Rory McIlroy praises ‘world class hospitality’ at Dunluce Lodge

Golfer’s social media message has global fans clambering to stay at new luxury hotel.

Portrush, County Antrim: Grand slam winning golf legend, Rory McIlroy has paid tribute to the ‘world class hospitality’ he received during his stay at Northern Ireland’s newest five-star hotel, Dunluce Lodge.

McIlroy stayed at the hotel along with his family during The 153^rd Open last week and was glowing in his praise for the luxury hotel which overlooks the fourth fairway of Royal Portrush Golf Club.

The world number two took to social media on Tuesday to thank the hundreds of thousands of fans who made The 153^rd Open one of the best in the iconic tournament’s history. He said playing in front of the home crowd at Portrush was an experience he will never forget.

He went on to single out Dunluce Lodge for mention after he and his family had based themselves there for the week.

Speaking on Instagram and Facebook to his combined 4.8million followers McIlroy said: “A special thank-you to the staff at Dunluce Lodge for their world class hospitality.”

Meanwhile, McIlroy has also expressed his wish to see The Open return to Portrush in the near future as the drive continues to make the Causeway Coast the leading golf destination in the world.

He said: “Honestly, I think Portrush has quickly turned into one of the best two or three venues that The Open goes to.”

It’s been a whirlwind period for the £16.5million pound hotel which opened its doors back in April. Since then, it has been awarded five-star status by Tourism Northern Ireland and won a host of industry awards including a listing in the Irish Independent’s prestigious Top 50 Places to Stay in Ireland.

General Manager Stephen Meldrum said it was an honour to host Rory McIlroy and his family for such a historic week.

He said: “It was a privilege to have Rory McIlroy as our guest. Like all of our guests we strived to ensure his stay with us was relaxing and that he had everything he needed to ensure he could concentrate on competing at The Open.

“We pride ourselves on our warm Irish hospitality and maintaining the highest levels of privacy for our guests therefore we were thrilled when Rory praised the hotel publicly.

“Since the social media post we have already received interest from around the world from golf fans wanting to stay in the hotel where Rory called home during The Open.”

Dunluce Lodge offers guests in any of its 35 stunning suites an unparalleled opportunity to embrace luxury as they relax amidst some of the world’s most stunning scenery on the Causeway Coast.

Guests have the opportunity to experience à la carte dining, tasting menus and sharing platters that can be enjoyed in the restaurant, the atmospheric vault, the library or a private dining room that can cater for 12.

For larger groups, Dunluce Lodge’s private annex – The Stookan – offers eight suites for exclusive use.

With onsite putting green and complimentary private transfers to the nearby helipad and clubhouses at Royal Portrush and Portstewart Golf Clubs, Dunluce Lodge is a haven for golfers and non-golfers alike.

The hotel is also an oasis of relaxation with its intimate spa and firm plans to become Northern Ireland’s premier wellness destination.

Despite only opening in April, Dunluce Lodge has ambitious plans to further develop the spa facilities and the hotel has also launched a series of wellness experiences.

The first of these is in partnership with local stables, Crindle Bespoke for a sunset horseback ride at Whiterocks Beach – the same beach that captivated global golf fans when it was shown as part of The Open coverage last week.

The hotel has also launched its first wellness retreat, Chapter One: Coastal Calm. This unhurried, immersive experience includes sunrise yoga sessions, wild sea swims, sauna and plunge pool treatments and nourishing shared meals, all of which help you find deep rest and renewal.

This jewel in the Causeway Coast’s crown is operated by Valor Hospitality Partners, a global, full-service hotel management company in partnership with US based Links Collection.

For more information on the range of bespoke options that can be tailored to suit your budget visit dunlucelodge.com.