My family (three teenagers) enjoyed a lovely, peaceful stay in the Barnhouse, Joe and Mary's self-catering cottage, for a week in late July. Joe and Mary couldn't have been better hosts. Mary had homemade scones and jam and a basket of fresh eggs waiting for us, and Joe had a fist full of honeysuckle from their lovely garden. They are both delightful and well deserving of having won the award for Landlady of the Year for the UK a couple of years back.

The location of their property is just stunning with views of the tiny coastal village of Cushendun below. You will need access to a car if you're going to be here for a week as you will want to day trip out to explore the wonders of this part of N. Ireland. In the heart of "the glens" Cushendun is within a comfortable day's drive of Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, the Queen's View and other points north, and Belfast and the beautiful coastline to the south. Cushendun itself is quite small with few options for dining and entertainment, but it is a gorgeous setting for hiking or for painting or just relaxing with a good novel. Mary and Joe will be happy to provide you with maps, books, and stories about this beautiful part of Ireland.

The Barnhouse itself is a bit rustic but charming. The kitchen provides just the basics, but who wants to do a lot of cooking anyway when on holiday? The beds were comfy and there were good showers with plenty of hot water. We woke to the roosters crowing in the morning and enjoyed berries from the garden. There is a washer and dryer available for guests too, which was great.

All in all, great stay, and though Cushendun may not have been terribly exciting for our teenagers, we all felt sorry to leave and hope to go back some day.

Wow, we were lucky enough to stay with Mary and Joe for three nights. They would have to be the nicest owners of a B&B in Ireland.
Unfortunately they are not taking bookings for their B&B anymore but they are offering self catering accommodation in their Drumkerrin Lodge and that's where we spent our three nights. The Lodge is very comfortable and has a good kitchen with all appliances and the large family room overlooks Joe and Mary's land (complete with lambs) down to the seaside. The master bedroom has a great bed with a new ensuite attached.
There are three other bedrooms with bunks with one other bathroom and two other toilets.
When you stay don't forget to ask Joe & Mary to have a look at their paintings and sketches in their house - several of them are on the Lodge's walls.
Mary & Joe served one of the best Irish cooked breakfasts, with their own farm fresh eggs (YUM), that we had whilst travelling.

For exploring the Antrim Coast of Northern Ireland, I can't think of a better place to stay than this great b&b overlooking the coastal town of Cushendun. Mary and Joe McFadden are delightful hosts who are eager to help you enjoy their part of the world. (and Mary's scones and homemade black currant jam are dynamite!) Also, their lovely home boasts wonderful artwork (they are both artists) and the most INCREDIBLE view.
There is so much here within relaxing day-trip distance - Giant's Causeway, Bushmills, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge - but you can also spend days exploring lovely harbors, beaches, forest glens and great coastal walks. We spent 5 nights in July and it wasn't nearly long enough - I can't wait to go back.

Mary and Joe are the perfect hosts, friendly and helpful. Their house is filled with their own excellent artworks. Breakfasts are award winning, don't miss the fluffy scones or butteryscrambled eggs with local smoked salmon.