Marlagh Lodge a pleasant gabled Victorian villa, just a few miles outside the market town of Ballymena, in Northern Ireland's County Antrim, was built in the 1850s for Henry Hutchinson Hamilton O'Hara of nearby Crebilly Castle. It has recently been thoroughly and comfortably restored by Robert and Rachel Thompson, and now stands, white and pristine, with its barge-boards all repaired, repainted and resplendent.  The Thompsons have filled the house with antiques, books and their collection of interesting and unusual objects. They are both professional musicians and musical guests are welcome to play on the piano in the study. Rachel is a terrific cook and breakfast is a feast of home-baked bread, fruits and porridge, along with the traditional Ulster Fry - all made with prime local produce.

Though in a rural setting, Marlagh Lodge is actually very close to Belfast, which can be reached in a drive of less than 30 minutes, yet a short drive in the opposite direction takes you to some of Northern Ireland's finest natural environments, and its most important buildings. You can visit the stunning North Antrim coast and see the famous Giant's Causeway, one of the wonders of the natural world; the beautiful Mussenden Temple, perched precariously on the top of a cliff, and the splendid ruins of Downhill and the precipitous rope bridge at Carrick-a-Rede.

Visitors to the Antrim Glens can hike in Glenariff Forest Park, with its dramatic waterfalls, and visit the picturesque village of Cushendun, with its centre designed by Sir Clough Williams-Ellis of Portmerion fame, or the fairytale castle at Glenarm.  Nearer at hand is the round tower at Antrim town, the nearby ruins of 17th century Antrim castle and Shane's Castle, a few miles further on. And, if you are prepared to travel a little further from Marlagh Lodge, many more of the National Trust's wonderful country houses and gardens are within reach. Golfers will find the course at Royal Portrush is worth the drive, although there are also a number of other excellent courses in the Ballymena area.


Directions:
From Antrim take the A26 towards Ballymena. After 5 miles turn right into Ballycowan Road (signposted to Country Garage) then turn straight ahead, over two crossroads, to the Rankinstown Road. Marlagh Lodge is the last entrance on the right, opposite the church (and has a pink gravel driveway).