Ardtara Country House

However, you might just choose to stay in - the hotel's nine bedrooms are all quite tempting, offering roaring fires and views over the hotel's eight acres of grounds. It's just as grand, too, in Ardtara's comfortable lounges and dining room. Dishes include Irish marinated salmon, horseradish cream, chilli and honey vodka.

Working up an appetite is certainly no problem , either, with an all-weather tennis court and, of course, some of the world's best golfing at nearby Royal Portrush. Anglers can have an afternoon on the River Bann, and if you're just up for a walk, there's much to be enjoyed along the splendid, rugged Londonderry coast.