A Warm Family Story on Northern Ireland's Rugged Coast**
For over 90 years, the hospitable owners have welcomed travelers looking for comfort, atmosphere, and personal service. During World War II, the Brown Trout served as a meeting place for Allied pilots. Two sisters of owner Bill O’Hara Sr. even married airmen and moved to America.
A Legacy of Hospitality
In 1958, Bill O’Hara Jr. and his wife Anne took over the inn. Inspired by visits to family in the US, they opened Northern Ireland’s first grill bar in the 1960s, offering T-bone steaks, chicken in a basket, live music, and dance nights.
Today, the Brown Trout remains a local institution. Longtime host Gerry McIlwaine, who began washing bottles here at 14, still welcomes guests on weekends with the same genuine warmth.
Ideal Base for Exploring
With a cozy bar, open fireplace, renowned restaurant, 9-hole golf course, and comfortable lodges, the Brown Trout is a great base for exploring the North of Ireland.
Highlights nearby include:
- The Giant’s Causeway
- Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge
- Dunluce Castle
- The city of Derry
- The Glens of Antrim
- The dramatic cliffs of Binevenagh
Rooms and Lodges
The Brown Trout Inn offers 15 comfortable guest rooms and 8 spacious lodges, perfect for couples, families, or friends. Interiors are warm and calming, with wooden accents, soft furnishings, and a welcoming, home-like atmosphere.
Some lodges even feature private fireplaces, ideal after a day exploring the Causeway Coast or a round on the golf course.
Facilities
Guests enjoy:
- An excellent kitchen using fresh, local ingredients
- A cozy bar with regular live music
- Ample free parking
- A 9-hole parkland golf course on-site
- Walking and fishing opportunities nearby
The Experience
The atmosphere is relaxed, the welcome is heartfelt, and the service is personal. This is exactly the kind of place that captures the spirit of Real Ireland.
