Dunluce Lodge Handed Over as North Coast’s First Five-Star Resort Nears Opening

A major milestone has been reached in the development of the north coast’s first five-star resort, as Martin & Hamilton Construction officially handed over the newly built Dunluce Lodge to its operators.

Work on the luxury property, located just outside Portrush, began in November 2022 and has now been completed. The lodge features 35 high-end suites, including eight in a private annex known as The Stookan, designed for larger groups. Amenities include a restaurant, wine vault, private dining spaces and a spa, all open to both residents and the public.

Overlooking the fourth fairway of the Royal Portrush Golf Club—where the 153rd Open Championship will take place in July—Dunluce Lodge is the first five-star accommodation on the north coast. It is operated by US-based Valor Hospitality Partners and owned by the Links Collection, also based in the United States. Valor Hospitality Partners has emphasised its commitment to working with the local community, employing 80 staff and collaborating with nearby food, drink and experience providers.

A range of local suppliers contributed to the construction and fit-out, including Lamont Stone in Coleraine for the barbecue area and fireplace surround. Royal Warrant-holder Ulster Carpets in Portadown and Abbey Upholstery in Carrickfergus were also involved in bringing the interior to life.

Speaking about the project, Stephen Meldrum, General Manager of Dunluce Lodge, said:

“We have worked in close collaboration with the team at Martin & Hamilton and we have been very impressed by their professional approach to the project. Their eye for detail and commitment to sourcing the finest materials available matched our own high standards during the construction process.

“The team shared our vision for meticulously creating a truly impeccable five-star hotel where every detail has been carefully considered.

“As Dunluce Lodge began to emerge from behind the scaffolding, we knew it was going to be a building which exudes charm and provides our valued guests with the perfect location to immerse in the breath-taking beauty of the Causeway Coast.

“Now the hotel has officially been handed over we can continue to fine tune our preparations for welcoming guests and providing truly unique and memorable experiences.”

David Hamilton, Managing Director of Martin & Hamilton Construction, described the project as a “privilege”:

“As a local construction company, it was a privilege to work on Dunluce Lodge. This hotel will be the jewel in the crown of the Causeway Coast and it’s a special feeling to know we played a central role in its delivery.

“Working with Valor Hospitality has been a great experience with real collaboration between ourselves and the client team benefiting the finished project in so many ways.

“With a firm focus on striving for the best possible finish and using the finest materials possible, I’ve no doubt Dunluce Lodge will quickly become an iconic destination.”

With the handover now complete, Dunluce Lodge is on track to welcome its first guests, offering a new benchmark for luxury accommodation along one of Northern Ireland’s most celebrated coastlines.