Ardtara Country House
Ardtara Country House, an elegantly restored Victorian property is set in stunning wooded grounds down a tree-lined lane, in the quaint village of Upperlands just outside Maghera in Co Derry.
“Ardtara sits close to the geographical centre of Northern Ireland and on land which was once the hub of the Irish Linen Industry – rich in history, every room has a story to captivate you” says Sean McEvoy, Manager of Ardtara Country House. “The restaurant is of the highest quality and the charm of the house is second to none.”
The Clark Room Restaurant at Ardtara Country House, Magherafelt, Northern IrelandWhether you are a shopper, country sports enthusiast, golfer or countryside explorer, Ardtara is within a 15 to 60-minute drive of many top Northern Ireland attractions. These include the Giant’s Causeway; The Walled City of Derry, Royal Portrush Golf Club; Belfast’s number one visitor destination, the Titanic Belfast; Game of Thrones’ Dark Hedges; Seamus Heaney’s HomePlace and Lough Neagh.
Ardtara Country House has been named one of the five best places to stay in all of Northern Ireland by The National Geographic Traveller Magazine, ‘The Best Places to Stay in Britain and Ireland’. It is also a Fodor’s ‘Choice’ selection and an invited member of Ireland’s prestigious Blue Book hotel association.
A spectacular history
The 123-year-old country house, was built as a family home by linen baron, Harry Jackson Clark, for his bride-to-be, Alice, in 1895. After he died, Ardtara remained unoccupied until a local family bought and restored the house.
Ardtara Country House Hotel near Belfast & Derry, Northern IrelandIn 2014, Ardtara was taken over by the restaurateurs behind the Browns Bonds Hill Group, who renovated and restored the house, turning it into a truly unique property. It has stunning individually decorated bedrooms in the heart of Mid-Ulster surrounded by a private forest. With a plethora of original Victorian features, the house is uniquely designed in-keeping with its 19th century heritage, but with all the modern conveniences you would expect.
Food glorious food
As Ardtara Country House is owned by famed restaurateurs, the Clark Restaurant is culinary delight. The restaurants chefs are passionate about using the finest seasonal food and support local producers and suppliers. The kitchen even uses fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs grown in their surrounding gardens.
Renowned Chef Patron, Ian Orr, is a well-known ambassador for Northern Ireland having appeared on The Great British Menu and appears frequently on BBC’s Saturday Kitchen Live.
“At Ardtara, we only use the best local produce available. Ian Orr works closely with his Head Chef to ensure the finest dining experience for all customers. The menu at The Clark Restaurant changes daily to incorporate the freshest possible seasonal ingredients from local producers and suppliers.”
There is always a sense of excitement around the kitchen and restaurant. The hotel won ‘Best Hotel Restaurant in Ulster 2015’ and ‘Best Emerging Cuisine in Ulster 2015’ from the Irish Restaurants Association, along with the AA’s 4-Star Gold Award and two AA Rosettes for the restaurant.
Fine Dining Restaurant at Ardtara, near Maghera & Magherafelt in Northern IrelandArdtara offers a wide range of food-themed events, from cookery demonstrations, to themed wine dinners and speciality events such as champagne and gin-tasting dinners, and Christmas events such as Victorian Christmas Dinners, a family friendly Santa Experience and Festive Supper Club. Guests have the option of two dining areas including the Clark room which was originally the games room, complete with glass canopy over where the billiards table once sat and two roaring fires in the original fireplaces.
The Clark Restaurant has afternoon tea, early bird specials, Sunday lunch and a fine dining menu. We are famous for our food and our guests know that no matter when they visit, they will receive the highest quality food and service from our team. We look forward to welcoming all to our charming country house – join us for a secluded country retreat unlike another!”
If you’re looking for a unique venue for a family get-together or corporate event, there is even the option of booking out the entire property. Private dining is also available in the garden room for up to 20 guests.