Ireland’s first destination whiskey hotel has launched an exclusive whiskey flight that offers a rare opportunity to immerse your senses in the spirited luxury of four of Bushmills’ finest whiskeys.
The newly opened Harbourview Hotel in Carnlough has curated an exclusive ‘by appointment only’ Bushmills Whiskey tasting flight with Darryl McNally – co-owner of the hotel and former Bushmills master distiller – featuring some of the oldest and rarest whiskeys from the world’s oldest licensed whiskey distillery.
Priced at £1,608, a quirky tribute to the year Bushmills was awarded its license to distil, the tasting flight includes four iconic Bushmills whiskeys; and with only 20 flights available, will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for whiskey connoisseurs.
The ‘off menu’ 1608 Whiskey Flight will be bookable by appointment and includes two of the oldest and rarest bottles ever to be released from the Old Bushmills Distillery: Bushmills 46 Year Old Secrets of the River Bush (released March 2025) and the Bushmills 36 Year Old Hill Street Edition(released February 2024), alongside two rare whiskeys from the Bushmills Causeway Collection, a 33 year old port cask and 18 year old Grand Cru cask.
The Harbourview Hotel is poised to capitalise on the growing whiskey tourism market in Ireland. Launched ahead of this summer’s Open Championship in Portrush, it’s anticipated the exclusive tasting flight appeal to visitors looking for a unique taste of some of Northern Ireland’s finest whiskeys.
Commenting on the announcement, Harbourview Hotel co-owner Adrian McLaughlin said, “As Ireland’s first ever destination whiskey hotel, we pride ourselves on offering the finest collection of whiskeys, alongside exceptional events and experiences.
“To celebrate the opening, we wanted to create something special, and we’re proud to present this exclusive whiskey flight in tribute to the iconic Old Bushmills Distillery, which is located just 40 miles from the hotel on our beautiful Causeway Coast.
“This exclusive tasting flight will be an experience to savour for whiskey connoisseurs that might not otherwise get the opportunity to taste such rare whiskeys. It is offered alongside a core collection of 11 flights, with prices ranging from £15 to £40, and a special ‘Owners Collection’ of rare whiskeys priced at £570, meaning there is a flight to suit every budget.”
In the spirit of giving back to a community that has welcomed the new hotel so warmly, the Harbourview will donate a 1608 whiskey flight and overnight stay for the RNLI to use in their ongoing fundraising actvities to support their life saving work.
Whiskey will be an integral part of the hotel, from resident nightcaps and a turndown gift of whiskey-infused chocolates to a special ‘Whiskey Chamber’ retail store, from which guests can purchase whiskey and exclusive branded merchandise to bring home with them.
Alongside its new collection of exclusive whiskey tasting flights, the hotel bar will serve a collection of over 300 whiskeys, and a classic selection of whiskey cocktails. A full menu of the whiskey flights, cocktails and mixed drinks can be viewed here.
A diverse programme of events and tasting experiences is planned, with world-famous heritage brands including Bushmills, Midleton and The Macallan sitting alongside Copeland, Ardbeg, Shortcross, plus The Harbourview’s own Outwalker and Limavady whiskeys. The programme, which features monthly events scheduled through to February 2026 will also include boat trips to Islay for guided tours of the Bruichladdich and Ardbeg distilleries.
The Carnlough Whiskey Festival (20- 23August) is a key event on the hotel’s schedule this summer, promising four days of whiskey, music and craic. Featuring local brands Bushmills, Shortcross, Garden County, Copeland, Outwalker and Limavady, the festival also features a full line-up of live music including The Rogues, The Causeway Shantymen and String Ninjas. Further information on the series of events is available at theharbourviewhotel.com/whiskey.
To celebrate the opening, a ‘New Beginnings’ package, available for stays between 19 May to 4 June, offers guests the opportunity to be amongst the first to experience the new hotel. Priced from just £150 for a double room with breakfast, the special package includes a complimentary cocktail of your choice from the house cocktail list to toast the hotel’s opening.
For further information, visit www.theharbourviewhotel.com or connect with The Harbourview Hotel on Instagram, @theharbourview_hotel or Facebook, @heharbourviewhotel. To register your interest in a whiskey flight or event send an email to enquiries@theharbourviewhotel.com and include your name, selected event and how many tickets you require.