Hotel review: Is this handsome Blue Book spot the best-kept secret in the country?
Georgian property feels like a well-kept secret that makes for a great break
This is the smallest in Ireland’s Blue Book collection — but, (spoiler alert) it may just be one of its very finest.
Sun, 04 May, 2025 - 02:01
Thom Breathnach
Newforge House, Co Antrim
Our rating: 9/10
Location
Nestled on the outskirts of the village of Magheralin, Co. Armagh — about 15km off the (Dublin-Belfast) A1 — Newforge House feels like a well-kept secret and makes an ideal base for a visit to the Orchard County. Or, if venturing beyond it, the perfect stepping-stone stay for travelling farther north for a break in Belfast, Derry or along the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll find the Georgian property along an evergreen flanked driveway and while the Virginia creeper that envelopes its façade may have been yet to flourish during my spring stay — this handsome country house still makes a most inviting sight.
Newforge, which lists itself as a “dinky country house” is in fact the smallest in Ireland’s Blue Book collection — but, (spoiler alert) it may just be one of its very finest. Upon entering the period pile, I’m met with a charming reception hall festooned with fresh lilies, tapestries and a grandfather clock, symmetrically offset by a cosy drawing room and light-filled dining room. Owners John and Louise Mathers, whose family has owned the property for six generations, have purposefully retained Newforge’s original scale and integrity — it offers just six bedrooms — and you certainly sense a homely rather than hotel-y hue from the get-go.
9/10
Service
Upon arrival, I’m met by the very affable John Mathers who rolls out the always appreciated if regrettably endangered country house welcome of fresh brew of tea and biscuits in the drawing room. A simple, yet always appreciated pleasure.
Elsewhere, front of house team Kathryn Anderson and Sylvia Gregson are a warm, personable and intuitive presence and as long-standing members of staff, they also add to the polish and pedigree of the whole Newforge experience. Service is impeccable throughout — I discovered a thoughtful touch after returning to my room after dinner to find my window shutters had been closed in my absence, adding an extra layer of serenity to my room come nightfall.
9.5/10
Guest Rooms
Newforge’s six guest rooms — named the likes of Pickering, Hanna, and Gaynor, all honour the matriarchs who dwelled here over the decades. I was staying in the Beaumont room (named after Lou’s maiden name), a fine period affair with floor-to-ceiling sash windows overlooking the front of the house. The room features impressive antiques passed down over six generations, not least a striking half-tester bed. The en suite bathroom is spacious, with a separate shower and a roll top tub, with views over the rose garden. It all makes for a wonderfully appointed and spacious escape.
9/10
In-room perks
I always love the ritual of brewing my own hotel room coffee when I wake and while some more traditional country houses only offer tea and coffee upon request, at Newforge there’s an in-room offering too which I really appreciate with Suki tea from Lisburn and Upperlands Coffee from Co Derry. Bathroom products are from Noble Isle.
9/10
On the Menu
Thom's breakfast at Newforge House
Dining at Newforge is a true highlight with John’s four-course set menu showcasing the very best of country house dining.
My meal started with a deliciously spiced lamb fillet dolloped with mint yoghurt, followed by sublime pan-seared halibut with a moreish caper and tarragon cream, and then beef fillet with black garlic and herb butter. To finish, I opted for a substantial (rare these days) cheeseboard which included seven Irish cheeses from Gubbeen to a cleverly punned Cavanbert, all introduced personally by John. Other guests included honeymooners from Belfast and a trio of businessmen but it’s worth noting how perfectly comfortable, versus conspicuous, I felt as a solo traveller.
Apart from pottering around the property’s grounds and gardens, there are no onsite amenities at Newforge. However, there are plenty of attractions both on your doorstep, and a little beyond, to enjoy. From Armagh City to Slieve Gullion, Newforge makes a very special base to explore the rolling drumlins of this overlooked pocket of Ireland.
8/10
The bill
B&B for two from €228 or €350 incl. dinner.
Room to Improve: I felt tiny cosmetic tweaks, such as perhaps a bed throw or replacing the crockery with more characterful china, could have added even more country house texture.
Accessibility: No
EV Chargers: Yes, two available
Family-Friendly: No children under 10 unless during an exclusive hire
