Savills is pleased to announce the sale of the Marine Hotel, one of Northern Ireland’s premier seafront hotels, located in the picturesque coastal town of Ballycastle, County Antrim.
This unique property presents an exceptional investment opportunity along the world-renowned Causeway Coast and Glens, a region known for its natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strong tourist appeal.
The Marine Hotel enjoys a commanding position on the Ballycastle promenade, offering guests stunning views across the North Atlantic and out towards the Scottish coastline. Its strategic location places it just a short distance from some of Northern Ireland’s most famous landmarks, including the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge, and the Dark Hedges – a key filming location for the hit television series Game of Thrones.
Awarded a prestigious 4-star rating by the AA in August 2024, the Marine Hotel boasts 51 spacious en-suite bedrooms, including two luxurious suites. It is well-known for its modern amenities, outstanding service, and commitment to sustainability. Marine Hotel Ballycastle is the only BCorp Hotel on the north coast (awarded May 2025). Guests can enjoy exceptional dining experiences at the hotel’s well-regarded restaurants, including Marconi’s Bar & Bistro, offering locally sourced produce and spectacular sea views, and proudly serving Costa Coffee.
The hotel is also a thriving venue for weddings, conferences, and events, featuring versatile banqueting and conference facilities capable of accommodating up to 300 guests. The hotel's two primary event spaces, the Kintyre Suite and the Murlough Suite, provide flexible layouts suitable for a wide range of functions, from corporate meetings to grand celebrations. Additionally, the hotel offers private dining options and is licensed for civil ceremonies, making it a sought-after wedding destination in Northern Ireland.
Development Potential
In addition to its already impressive offerings, the Marine Hotel presents significant scope for further development and enhancement. The hotel has final planning permission for 14 additional hotel bedrooms, conversion of the Country Club to 10 self-catering holiday units and alterations to the existing hotel including extended restaurant/ bar at ground floor, new drop-off area and entrance with lobby and rooftop meeting & events space with external terrace.
The hotel’s extensive site, which spans approximately 1.4 acres, also includes a former country club building, with potential for redevelopment into high-end holiday apartments, a rooftop terrace, and additional leisure facilities. These proposed developments would increase the hotel’s total floor area by 1,482 square metres, creating even greater value for prospective buyers.
The Marine Hotel's car park also presents an opportunity for further asset management. A conceptual plan has been drawn up to develop 20 standalone holiday apartments, alongside a secret garden, terrace, and even an infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted sea views. This range of development initiatives positions the Marine Hotel as an investment with vast potential for future growth in both hospitality and real estate sectors.
Prime Location and Strong Market Fundamentals
Ballycastle itself is a vibrant coastal town, consistently named one of the best places to live in Northern Ireland by the Sunday Times. It benefits from excellent transport links, including proximity to Belfast International Airport, which is just a 50-minute drive away. The town is a thriving hub of activity, regularly hosting major events such as the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series, which draws crowds from around the globe. The hotel is located close to Ballycastle Golf club and just a 30 minute drive from the world renowned Royal Portrush Golf Club which hosted the 153rd Open in July 2025.
Northern Ireland’s hotel market has experienced robust growth in recent years, with strong demand from both domestic and international tourists. This trend is expected to continue, driven by the region’s natural beauty, expanding tourism infrastructure, and growing reputation as a destination for high-quality leisure experiences. The Marine Hotel, with its established brand, loyal customer base, and strategic location, is well-placed to capitalise on this growth.
Neal Morrison, Director at Savills Belfast, commented:
"The Marine Hotel represents an extraordinary opportunity to acquire a well-established and highly profitable seafront hotel along one of Northern Ireland's most scenic routes. Its combination of a prime location, modern facilities, and potential for further development makes it a standout offering in today’s market. Ballycastle is a fantastic destination, and the hotel’s position at the heart of this vibrant community adds even more to its appeal."
Tom Barrett, Director of Hotels & Leisure at Savills, added:
"This is a rare chance to purchase a 4-star asset that is not only trading successfully but also offers significant potential for future expansion. The Marine Hotel has already established itself as a leader in the local hospitality market, and with the planned developments, it has the potential to elevate even further. For investors, this property offers a combination of immediate returns and long-term growth opportunities in one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic coastal locations."