Bushmills Inn Set for Investment Boost
18th Oct 2007
Amid the frenzy of investment planned and underway to improve Northern Ireland's tourism infrastructure, one of the longstanding gems of the local hospitality sector is set for an innovative development. The highly regarded Bushmills Inn, which has offered its unique blend of Ulster hospitality in north Antrim for more than 20 years, will undergo a 2 million investment plan commencing in March of next year.
The 25,000 sq ft expansion to the hotel, which is being supported by Ulster Bank, will add 19 spacious new bedrooms, two new conference rooms, a new reception hall and an extension to the existing restaurant. A planned second phase of development would add a further 12 guest bedrooms and three suites.
Chris Downing of Ulster Bank's Coleraine business centre says: "When the Bushmills Inn first opened in 1987, few would have predicted the considerable level of investment currently being made in the tourism sector 20 years on. The Bushmills Inn emerged, survived and thrived through the most difficult years for the local tourism industry through the vision and innovation of its owner. The current proprietors, Alan and Zoe Dunlop, plan to sensitively expand the hotel and its services in light of the current buoyant tourism market."
"The local hotel sector is seeing very considerable investment as Northern Ireland's credentials as a tourism and investment destination have been enhanced due to greater political stability and the expansion of tourist links to the UK, Europe and elsewhere," Mr Downing adds.
The Bushmills Inn was created in 1987 when Roy Bolton transformed a near derelict coaching inn, which dated back to the 1700's, into a three-star internationally renowned hotel. 10 years later, 22 rooms, related facilities and a new main entrance were added. The business now employs 50 people year-round, increasing to 70 in high season.
Alan Dunlop, who was general manager of the Bushmills Inn, and his wife Zoe, bought the establishment from the previous owner earlier this year.
Commenting on the development plans, Mr Dunlop says: "We pride ourselves on offering authentic local hospitality combined with professional, but informal service. We want to maintain and enhance the hotel's unique character and develop it with the same vision and integrity that has guided its progression since it first opened. We expect this exciting first phase to be completed by March 2009, but it will be business as usual offering our guests a home from home during this time."