Everglades Hotel, Londonderry

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We took the ferry across to Northern Ireland from Cairnryan in Scotland to Larne during the summer holidays. Getting the early ferry gave us time to visit both Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and the Giant’s Causeway, before finishing our day in Londonderry at the Everglades Hotel.

This was perfect for us as it gave us a good location to start our trip down the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland the following day.

Where is the Everglades Hotel?

The Everglades Hotel is located in Londonderry (Derry), right on the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. It’s around a 1.5 hour drive from Larne, or around 1.25 hours from Giant’s Causeway.

Alternatively you can take the train to Derry – Londonderry from Belfast. There is a train from Larne to Belfast, so you can take either the P&O or Stena Line ferries to Northern Ireland and catch the train to Derry – Londonderry.

There is also the option of the bus service, which also connects Belfast and Londonderry – Derry.

The Everglades Hotel For Families

Arriving at the entrance to the Everglades Hotel you don’t realise quite how large it is! Enter into the beautiful atrium with vases of flowers and a table laid out with dog treats for anyone who is travelling with their pet. Apparently there is a resident dog in the hotel, but unfortunately we didn’t see them!

Just past the reception is the restaurant, lobby and a cosy library bar. All beautifully laid out with plenty of seating for everyone. Bedrooms are accessed further around the corner.

Staying at the Everglades Hotel

The bedrooms in the Everglades Hotel are perfect for families, with either a family room suitable for 3 people or interconnecting rooms that work for larger families. We had an interconnecting room with a double bed for us adults and 2 single beds for the children.

The interconnecting room option also means that there are 2 separate toilets, which is always useful when travelling with kids!

The rooms are luxurious, with soft, comfy beds and seating areas. Plus extras that include bottled water and free wifi. We had an interconnecting great night sleep here and appreciated the luxury after a wet day exploring Northern Ireland.

Breakfast is included in your stay if booking the B&B option. This is a full Irish breakfast, with cooked sausages, eggs, bacon, baked beans, white and black pudding. I’m pescatarian so instead I had the porridge with honey, a favourite of mine.

Dining at the Everglades Hotel

There are plenty of options for dinner around Derry – Londonderry. However, the hotel also has options for dining at both the library bar and snug or in the Grill Restaurant.

We chose to eat in the library bar as there was a large coach party in the restaurant. The menu at both the restaurant and library bar were similar when we visited. The kids were happy with a burger and a curry and I had a delicious fish and chips. The bar was playing the World Cup games when we visited, so it’s also a good place for sports fans to catch up on games. Although personally I wanted to eat there for the cosy atmosphere and beautiful bookcases.

Things To Do Near Everglades Hotel

What is there to do in the area? Quite a lot really, the Everglades Hotel might be at the edge of Northern Ireland, but most major sites are within an hour and a half of the hotel.

Derry – Londonderry: Explore the walls and history of the walled city or take a tour of the street art and learn
Giant’s Causeway: Learn about the geology of the hexagon shaped rocks and the legends connecting it with Scotland.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge: This old fisherman’s rope bridge attaching the adjoining rock stack to the mainland.
Museum of Free Derry: Learn about the city during 1968-72 in the Free Derry period.

Everglades Hotel, Londonderry – Family Review