Bushmills

Travel Guide

A large stone structure with people standing on top.
A large rock formation with people sitting on top.
A golf course with rolling hills and a town in the background.
A rocky coastline with waves crashing against the shore, green hills in the background, and a clear sky.
A coastal road winding through grassy hills with a stone wall and a group of hikers.

Try traditional Irish whiskey at the source, visit historic houses and wander along the tips of the 40,000 basalt columns decorating the shore.

The quaint village of Bushmills is the home of the iconic Old Bushmills DistilleryOpens in a new window. It stands in the midst of Northern Ireland’s green countryside and offers several attractions for relaxed and cultured visits. Learn the history of this intriguing village near Belfast with trips to its country estates and castles.

The highlight of this riverside hamlet is its early 17th-century distillery, which claims to be the oldest working distillery in Ireland. Embark on a tour of the factory and enjoy tastings of the various Irish whiskey varieties offered, such as Black Bush and Bushmills Original.

Several fascinating landmarks lie in the outskirts of the town, such as Giant’s CausewayOpens in a new window on the northern coast. Marvel at the mesmerizing rock formations, comprising around 40,000 basalt columns formed by volcanic eruption. Trek through this otherworldly area with your family and clamber over the iconic natural pillars. Reach the sight via the charming Giant’s Causeway & Bushmills Railway.

Travel west to Hezlett House, a 17th-century thatched cottage. Take a guided tour to learn about its former occupants. See the Downhill Marbles collection and admire the Victorian furnishings.

On the return to Bushmills is the Royal Portrush Golf Course, with 36 holes, challenging links play and rolling greens. Enjoy views of the sea from the spectacular cliff-top ruins of the medieval Dunluce CastleOpens in a new window. It has an intriguing history entwined with Vikings and early Christians.

Wander through the scenic countryside and enjoy a picnic in the warm summer. Winters are fairly cold and wet. Note that the village takes its name from the Bush River and a large grain mill built here in the 1600s.

Find the charming village in the northeastern corner of Northern Ireland. Fly to the international airport in BelfastOpens in a new window and drive north for just over 1 hour to get here. See other parts of the region, including NewtownardsOpens in a new window, Bangor and ColeraineOpens in a new window.

Bushmills lies amid spectacular scenery and contains fascinating historic sights.

Causeway Hotel

Causeway Hotel

3 out of 5
40 Causeway Road Bushmills Northern Ireland
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$103 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Nov 6 to Nov 7
$123 total
Nov 6 - Nov 7
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Bushmills. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (994 reviews)
"Excellent experience right on the Causeway. Not near it not close to it actually on it. The only downside if there is one is that there is no lift. That wasn't a problem for us and the hotel staff was more than happy to help with bags. If you can get a room on the ground with patio do so. Walk out ..."

Reviewed on Nov 2, 2026

Causeway Hotel
Bayview Hotel

Bayview Hotel

4 out of 5
2 Bayhead Road Bushmills Northern Ireland
$203 nightly
The price is $244 total per night from Nov 8 to Nov 9
$244 total
Nov 8 - Nov 9
Total with taxes and fees
Book a stay at this beach hotel in Bushmills. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (291 reviews)
"We didn’t dislike anything completely satisfied with the moment we arrived to the time we left👍"

Reviewed on Oct 27, 2026

Bayview Hotel
Dunseverick Ramblers Rest

Dunseverick Ramblers Rest

2.5 out of 5
228 Causeway Road Bushmills Northern Ireland
$100 nightly
The price is $120 total per night from Nov 4 to Nov 5
$120 total
Nov 4 - Nov 5
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this B&B in Bushmills. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Giant's Causeway and Whitepark Bay are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (80 reviews)
"We enjoyed our stay. The room was very cozy and clean. Hosts were very responsive. Would stay again."

Reviewed on Oct 25, 2026

Dunseverick Ramblers Rest
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Porthole Cottage, Bushmills -
 a place to rest and relax.

Porthole Cottage, Bushmills - a place to rest and relax.

Dunseverick Northern Ireland
Stay at this cottage in Bushmills. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Giant's Causeway and Whitepark Bay are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
"Hosts Margaret and Bill were extremely accommodating and gracious. They served as fantastic guides to all the local activities, restaurants and tourist attractions. Margaret’s homemade Irish bread was incredible! Port hole Cottage was lovely, clean, conveniently located to everything we wanted to ..."

Reviewed on Jul 14, 2026

Porthole Cottage, Bushmills - a place to rest and relax.
Pyjama Factory Self Catering Accommodation

Pyjama Factory Self Catering Accommodation

3 out of 5
49-55 Woodvale Park Bushmills Northern Ireland
Stay at this apartment in Bushmills. Enjoy free parking and an outdoor tennis court. Popular attractions Giant's Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (33 reviews)
"El apartamento era más grande de lo que esperaba. Planta baja: 2 dormitorios con 2 baños, en uno de los baños no se pudo usar la ducha. En planta alta un tercer dormitorio, sala comedor y cocina completa, bastante equipada pero no habia sarten y las fuentes de horno no estaban muy limpias. Hay lavavajillas. ..."

Reviewed on Jun 4, 2026

Pyjama Factory Self Catering Accommodation
Larchfield, at the centre of the unique North Antrim Coast

Larchfield, at the centre of the unique North Antrim Coast

Bushmills NIR
Stay at this cottage in Bushmills. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Giant's Causeway and Old Bushmills Distillery are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
"Larchfield is a lovely, comfortable, fully equipped home away from home. We were delighted with everything and would definitely come back & will recommend it to others. It is an easy walk to restaurants and shops and a good starting base for exploring the whole region."

Reviewed on Oct 29, 2026

Larchfield, at the centre of the unique North Antrim Coast
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Bushmills attractions

Things to do

Frequently asked questions

Is Bushmills worth visiting?
Bushmills is worth visiting for its iconic natural and historical sites. Travelers can explore the unique basalt columns of Giant's Causeway and the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle. For those who prefer to cook, local grocers are available for self-catering.
When is the best time to visit Bushmills?
The best time to visit Bushmills is from June through August, when the weather is typically pleasant and the destination is most popular. For travelers seeking fewer crowds and better value, the quieter months of October through December are a good option, offering a more relaxed experience.
What is a good itinerary length for Bushmills?
A good itinerary length for Bushmills is two to three days to explore key highlights like Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Old Bushmills Distillery. For an extended stay of four to five days, travelers can also enjoy a Premium Game of Thrones Locations Tour, allowing more time to discover the area's history and natural beauty. See Bushmills Activities.
What are the top things to do in and around Bushmills?
Bushmills offers iconic natural wonders, historic landmarks, and unique cultural experiences for travelers:


How do I plan a trip to Bushmills?
To plan your trip to Bushmills, book your hotels, flights, and rental car in advance. Consider popular activities like visiting Giant's Causeway, Dunluce Castle, and the Old Bushmills Distillery, or taking a Game of Thrones Locations Tour. When planning outdoor excursions, always have indoor alternatives ready to ensure weather flexibility during your visit.
Can I book a refundable hotel in Bushmills?
Yes, Expedia offers many flexible booking options, and you can look for refundable hotels in Bushmills by entering your dates and using the refundable or fully refundable filter. Always check the hotel's cancellation policy before you book, since terms can vary by hotel, and visit Expedia help center for further details.
Why book a trip to Bushmills with Expedia?
Expedia makes it easier to plan your Bushmills trip with travel tools, flexible search options, and bookable trip components all in one place. You can organize your plans in one account and use Expedia to help build a trip that fits your budget and travel style. Find out more about how by visiting Expedia's Trip Planner page.
Should I stay in a hotel or vacation rental in Bushmills?
The best choice depends on your travel style. Hotels in Bushmills can be a good fit for convenience, on-site amenities, and shorter stays, while vacation rentals may offer more space, privacy, and home-style amenities for longer trips, families, or groups. With Expedia, you can compare both options side by side, read traveler reviews, and filter by amenities to find the right fit for your trip.
How can I manage my Bushmills trip on Expedia?
Once you've booked your Bushmills trip, you can manage it through your Expedia account or the Expedia app. You can view your itinerary, access booking details, make eligible changes, and check for updates in My Trips. The Expedia app can also help you stay organized while you travel.
What if I need help during my Bushmills trip?
Expedia offers customer support before, during, and after your Bushmills trip. If your plans change or something unexpected happens, you can review your booking in My Trips and use Expedia help center channels for help with eligible changes, cancellations, or travel issues.
How can Expedia help me plan my first trip to Bushmills?
If it's your first trip to Bushmills, Expedia can help you plan by bringing together stays, flights, activities, traveler reviews, and trip-planning tools in one place. With Expedia's Trip Planner you can compare options, read reviews from other travelers, and build an itinerary that matches your interests and budget.
How can I save on my Bushmills hotel booking with Expedia?
Join One Key™ for free to unlock instant discounts with Member Prices on select hotels. You can also earn and use OneKeyCash™* on eligible bookings on Expedia. Booking in advance is usually another great way to save on your Bushmills hotel.

*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.

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