38 | THE LOCAL TOURIST
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RELAX & SOAK IT ALL INN
BY ERIN ENGLISH
erin@nitravelnews.com
Nestled in the historic town of Crawfordsburn rests the Old Inn. This idyllic Inn first opened its doors in 1614 making it an inherent gem of the picturesque area. In December, NI Travel News’ Erin had the pleasure of staying at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn and got to experience the rural retreat in all it’s glory. Having heard tales of the Old Inn’s character, charm and comfort, I was not left disappointed. Entering into the reception of
the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, one feels as though they are being enveloped in a hug by an old friend. Te cosy fire and furnishings make you feel right at home, along with the
friendly faces at Located distance just a from our
short room,
reception
who are kind, attentive and let you know all the details of your stay upon arrival. As my stay was in December, the reception area was dotted with decorations bringing a festive atmosphere to our stay almost immediately. At check-in, we were informed that guests staying at the hotel are able to utilise the Tree-Top Spa facility anytime from check-in until 8pm and then anytime prior to check-out. Tis was welcome information, as this free-style spa experience meant that we could tailor- make our own hotel experience, rather than have allocated time slots to enjoy the Spa. Following check-in, we were shown
some of the amazing amenities at the Old Inn. Tis included the Old Inn Restaurant, a warm and refined dining area and Te 1614 Bar, a cosy and laid-back bar where you can catch a bit of live music in the evenings! All before being shown to our room, room 1614, a charming detail which paid homage to the Inn’s original opening date. Accommodation at Te Old Inn is vast,
with six choices of stays! Rooms range from petite, carriage, highway, junior suite, suite, and cottage.
All rooms provide
accommodation for two people with outstanding facilities available in each Room Rate. We stayed in a Highway Room, spacious rooms which are ideal for a peaceful and relaxing retreat. Te Highway rooms are crisp and modern, a feature that intertwines seamlessly with the charm and character of the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Standing in the middle of the
room is a breathtaking four poster bed, with soſt furnishings that make you anticipate a night of relaxation and rest. Highway rooms come with a range of facilities for guests, including signature Old Inn robes and flip-flops, a Nespresso coffee machine, a hairdryer, a satellite tv and other signature hotel amenities. Taking the surroundings of our home away from home, it was then time to ditch our bags and head down to the Tree-Top spa to embark on a journey towards ultimate relaxation!
Or perhaps rest your eyes or read in the
conservatory. A designated area for you to sight and ease into relaxation and comfort of the Tree Top spa, with refreshments and lounge seats. Tis is the idyllic place to allow your troubles to float
away. During
our time at the spa, we spent a majority of our time utilising the Hot Tub and clearing the pores
in the Steam Room, an area where it’s a guarantee to leave
you feeling rejuvenated. Feeling relaxed and recharged from the Treetop Spa,
it had seemed we had
worked up a bit of an appetite. Our evening meal at Te Old Inn restaurant was booked for 8pm so aſter dolling ourselves up aſter the spa, we headed for a quick drink at the 1614 bar. Te atmosphere at the Old Inn was comforting, with a warm fire and cosy interiors. Alongside the harmonious music of the live entertainment, our stay at the Old Inn was already stellar.
was the steps to the Tree- Top spa. Perched along the heights of Crawfordsburn Country Park, breathe in the surrounding nature while experiencing the tranquility and luxury of a spa experience. Dip your toe into the welcoming bubbles of the hot tub, the hot tub is located just to the right of the Conservatory and offers a stunning view of the neighbouring trees and woodland. Allow your muscles to relax as the heat of the water melt away the stressors of everyday life. Or perhaps you fancy a swim in the pool to refresh your senses? Te ideal attribute of Treetop Spa is the lack of time-pressure, where other spas you can feel pressured to spend little time in the Hot tub or steam room, the
Treetop Spa is only available to guests of the Old Inn. Aſter time spent in the hot tub taking in
the sights and sounds of the surrounding woodland, it was time to experience the sauna. Te Sauna is fitted with wooden seating where you can chat, relax or succumb your senses to the heat.
Te stay continued to go from strength
to strength as we entered the restaurant, where we were met with friendly and helpful service and a lovely seat located right next to the window. Our stay included a three-course meal and a glass of house wine. When ordering, the staff were exceptional, going above and beyond to recommend dishes and informing us on the details of the wine. For my three course dinner, I opted for the Traditional Prawn Cocktail with Treacle Wheaten Bread to start, followed by a main of Old Inn Prime Beef Burger with Chunky Chips. All finished off on a sweet note with a Traditional Christmas Pudding with custard. Te dinner was exceptional, right from the service to the food which was exquisite and packs with heaps of flavour. With full bellies, it was time to head back
up to the room and hit the hay. Relaxed from our evening spent in Te Tree Top Spa, it didn’t take long to sail into slumber. Well-rested, the winter sun began
to break over another day at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Packing up our belongings and preparing to say goodbye to such a fabulous stay, we headed down to the restaurant for a light breakfast. Te breakfast offering at
the Old Inn,
Crawfordsburn was vast with a full spread of pastries, fruit and treats alongside a menu of cooked breakfasts. A sure way to start off your day on the right note! As breakfast concluded, our stay at the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn had come to a close and it was time to depart the historic Old Inn, Crawfordsburn. Te Old Inn, Crawfordburn is a hotel packed to the brim with character and charm. Loving hands and delicate touches have been incorporated through the property to ensure that the valuable history of the property remains intact. Te gem nestled above the trees
of Crawfordsburn
Country Park is the Treetop Spa, which leaves guests feeling rested, relaxed and rejuvenated. Te freestyle approach to visit the Spa anytime during your stay is ideal,
giving guests free reign over their own Old Inn Experience. Te Old Inn Restaurant is a culinary delight and the ideal way to spend an evening with your family, friends or perhaps your significant other. With friendly faces and staff that would go far beyond the extra mile to ensure you enjoy a stellar stay, there is a reason why the Old Inn Crawfordsburn is the longstanding heart of the Northern Irish Hotel Scene.
CHECK OUT NI TRAVEL NEWS’ FACEBOOK FOR YOUR CHANCE TO AN OVER- NIGHT STAY FOR TWO AT THE OLD INN, CRAWFORDSBURN!!!! Prize includes : An overnight stay for two, Access to the Treetop Spa, Afternoon Tea, Three course evening meal and a full A La Carte Breakfast.
January 2023
OH NO SHE DIDN’T!
OH YES SHE DID!
BY CHELSEA COUSINS
Chelsea@nitravelnews.com
IT DOESN’T feel like Christmas time until you are sitting nestled in the classic red chairs in the iconic Grand Opera House Theatre waiting for the Christmas Pantomime to start, simple. NI Travel News were kindly gifted tickets by the Grand Opera House to attend a showing of 2022’s Christmas Pantomime, Cinderella. The production by Crossroads, headline sponsor Dale Farm and hosts The Grand Opera House, the classic and well-known fairy tale Cinderella was brought to life, with a twist.
The legend and well-known nation favourite May McFettridge (John Linehan) was the star of the show with her recognisable and relatable witty banter which stole the hearts of not just the Travel News Team but also the sold-out theatre of young smiling faces and grown-up smirks. The show followed
Fairy May, played
by McFettridge, the fairy godmother of Cinderella on her quest to make the princess’s dreams come true. Along the way characters like you read in the tale were introduced; Prince Charming, The Ugly Stepsisters and Dandini, while new characters brought life to the tale; Buttons, Cinders best friend and Baron Hardup, Cinders Father. Each character brought their own spin to the original story line and with many of the performers from Northern Ireland, the Northern Irish Charisma was a delight to see. The show was filled with sparkle, humour, dancing, interactive dialog, music and that Christmas Pantomime spirit, that only you get in the Grand Opera House. The show was a massive success and thoroughly enjoyable for all.
Tickets for the show are still available on the GOH website so snap a few up with you can!
Family fun, girls’ night, date night,
Christmas party entertainment or a solo Christmas treat, this show is for all. The Pantomime will run until the 15th of January. Tickets for the show are still available with many accessible versions for everyone. Check out the GOH website so snap your tickets while you can!
Dust off your Glass slippers and enjoy the panto!
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