The Bushmills Inn and Hotel has been bought for an undisclosed sum by a County Down property investment company.
Wirefox, which is based in Holywood, has bought the former coaching inn from owners Alan and Zoe Dunlop and said it plans to embark on a major refurbishment programme.
One of the most recognised hotels on the north coast of Northern Ireland, the 40-room hostelry will come under the ownership of Wirefox’s Marram Hotel Partners entity. All of the current staff will remain in place.
The move sees Wirefox expand its hotel portfolio, having recently acquired The Scores Hotel in St Andrews, Scotland, a historic 36-room establishment with a bar and restaurant - next to the the St Andrews golf course.
Similarly, the Bushmills Inn in sits in close proximity to Royal Portrush Golf Course, as well as the world-famous whiskey distillery.
Wirefox is also near completion on The Paper Exchange, a 200,000 square feet grade A professional office and mixed-use development in Belfast city centre, revitalising the former Oxford and Gloucester buildings at 46-63 Chichester Street, adjacent to Victoria Square shopping centre, just south of Belfast City Hall.
Kathryn Robinson, Investment Director at Wirefox, said the addition of The Bushmills Inn brings an icon into the company’s fold.
“We are delighted to welcome this fantastic team and impressive property to our growing portfolio of interests and look forward to acting as custodian of such an iconic asset in the months and years ahead,” she said. “The Bushmills Inn Hotel is one of Northern Ireland’s best-known luxury hotel destinations, renowned for its warm hospitality and award-winning restaurant. The hotel is in an enviable location and surrounded by many of Northern Ireland’s most important tourism assets.”
Former co-owner Alan Dunlop has been managing director of The Bushmills Inn Hotel for more than three decades and welcomed the sale.
“The Bushmills Inn Hotel has played an important role in Northern Ireland’s tourism development for generations and we’re proud of the role we have played in supporting its success and in creating value, jobs and economic wealth for the community and region,” he said. “We’re really pleased that, at this juncture, we are transferring ownership to leading investment company Wirefox.
“We are delighted by the exciting, visionary plans it has for its future which will ensure it will remain a major tourism focal point for the region to be enjoyed by visitors for many years ahead.”
Wirefox was advised by Belfast-based Davidson McDonnell Solicitors in relation to the acquisition.
