Ardtara is a charming and substantial 19th century house, located in the little village of Upperlands in South Londonderry. Ardtara was built as a family home by 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.

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.'

Take time to polish up your golf swing on the Ardtara practice tee or have a friendly tennis match on the allweather court. Explore the spectacularly rugged coastline and the rolling green countryside of counties Antrim and Londonderry.

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 Portsewart and Castlerock.

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.

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.

Ardtara Country House
Upperlands
County Londonderry BT46 5SA
Northern Ireland
Tel: +44 (0) 28796 44490
Toll Free U.S.A. and Canada: (800) 628-4893