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Ardtara is a charming
and substantial 19th century estate, located in the little village
of Upperlands in South Londonderry. Ardtara was built as a family
home by the linen magnate Harry Jackson Clark during the reign of
Queen Victoria. |
| Harry Clark
had left home at 18 for what turned out to be a highly successful
selling trip to the United States. He was one of two brothers responsible
for keeping the family fortunes afloat in the face of competition
from cotton and other cheaper materials. Evidence of some of the
objects collected on his travels can still be seen on the entrance
hall with the two busts and a dinner gong brought back from the
New World. |
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Ardtara
is a splendid Victorian house full of atmosphere and character,
and the warmth of your surroundings will be matched only by the
warmth of the welcome. With the old style service and amazing array
of antiques it will seem that you are stepping back in time, except
that all the facilities here belong very much to the present day.
There are eight luxurious bedrooms, all are en-suite but each one
is individually styled, offering everything from deluxe kingsize
beds to panoramic views across the extensive eight acres of grounds.
Each bedroom retains its grand original fireplaces; indeed there
are even fireplaces in some of the bathrooms. |
| Sink into
a soft chair to enjoy a good book or a doze in one of the elegant
lounges before an excellent dinner in the impressive dining room.
Dominated by an original hunting scene frieze, the room is made
light and airy by a huge glass skylight which almost covers it completely.
The menu features all of the best and freshest local produce in
a range of country house cooking that perfectly reflects ‘The Taste
of Ulster.’ |
Explore the spectacularly rugged
coastline and the rolling green countryside of counties Antrim and
Londonderry.
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First and
foremost this is a golfer’s paradise. Ardtara is just half an hour
from Royal Portrush, which is ranked among the worlds top-ten and
offers not just a fine and challenging game of golf but breathtaking
scenery out across the wild cliffs and ruined castles of the North
Antrim Coast. Other fine links courses in the area include Portstewart
and Castlerock.
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If Ardtara
is a golfer’s dream, then the angler should feel just as happy.
Located beside the River Bann, there is nowhere better in Northern
Ireland to enjoy the thrill and challenge of game and coarse fishing.
In season the river is teeming with salmon, trout and pike and it
attracts keen fishermen from around the world.
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Ardtara
Country House is 20 miles/30 minutes from Belfast International
Airport and 22 miles/30 minutes from the Antrim Coast. Follow the
M2 motorway from Belfast, to the A6. After Castledawson, take the
A29 to Maghera and Coleraine. Follow the sign to Kilrea until you
come to Upperlands.
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Ardtara Country House
Upperlands
County Londonderry BT46 5SA
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0) 28796 44490
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