press release
Dining at Dunluce Lodge.
Sensational Experience. Stunning Location.
Just one year after opening its doors, Dunluce Lodge in Portrush, Co. Antrim has firmly established itself as one of Ireland’s most distinguished luxury hospitality destinations. In a remarkable first year, the 35-bedroom, five-star property has earned a series of accolades and prestigious affiliations, positioning it among the world’s finest boutique hotels. Yet beyond its luxurious surroundings and dramatic coastal setting, it is the dining experience that truly defines a stay here.
Located along the iconic Causeway Coastal Route and just moments from Whiterocks Beach via a private walkway, Dunluce Lodge offers a rare sense of calm in one of Ireland’s most striking landscapes. Evenings unfold slowly, cocktails by the fire, freshly shucked oysters at the bar, the Atlantic fading into dusk.
At Dunluce Lodge, food is central to the story. Under the direction of Executive Head Chef Stephen Holland (pictured), the culinary team delivers a highly refined expression of Northern Ireland’s natural larder, supported by impeccable, intuitive service.
At the heart of the experience is The Restaurant at Dunluce Lodge, where Holland’s menus are shaped by seasonality, sustainability and close relationships with local farmers, fishermen and artisan producers. A Tyrone native, Holland’s culinary journey began at just thirteen, inspired by his mother Patricia and his great aunt Kathleen, whose love of cooking sparked his lifelong passion. His career has since spanned the globe, including time working with celebrity chef, Rick Stein and cooking for distinguished guests such as Queen Elizabeth II, before returning home with a clear vision: to champion the produce of Northern Ireland.
“The Causeway Coast offers an incredible natural pantry,” says Holland. “Our aim is to give diners a true taste of this place and celebrate its rich bounty by working with exceptional local producers and allowing those ingredients to shine.”
That philosophy is evident in every dish. Co Down oysters on offer are pristine and briny, lifted with Burren balsamic horseradish vinegar and lemon. Kilkeel crab and mussel salad, finished with a delicate fennel and dulse pickle.
Seafood is a constant thread throughout the menu. Grilled local fish is paired with sweet brown shrimp, samphire and a sharp lemon and bay vinegar. Halibut is elevated with crayfish, samphire and radish while hake is served with charred leek, potato and leek pavé and a robust XO sauce. Each dish is rooted in both technical precision and a strong sense of place.
For meat lovers, provenance is paramount. The standout 400g bone-in sirloin of Lisdergan beef is a celebration of Northern Ireland’s exceptional farming, served simply with a rich red wine jus to allow the quality of the meat to come through. Elsewhere, Lisdergan flax-fed beef fillet is complemented by braised beef cheek and fine herb stock, while Eccelgreens pork is paired with Armagh apple butter and preserved fennel, further reflecting the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing local pork.
Beyond the main restaurant, Dunluce Lodge offers a variety of distinctive dining experiences. The Bar provides a relaxed yet refined setting for all-day dining, where expertly crafted cocktails, fine Irish spirits and a carefully considered menu create an atmosphere that blends elegance with warmth.
The Vault offers a more intimate and atmospheric experience. This elegant cellar space, with its soft lighting and sense of old-world charm, is home to an exceptional collection of wines and premium whiskeys. The extensive wine list has been thoughtfully curated, featuring both classic and contemporary producers from across the globe, while the whiskey selection showcases the very best of Ireland alongside rare international finds. The great big table in the centre is perfect for private dining or a special occasion for an intimate group.
Dining at Dunluce Lodge extends beyond the plate. Guests can experience chef’s table evenings, whiskey and oyster pairings, and seasonal tasting menus inspired by the Causeway Coast, as well as foraging walks with the culinary team.
Ultimately, dining at Dunluce Lodge is about more than exceptional food—it is about provenance, storytelling and a profound sense of place. Here, every ingredient has a source, every dish has a purpose, and every meal offers a true and memorable taste of the Causeway Coast. Food stories from the edge of the world where the dramatic coastline plunges into the sea. A great story told one plate at a time, one bite at a time.
For more see www.dunluce.com or call +44 (0) 28 705 31 700.
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