In partnership with the Old Bushmills Distillery, the Londonderry Arms in the village is designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience that will allow revelers to enjoy specially crafted whiskey paired with local delicacies and common dishes.
The initiative is the result of a public-private partnership supporting the hotel owner’s financial and personal commitment to renovate his small but iconic bar, bringing to life the story of the world famous racehorse Arkle and the Arcle Club. .
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the O’Neill family’s ownership of the historic Carnlough Hotel, a special whiskey offering will be featured at the refurbished Arkle Whiskey Bar and, in the words of the Mayor of Mid and East, will “expand tourism opportunities in the area.” Antrim.
Councilor William McCaughey said: “The Londonderry Arms Hotel is as much a part of the Antrim Coast Road as its powerful tides and smooth pebbles.
“This unique collaboration between Bushmills Distillery and the Londonderry Arms will bring a whole new whiskey experience to Northern Ireland.
“According to the Irish Whiskey Association, Irish Whiskey will become the world leader in experiential tourism and it’s great to see such an innovative whiskey offering right here in Carnlow, with dedicated whiskey flights, food pairings and our destination’s unique cultural history. together”.
Denise O’Neill, owner of the Londonderry Arms Hotel, said: “It was an honor to watch the reimagining of our iconic Arkle Bar – a special place in our hotel that is now home to many memories and memorabilia from our family and guests over the decades.
“Looking forward to the rest of the 2022 season, I, along with my loyal team, look forward to hosting our wonderful Arkle Bar whiskey experience and welcoming friends old and new, both near and far.”
Welcoming the latest tourism initiative in the area, the Mayor continued: “New tourism products like this will provide additional publicity for the Carnlow and Glenarm area, which we are promoting as a destination along the Causeway Coastal Route.
“With Middle and East Antrim already having strong tourism offerings, I am delighted that the Council is working with a range of stakeholders to present it to a wider and more diverse audience.”
The investment in experience tourism funded under the COVID Market Market Development Program, developed by the Ministry of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs with the support of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, aims to spread the tourist flow throughout the country, including the Middle and East Antrim.
Ainsley McWilliams, Regional Tourism Manager for NI, said: “As part of our market driven product development program, we are delighted to be supporting this exciting partnership between Bushmills Distillery and the Londonderry Arms, which will bring a brand new whiskey tasting experience to Northern Ireland. .
“I have no doubt that this experience will create new and compelling reasons to visit the Middle and East Antrim area.”
To book whiskey tastings and meals at the Londonderry Arms Hotel Carnlow, visit www.londonderryarmshotel.com or visit www.facebook.com/LondonderryArmsHotelCarnlough for more information.