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The Irish Sun
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I visited stunning estate near one of world's best golf courses with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries
TEE TIME I visited stunning estate near one of world's best golf courses with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries HOT on the heels of The Open in Portrush last month, golf fans can swap the greens for galleries, art, and a luxury hotel experience in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast. The five-star Culloden Estate and Spa is ideally located as a base from which to visit Belfast with its many attractions. Advertisement 6 Ann Mooney with incredible sculpture at Culloden Estate 6 Culloden Estate is the perfect place to relax 6 Luxury hotel suite with king-size bed, sitting area, and dining table And if you are a golf enthusiast, you are perfectly situated to visit and play some of the best courses in the world, including, of course, Portrush. Alternatively, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Culloden Estate, you can stay in the hotel, which was the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century. The property still retains some magnificent stained glass windows and many of its original features, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Situated atop Holywood Hill overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co Antrim coastline, you can sip a glass of wine or a signature cocktail on the terrace, watching the ships, including ferries to Scotland, sail past. Advertisement With 12 acres of secluded gardens, a palatial spa, three restaurants, and my personal favourite - the Bollinger Garden - you can walk, relax, and enjoy the unique experience that is Culloden. This month, until August 31, there is even more on offer as Art and Soul has returned to the hotel, showcasing works from some of the most celebrated Irish and international artists, including Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Iconic names from the international art world include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Salvador Dalí, and even Banksy. Their works will be displayed at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood from July 27 to August 31. Advertisement Among this year's highlights is a playful nod to golf through Patrick O'Reilly's much-loved bronze bear sculptures, including Caddy Bear and Beyond the Rough. I must say Patrick's bears are simply gorgeous, my favourite being the well-worn and much-loved Teddy, similar to those many of us cherished during childhood. New to the exhibition this year are works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, Michael Ayrton, and Lorenzo Quinn. I particularly loved artist Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings. Chatting to her, it is very clear she loves painting, so much so that she gave up her career as a psychiatrist to focus on her art. Advertisement Thankfully, her brave move paid off, as her work is highly sought after by collectors. OUTDOOR SCULPTURES Hosted by Gormley's Fine Art, the exhibition features over 250 pieces, with the larger outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the Culloden's gardens overlooking Belfast Lough. These consistently rank among the most popular attractions. Even if you are not staying at the Culloden, you are more than welcome to visit and wander around the exhibits. Advertisement Enjoy a meal in the fabulous restaurant or pop down to the Bollinger Garden, where you can sit in beautiful surroundings with a glass of Bolly. You can be sure that General Manager Cormac Fadden and his excellent team at the Culloden will do everything possible to make your visit a truly special experience. Oliver Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art said: 'Holywood is home to Rory McIlroy and one of Ireland's most iconic hotels — the perfect setting to showcase some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Art and Soul offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class art in an extraordinary setting, and with The Open taking place just up the road in Portrush, it's a fantastic time to visit Northern Ireland.' Advertisement This marks Gormleys' thirteenth major art and sculpture event, with the Culloden Estate & Spa hosting the exhibition for over a decade. 'TRULY SPECIAL' Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Culloden Estate & Spa, said: 'Art and Soul brings something truly special to the Culloden. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to explore this exceptional celebration of creativity and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.' As part of the experience, the Culloden is offering a specially curated Art and Soul Afternoon Tea, alongside daily guided tours of the exhibition. Advertisement Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Art and Soul is free to attend and open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm. Luxury overnight stays with breakfast are available starting from £243 (approx. €285) per person sharing. More information about tour bookings and overnight stays can be found at and 6 Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings are on show 6 Patrick O'Reilly with one of his beautiful bear sculptures Advertisement
The Irish Sun
03-08-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
I visited one of world's best golf courses on stunning estate with luxury rooms, afternoon tea, spa & art galleries
HOT on the heels of The Open in Portrush last month, golf fans can swap the greens for galleries, art, and a luxury hotel experience in Rory McIlroy's hometown of Holywood, on the outskirts of Belfast. The five-star Culloden Estate and Spa is ideally located as a base from which to visit 4 Ann Mooney with incredible artwork at Culloden Estate 4 Culloden Estate is the perfect place to relax 4 Luxury hotel suite with king-size bed, sitting area, and dining table And if you are a golf enthusiast, you are perfectly situated to visit and play some of the best courses in the world, including, of course, Portrush. Alternatively, if you simply want to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the Culloden Estate, you can stay in the hotel, which was the official palace for the Bishops of Down in the 18th century. The property still retains some magnificent stained glass windows and many of its original features, such as ornate ceilings and fireplaces. Situated atop Holywood Hill overlooking Belfast Lough and the Co READ MORE IN TRAVEL With 12 acres of secluded gardens, a palatial spa, three restaurants, and my personal favourite - the Bollinger Garden - you can walk, relax, and enjoy the unique experience that is Culloden. This month, until August 31, there is even more on offer as Art and Soul has returned to the hotel, showcasing works from some of the most celebrated Irish and international artists, including Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell, and John Fitzgerald. Iconic names from the international art world include Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Julian Opie, Salvador Dalí, and even Banksy. Their works will be displayed at the Culloden Estate & Spa in Most read in News Travel Among this year's highlights is a playful nod to golf through Patrick O'Reilly's much-loved bronze bear sculptures, including Caddy Bear and Beyond the Rough. I must say Patrick's bears are simply gorgeous, my favourite being the well-worn and much-loved Teddy, similar to those many of us cherished during childhood. New to the exhibition this year are works by internationally acclaimed sculptors Philip Jackson, Sophie Ryder, Matteo Lo Greco, Michael Ayrton, and Lorenzo Quinn. I particularly loved artist Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings. Chatting to her, it is very clear she loves painting, so much so that she gave up her career as a psychiatrist to focus on her art. Thankfully, her brave move paid off, as her work is highly sought after by collectors. OUTDOOR SCULPTURES Hosted by Gormley's Fine Art, the exhibition features over 250 pieces, with the larger outdoor sculptures displayed throughout the Culloden's gardens overlooking Belfast Lough. These consistently rank among the most popular attractions. Even if you are not staying at the Culloden, you are more than welcome to visit and wander around the exhibits. Enjoy a meal in the fabulous restaurant or pop down to the Bollinger Garden, where you can sit in beautiful surroundings with a glass of Bolly. You can be sure that General Manager Cormac Fadden and his excellent team at the Culloden will do everything possible to make your visit a truly special experience. Oliver Gormley of Gormleys Fine Art said: 'Holywood is home to Rory McIlroy and one of Ireland's most iconic hotels — the perfect setting to showcase some of the most celebrated artists of our time. Art and Soul offers a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class art in an extraordinary setting, and with The Open taking place just up the road in Portrush, it's a fantastic time to visit Northern Ireland.' This marks Gormleys' thirteenth major art and sculpture event, with the Culloden Estate & Spa hosting the exhibition for over a decade. 'TRULY SPECIAL' Howard Hastings, Chairman of the Culloden Estate & Spa, said: 'Art and Soul brings something truly special to the Culloden. 'We're thrilled to welcome guests to explore this exceptional celebration of creativity and culture in one of the most beautiful settings in Ireland.' As part of the experience, the Culloden is offering a specially curated Art and Soul Afternoon Tea, alongside daily guided tours of the exhibition. Supported by Ards and North Down Borough Council, Art and Soul is free to attend and open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm. Luxury overnight stays with breakfast are available starting from £243 (approx. €285) per person sharing. More information about tour bookings and overnight stays can be found at and 4 Anna McKeever's wonderful paintings are on show
The Irish Sun
25-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Find peace with relaxing staycation in 400-year-old fully walled Irish city steeped in history that inspired hit TV show
DERRY is 'embracing peace' as it becomes a tourism hotspot, the tour guide told me when I recently visited. Gone are the days when the city was associated with the violence of the Troubles, thanks to a Advertisement 15 Derry has become a tourism hotspot Credit: Getty Images - Getty 15 The city inspired the hit show Derry Girls Credit: Alamy 15 Ann Mooney's took in the sights along the city's walls Credit: Collect 15 Derry's Peace Bridge opened in 2011 Credit: Collect Today it is a vibrant, unique and interesting place to visit, a place where the past is not hidden and instead is embraced, cherished and immortalised by its people. 'Things are definitely on the move. This city was a war zone in the 70s and tourism is our builder now. Over the years the city has transformed and is peaceful. We all love our city and we have learned to share it. People are leading by example here by embracing peace, sharing Derry and its charms with visitors and we are getting on with it.' The words were spoken by our wonderful guide John McNulty who brought us on a tour of It is officially the only fully walled city in Advertisement Read more in Travel John, a guide with Martin McCrossan City Walking Tours didn't attempt to colour over or avoid talking about the Troubles and the suffering of the people of Derry. We heard about the events of The walls are 20ft high, complete with battlements, gates, watchtowers and original cannons which date back to 1642 and are inscribed with the names of the The Fishmongers' cannon is nicknamed Roaring Meg because of her size and the fact it took up to six men to fire her. Advertisement Most read in The Irish Sun Exclusive We strolled listening to John pointing out the many iconic landmarks that can be seen from the walls, including churches and cathedrals and a great view of the Bogside with its iconic murals. I had never watched the 15 The Ebrington Hotel is located in old army barracks Credit: Collect 15 The Peacemakers Museum is located in the Bogside Credit: Collect Advertisement 15 An Irish breakfast is hard to beat Credit: Collect 15 The Walled City brewery offers signature brews created on site Credit: Collect I headed to Badger's Bar where the mural depicting the group of pals — four girls, Erin, Michelle, Clare, Orla and a wee English lad named James — is a landmark. I had the obligatory picture taken, as so many visitors have done since it was unveiled. Fans of the show just love the Derry Girls tour. Advertisement While other spots might hide their past, or brush over it, Derry has embraced it. There's the Peacemakers Museum, located in the Bogside, the area that witnessed many of the key events. LIVING HISTORY This is a place dedicated to keeping the memories of what happened alive, exploring the period from August 1972 to May 2007 and culminating in the evolution of the conflict into the peace process. And it has locals recalling their memories of the conflict. It features the key role played by peacemakers Advertisement There are many museums in the city and a visit to the Museum of Free Derry with its multimedia exhibition on the civil rights movement and the establishment of Free Derry in the 60s and 70s is also an experience. The Guildhall is an amazing and beautiful Neogothic-style building near the Peace Bridge. Free to enter, and originally built in 1887, it has been restored and has become a backdrop for many events in the city. PEACEMAKER Here, peacemaker John Hume is honoured. A special collection of the world-renowned peace accolades awarded to him are on display. The collection includes the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded to John Hume and David Trimble for their role in the Advertisement 15 Some of the tasty treats on offer in the Walled City Brewery Credit: Collect 15 They brew around 500 different beers Credit: Collect 15 Derry is officially the only fully walled city in Ireland Credit: Collect Located in the square, it has been developed into a place of peace and tranquillity with restaurants and bars. It's where families come with their children and people gather to enjoy a drink, a meal and the craic. Advertisement The Peace Bridge stretches from here across to the other side of the Foyle River, bringing the mainly Unionist east side of Derry closer to the largely nationalist west side. During my stay, I went to the Walled City Brewery in Ebrington Square for lunch. PLENTY ON OFFER This award-winning brewhouse and restaurant is housed in an historic military barracks in the Intelligence room. And you won't be short for choice, as I was amazed to learn they brew around 500 different beers. The Walled City brewery offers signature brews created on site — some inspired by the hit show Derry Girls are a firm favourite! Try a Sexy Priest, Wee English Fella or Craic Killer. From the food menu, flavours of the North West are at the forefront. Advertisement This area housed one of the biggest army barracks in the North and I was interested to hear that many of the British soldiers based in Derry return on holidays. It's a long way from my home in GO: DERRY STAY THERE: The Ebrington Hotel and Spa, where modern luxury and Georgian splendour combine to create a unique ambience. There is a hydrotherapy pool and thermal suite here. There are many different offers available, but bed and breakfast for two adults can cost €300pn. Ann also stayed in Newforge House in Co Armagh to break up the drive back to Cork. Accommodation is around €220 pn. PLACES TO CHECK OUT: Peadar O'Donnell's for live music, and Grand Central for a drink, or try the Wig Champagne Bar. Bennigans is a bar with its own art gallery, record shop and live music seven nights a week. If you are getting the bus to Derry, check out Blackbird next door for a coffee or a cocktail. Follow in my footsteps and have a bite to eat and a drink in the Walled City Brewery. Try dinner in Browns, which is an award-winning restaurant, and lunch in Pyke N' Pommes. And, of course, get a pic with the Derry Girls and their Wee English Fella at Badger's Bar. For more information on Derry visit And it was made that bit easier by booking a night's stay at the fabulous five-star Newforge House near Craigavon, County This Georgian country house is run by John and Lou Mathers and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and green fields. Advertisement Here there is genuine Irish hospitality and superb food. The food is just delicious but is only available for residents. There are just six bedrooms, all with their own unique decor. This is an adults-only hotel, but the lovely Mathers are putting their land to great use as they have opened a dog meadow, where people can bring their doggy pals to a place where they can run and play to their hearts' delight. 15 The city is steeped in history Credit: Collect 15 Browns is an award-winning restaurant in the area Credit: Collect Advertisement 15 The Peacemakers Museum explores the period of conflict in the area Credit: Collect 15 Derry has a thriving food scene Credit: Collect
