The four-star Marine Hotel overlooking the seafront in Ballycastle has been put on the open market for £4.95 million.
It has been owned by Claire Hunter and Colum McLornan since they bought it out of receivership in 2013, and they have since invested heavily in its redevelopment.
The hotel, which employs around 80 staff, boasts 51 en-suite bedrooms, including two luxurious suites.
But it also has “significant scope for further development and enhancement”, according to selling agents Savills in Belfast.
It also has well-regarded restaurants, including Marconi’s Bar & Bistro, and is also a thriving venue for weddings, conferences and events, featuring banqueting and conference facilities capable of accommodating up to 300 guests.
The Marine currently has final planning permission in place 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 site spans approximately 1.4 acres and 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, Savills say.
A conceptual plan has also been drawn up to develop 20 standalone holiday apartments, alongside a secret garden, terrace, and an infinity swimming pool with uninterrupted sea views in the hotel’s existing car park.
Awarded a prestigious 4-star rating by the AA in August 2024, the Marine is the only BCorp Hotel on the north coast (awarded May 2025).
Neal Morrison, director at Savills Belfast, said: “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 stand-out 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.”
The north’s hotel market has experienced robust growth in recent years, with strong demand from both domestic and international tourists - a trend expected to continue, driven by the region’s natural beauty, expanding tourism infrastructure, and growing reputation as a destination for high-quality leisure experiences.