the genuine care shown by every member of the team never goes unnoticed. And the food , simply unreal. The chefs consistently deliver exceptional dishes that are talked about long after the night ends. We recommend The Old Inn time and time again. We absolutely love being members, and it’s been a joy to see more and more of our friends join after experiencing it for themselves. They see what we experience , the warmth, the fun, the consistency, the people , and they simply want to be part of it. Yes, The Old Inn is a beautiful venue, but there are many beautiful venues across Ireland. What makes this place truly exceptional is the people. It is the team that turns a stunning setting into something unforgettable. We will continue to bring our event here for many years to come, without hesitation, maybe our 3 year old will be Quiz Master one day! Our loyalty is not just to the venue, but to the incredible people who make it what it is. - The Old Inn, it's our spot. Thank you, once again, for making our Christmas celebration so special.

Really enjoyed a two night stay over bank holiday weekend. Lovely cosy winter vibes. We were upgraded to the highway room which was so lovely and spacious with a super comfortable 4 poster bed. There was plenty of room in the spa area even at busier times and it was so pretty as it was getting dark. All the staff were so kind and helpful and really made the stay so comfortable. Dinner was delicious. Lovely forest walk right by hotel. The hotel does not currently have an electric car charger although one was being installed when we were there. The bedrooms are also quite hot but fine with the window open.

I, myself, have not had the pleasure of staying in The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. I have, however enjoyed an excellent meal there at my grandson's wedding and they have enjoyed several stays there since then. I have just purchased some vouchers for my grandson and his lovely wife as a Christmas gift and I just wanted to thank the staff at The Old Inn for their efficiency. I received the vouchers within a couple of days, beautifully boxed and presented, together with two extra £10 vouchers just a day or two after that. I should like to thank the Old Inn and the staff responsible for their helpfulness, kindness and courtesy in dealing with me. E.Martin, Newtownabbey.

Absolutely enjoyed the NYE dinner. Service and ambiance was excellent. I highly recommend this place.

I haven't lived in the Belfast area for along and I'm not from this part of the woods and so when I head out with my fiance to walk the dog he often introduces me to new places. In the winter time this luxurious and beautiful hotel is one of my favourite places to visit after a long windy stroll on the nearby Crawfordsburn beach. They have an open fire and the place literally reeks of cosiness from the minute you walk in. The history of the building and the low ceilings makes it a local favourite for weddings - it just has that old, rustic feel to it. For a tenner you can have an old style Victorian tea by the fire on a big comfy seat. Scones, tray bakes, finger sandwiches, tea and chocolate dipped strawberries can make any cold, dark winter afternoon feel better. I love it here and I think anybody would.

The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn is an absolute gem of an hotel. It is exquisitely decorated, with magnificient food and polite, welcoming staff. The perfect location for my Dad's milestone birthday dinner (I'll leave you to guess which one...). Even though we all knew what to expect, still none of us were quite prepared for the luxuriousness and opulence of the Old Inn. It goes without saying that this place is expensive, so my Dad was greatly relieved that his big sis had provided him with a gift of money sufficient enough to cover the funds for the evening. The dining area was quaint, comfortable and full of character. Menus were handed out and sudden gasps (Mum had just realised the prices) and questioning sighs (my sister hadn't a clue what anything was on the menu). Luckily, my Dad calmed my Mum down, and my Mum offered a helpful explanation of the food to my sister. All that was left to do was order and eat. The food was delicious - we had beef, fish and lamb cooked to perfection. I had opted for a fishy number, and to this day I still could not tell you what the heck that thing was. But hey, it was good. And I looked posh and refined for a small period of time. Dessert was had by my mum and sister, who later regretted such a move. Hey, you only turn __ once, eh? Special occasions, yes. Weddings, yes. Romantic weekends away, yes. If you're not accustomed to such fine dining, bring a pocket dictionary with you. The height of luxury.

We stayed here for the second time for an overnight stay with breakfast included last night, Needless to say the hotel was absolutely stunning. The room was to die for - we stayed in The Rose Room and prior to that we stayed in Thatch Patch. Both rooms where equally beautiful and extremely homely! We shared a bottle of wine at the Parlour Bar and then continued to the Restaurant for a 2 course meal. The meals where absolutely fabulous and the service was impeccable. We have stayed in many different hotels for overnight stays however this has been the best so far! I highly recommend this hotel to everyone. I cannot wait to return to The Old Inn!

We stumbled upon the picturesque Old Inn waiting for the rain to clear prior to a tee time in Carnelea. Elegant surrounds, efficient staff and an amazing Irish breakfast and salmon and eggs. The brown bread was the best I had in Ireland. When we come back we will make the effort to stay over night, shop in the little village, Play some golf and have another great breakfast!! Worth finding!

This place is gorgeous and have never stayed here so I reserve the right to change my opinion once I have stayed here. Food is ok but the service rushed. Having gone for a wedding the location is excellent but the staff do need a change of attitude. For what is quite n expensive place the food was average and service mediocre. Won't be rushing back in a hurry.

Really cute hotel. Really has the "oldie-worldie' type feel to it that makes it adorable. Lovely fires at the bar. Great customer service.

A friend of mine had his wedding here, and unfortunately I wasn't able to go because I was getting married the next day! But, I've been to this place on a few occasions, just to have lunch with some friends, and again for a family meal. The dining room is lovely, warm and charming and you really feel at home in this restaurant, and indeed in fact, the whole hotel. We had a gorgeous meal, and some lovely wine, which was recommended by the waiter and really was an excellent suggestion (we are into our wines). This is a great venue for a special meal out or even a wedding (I can certainly see why my friend had his there.)