Historic Londonderry Arms Hotel Changes HandsHistoric Londonderry Arms Hotel Changes Hands The historic Londonderry Arms Hotel in Carnlough, Northern Ireland, has been sold for the first time in 75 years. The 35-bedroom property was owned and operated by the O’Neill family since 1947. A consortium led by hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master Irish whiskey distiller Darryl McNally, and entrepreneur Carl Harrison has purchased the hotel. The new owners emphasize that they are committed to maintaining the hotel’s continuity rather than making significant changes. History of the Hotel The Londonderry Arms was originally built as a coaching inn in 1848 by Frances Ann Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry. The estate was inherited by Winston Churchill at one point. The framed title deeds of Churchill can still be seen in the hotel, along with period furniture, local artwork, and restored Georgian features. The O’Neill Family’s Legacy Frank and Moira O’Neill preserved the hotel’s heritage and built up its reputation. Their son Frankie undertook a major development program, and his wife Denise continued to improve the hotel’s offerings. Denise O’Neill acknowledges the importance of the local community to the hotel’s success and expresses her gratitude for their loyalty. The New Owners’ Vision Adrian McLaughlin emphasizes the importance of understanding the hotel’s history and the high standards set by the O’Neill family. He assures that maintaining those standards will be their primary consideration. Future Plans While potential development and expansion opportunities exist, the new owners are currently focused on settling in and continuing the hotel’s tradition of excellence. They have a busy summer ahead of them.
The historic Londonderry Arms in the Glens of Antrim has undergone a change of ownership for the first time in 75 years.
Situated in picturesque Carnlough, it has been owned and run by the O’Neill family since 1947.
But following Denise O’Neill’s retirement, a consortium led by hotelier Adrian McLaughlin, master Irish whiskey distiller Darryl McNally and entrepreneur Carl Harrison has purchased the 35-bedroom property.
And while there are potential development and expansion opportunities in the near future, the new owners say they are keen to emphasise bringing continuity rather than change.
Adrian McLaughlin said: “This is a hotel with an exceptional history, a history that will forever be synonymous with the O’Neill family. We understand and respect that.
“Additionally, Denise and her team have set incredibly high professional standards for quality and service across comfort, food and of course Irish whisky. Maintaining those standards will be our primary consideration.”
The Londonderry Arms began life as a coaching inn, built in 1848 by Frances Ann Vane Tempest, Marchioness of Londonderry.
The estate was then passed down from generation to generation and was at one point inherited by Winston Churchill.
His framed title deeds can still be seen in the hotel, along with local artwork, period furniture and, of course, many original restored Georgian features.
Following their purchase of the Londonderry Arms, Frank and Moira O’Neill ensured that its heritage was preserved and the hotel’s reputation built up until they in turn passed it on to their late son Frankie, who undertook a major development programme.
In recent years, Frankie’s wife Denise has further improved the hotel and it attracts both local and international visitors who want to experience its special charm, unique elegance and unique hospitality.
For the past seventy years, the Londonderry Arms has served the community of Carnlough and other communities along the Antrim coast.
Denise O’Neill recognises how crucial this has been to the hotel’s success, saying: “It was symbiotic really. The hotel benefited from the small local economy of this beautiful coastline, but without the people, those who worked in the hotel and those who visited as guests, it wouldn’t have been the success it has been for so many years.
“As our family leaves the business, we would like to pay tribute to all these people for their loyalty to the Londonderry Arms. It is greatly appreciated and always will be.”
For the O’Neill family, the Londonderry Arms is more than a hotel.
Experienced hospitality entrepreneur Adrian McLaughlin is part of a consortium that has purchased the Londonderry Arms Hotel
“We always felt a responsibility to the building and its history – that we were stewards as well as owners, and had the privilege of caring for it until it was time to pass it on,” adds Denise O’Neill.
“We are pleased that Adrian and the team fully understand that. They bring the experience, expertise and dedication that will ensure the Londonderry Arms will continue to define luxury and comfort in this most beautiful part of the world for many years to come.”
“We have a very busy summer ahead of us,” adds Adrian McLaughlin.
“We now look forward to taking over from Denise and wish her all the best in her retirement.”
