The property is one of a number on the north coast that have been purchased and redeveloped ahead of the Open returning to Portrush in 2025
Gray’s at Bushmills is described by owners Black Rock Hotels as a “boutique” hotel, and is located at the site of the Smuggler’s Inn guesthouse and restaurant.
Around 40 staff are employed by the the hotel which has double, triple and family rooms, as well as a restaurant run by executive head chef Simon Turner.
The hotel, situated on a hilltop with views of the Causeway coast, will also offer “all-inclusive wedding packages” between March and October.
Black Rock Hotels owner Adrian Fullan says the rebranding of the venue was a tribute to his late grandmother Ellen Gray and her love of the north coast.
The hotel has double, triple and family rooms
Mr Fullan said, “This is a significant new chapter for Black Rock Hotels as we expand our footprint and we’re looking forward to unlocking the full potential of the newly rebranded Gray’s at Bushmills.”
He also thanked Ulster Bank, which funded the process of acquisition and redevelopment of the hotel.
Davina Kerr, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank said they were “very pleased” to assist Adrian with the project.
“Tourism is vitally important to the local economy in Northern Ireland and Adrian’s vision, along with his proven expertise in the hospitality industry, will no doubt make a significant contribution to the tourism offering in the area for domestic and international visitors alike.”
The north coast has seen a wave of hotel investments, takeovers and redevelopments ahead of the Open being held in Portrush again in 2025.
The hotel’s restaurant is run by executive head chef Simon Turner
The Adelphi Hotel in Portrush was purchased by the Marine and Lawn Hotels and Resorts group, who have closed the property for “comprehensive” redevelopments ahead of a planned relaunch in time for the Open.
It is will be branded under Marine and Lawn’s “collection” of venues catering to golf enthusiasts.
The Premier Inn in the Riverside Retail Park was acquired by Andras House in January 2023, and has since reopened as the Riverside Hotel.
The NI family company McKeever Hotels is preparing to take over running the Lodge hHtel in Coleraine.
The Smuggler’s Inn was put on the market in 2023. It had been owned by Joe and Jenny McLaughlin for 24 years.
The couple said at the time they were selling the property to spend more time with their grandchildren.