North Irish Lodge - Brennan's Barn
Nestled on the picturesque east coast of County Antrim, North Irish Lodge offers a retreat steeped in charm and history. Located on the tranquil peninsula of Islandmagee, which derives its name from the historic Mac Aodha (Magee) family, the cottages blend natural beauty with a rich cultural legacy.
Just a 30-minute drive from Belfast City Centre and perfectly positioned at the gateway to the breathtaking Causeway Coastal Route, the lodge provides a unique combination of rural serenity and accessibility. Surrounded by rolling countryside, guests can revel in spectacular sunsets over Larne Lough, with views stretching to Scotland’s Paps of Jura, Mull of Kintyre, and Ailsa Craig. Offshore, the Maiden’s and Copeland Islands further enrich the coastal scenery.
The North Irish Lodge is made up of 3 specially named holiday cottages, all lovingly restored stone buildings dating back to 1850:
Brennan’s Barn: Sleeps 5 adults / 1x double, 3 x single beds
Annie’s Croft: Sleeps 4 adults / 1 x double, 2x single, 1x cot
Leahy’s Loft: Sleeps 4 adults / 1x double, 2 x single
Each retains its rustic charm while offering luxurious accommodations, ideal for family getaways, reunions, or hosting wedding guests attending nearby venues like Magheramorne Estate, Ballygally Castle, and Hillmount House. Every cottage is thoughtfully designed to be accessible, comfortable, and family-friendly.
Guests are welcomed with a thoughtful pack including tea, coffee, milk, butter, and bread, setting the tone for a relaxing self-catering experience. Each cottage features cosy open fires, electricity and heating included in the stay, superfast Wi-Fi, and smart TVs. Self-catering facilities are complemented by in-house laundry services, ensuring convenience for all visitors. At the front of each cottage, a west-facing picnic and BBQ area invites guests to enjoy al fresco dining while taking in the mesmerizing sunsets over Larne Lough and the Glens of Antrim.
Adding to the charm, guests can enjoy views of iconic landmarks, including the Game of Thrones “White Wall” filming site at Magheramorne Quarry. The lodge is more than just a place to stay; it’s a gateway to the beauty and culture of County Antrim.
Owned by the Brennan family since 2022, the North Irish Lodge carries the warmth of a family legacy in Islandmagee spanning over a century. They invite you to experience the comfort, history, and natural beauty of this enchanting destination.
Whitehead is a 5 minute drive from Islandmagee and nestles between two headlands: one Basalt (Blackhead), the other formerly Limestone, from which Whitehead got its name.
Lots of coffee shops, pubs, restaurants and places to eat in nearby Whitehead and Ballycarry
See key highlights on our doorstep below:
The Gobbin’s famous Cliff Path *Book tours online or at the Visitor’s Centre
The Greedy Gannet Cafe in the Gobbin’s Visitor Centre and adjacent children’s play park
Gobbins Crafts Économusée: jewellery making workshopc4. Brown’s Bay Beach with views of The Maiden’s Lighthouse
Portmuck Harbour and Browns Bay Beach / Ferris Bay
The famous homemade Rinkha Ice-cream parlour / Toy shop. Serving the community for over 70years and previously a dance hall.
Whitehead Railway Museum and Cups and Carriages cafe
Tweedie Pies Bakery Whitehead: fresh soda and potato bread for a traditional Irish breakfast fry-up
Gobbins Studio Économusée - Audrey Kyle Art
Whitehead Heritage & Wellbeing Trail and Blackhead Coastal Path with Lighthouse
Carrickfergus Castle, Carrickfergus Museum and Andrew Jackson Cottage with US Rangers Museum
Golf Courses: Larne Golf Club (Islandmagee), Whitehead Golf Club and Bentra Golf Course
E – bike hire and local information at Whitehead Centre
Equestrian centre located on Islandmagee
Local blacksmith classes with Swifts Forge
Gleno Waterfall
Carnfunnock Country Park (parts closed during 2025/26)
Bird Watching over Larne Lough
Fishing spots: Skernaghan’s Point and many others
Famous Causeway Coastal Route
Boat Tours: Carnlough and Carrickfergus
Glenarriff Forest Park and Waterfall
Glenarm Castle and Garden
Glenarm Forest River Walk (Please ask for directions)
Whiskey experiences: Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough (opening Spring 2025)
The Steenson’s Jewellers Glenarm: family run goldsmiths with handcrafted distinctive jewellery
Location Description
From Belfast City – M2 – M5 – A2 towards Carrickfergus. Continue on A2 towards Larne – by pass Whitehead and Bentra Golf Course on you right hand side and continue on until you come to a staggered crossroads – follow the sign posts that turn you right across the causeway and towards Islandmagee. You will cross over a hump backed railway bridge continue until you come to another crossroads (roundabout) again you will see Brown Information signs for the North Irish Lodge advising you to turn left – this is Low Road B90 – follow this road for 2.5 miles – on the right hand side of the road you will see a large expanse of white walls and a Victorian house – just after the big house you will see a black ships anchor (2nd entrance) turn into the cottage via this entrance.
Standard price
From £450
Date Info
Closing dates: Open all year round.
Price from £
Standard price:
From £450
Directions from Town
Train: Nearest train station - Ballycarry for travel to Larne, Carrickfergus and Belfast.
Boat: Stenaline Ferries: Cairnryan to Belfast (50 minutes away), P+O Ferries: Cairnryan to Port of Larne (20 minutes away)
Airport: Belfast City Airport (50 minutes away), Belfast International Airport (1 hour away)
Opening times
Open all year round!
Getting to the start by car
Travelling from Larne:
Travelling from Carrickfergus / Belfast:
North Irish Lodge - Brennan's Barn
Larne
Co Antrim
BT40 3RF
Four Star Self Catering Spaces for motor caravans Spaces for tents Television in lounge/TV room Washing & Drying facilities on site Cooking/barbeque facilities on site Anglers welcome Cyclists welcome Families welcome Golfers welcome Walkers welcome Film crew welcome Groups welcome Mountain Bikers welcome Cot & Highchair Available Credit/Debit Cards Accepted Hairdryer Available Euro Accepted Ground Floor Bedroom(s) Ironing Facilities WiFi Tea/Coffee making facilities Laundry Service TV Dishwasher Microwave Tumble Dryer Washing Machine Private Garden Groups Catered For Showers Toilets Causeway Coast And Glens Managed by CCAG CCAG Self Catering Self Catering NISCHA Coastal Towels available Non smoking establishment Event venue Real log/coal fires Country house Disabled access rooms Fishing In countryside Toilets for disabled visitors Linen provided Groups accepted Hairdryers Ironing facilities Gift vouchers Central heating throughout Parking (free) Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors Local Produce Accept children (Minimum age) Access to golf course Spa bath Arrangements for riding/pony trekking Midweek breaks Short breaks available Weekend breaks Deposit Reqired Activity breaks Freezer in all units CCAG Self Catering
Location