The Old Schoolhouse Inn, Belfast

Similar to a French ‘auberge’, this inn offers an award-winning restaurant in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty by the shores of Strangford Lough, 2 minutes from Castle Espie.

At the Old Schoolhouse, a friendly face, a good meal and a comfortable bed are just the ingredients needed for the businessman and weary traveller. There is a homely atmosphere throughout the inn, where a celebrated restaurant serves French-style cuisine in traditional surroundings.

Situated within one of Europe’s richest areas for marine wildlife, the Old Schoolhouse Inn is also very close to Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre.

A designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Strangford Lough is one of only 3 Marine Nature Reserves in the UK. The largest sea inlet within the British Isles, the area is a great place to spot a range of marine wildlife. Seals can often be seen on the rocks near the shore.

Just 2 minutes down the road is Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre, which has the largest collection of ducks, geese and swans in Ireland. A beautiful 60-acre site, the wildlife can be viewed amid ponds, lakes, woodland and swampland.

A 5-minute drive from the Old Schoolhouse is Nendrum Monastery; ancient ruins dating back to the 12th century.

Also within reach is Mahee Island Golf Club, a 9-hole parkland course, set on an island with magnificent 360-degree views over Strangford Lough and its many islands.

The Old Schoolhouse Inn has 12 en suite bedrooms, each named after an American President of Ulster descent.