Duneden provides the perfect gateway to the whole of the North. Randalstown village, recent winner of the much coveted 'Best Kept Town in Ireland' 2018 as well as 'Translink Ulster in Bloom' 2018, is a mere 10min walk away past the famous Shane's Castle gate (featured in HBO's Game of Thrones) & under the beautiful historic Viaduct Walkway. The new Game of Thrones exhibition site at Moneyglass 15mins plus the North Antrim Coast & Royal Portrush 40mins, Duneden truly is at the heart of it all.
The space Nestled in Northern Ireland's famous emerald green hills, Duneden Cottage was designed by RIBA President Alan Jones from an ancient stone outbuilding circa 1835 its traditional exterior belying the contemporary accommodation within. It comprises of 2 spacious bedrooms, modern bathroom, compact cloakroom and large open plan living/dining area with vaulted pine ceiling & panoramic views of the fields & forest beyond. This airy, light filled space also houses a fitted kitchen with oven, hob, microwave, fridge freezer, washing machine & coffee machine. There is private parking and a rear paved terrace with 180* views of the rolling countryside providing the perfect spot to watch the sunrise. When the sun goes down, the Secret Garden beckons- a secluded twinkly lit garden with children's playhouse, dining area & Weber BBQ- ideal for atmospheric convivial nights al fresco. Guests may also have use of the BBQ/bar in the nearby courtyard should there be a 'soft night' as we say in Ireland! Imagine reclining on the daybed after a day exploring with a freshly brewed latte, drinking in the stunning view perhaps cosying up in front of the log burner, glass of wine in hand while the kids watch a relaxing in the bath while gazing at the stars through the skylight above. Escape with a game of tennis or a picnic in the orchard. Experience the bucolic idyll that is 'Duneden'. Guest access Guests have full use of cottage, secret garden BBQ area with Weber BBQ. Use of indoor BYOB Bar and BBQ. Formal gardens and woodlands (4 acres). Tennis court and orchards.
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Amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Outdoor space
Parking available
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Small/medium dogs welcome subject to added payment
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Smoking
Smoking allowed: in designated areas
Smoking permitted outside only!
Quiet time after 11pm - our woodland squirrel and rabbit neighbours may complain .
Strictly no smoking inside the cottage (outside is fine).
Only registered guests are permitted in the property, please be sure your reservation reflects the correct number of people.
No open flames please (candles etc). Dogs must be on lead outdoors and not on furniture or in bedrooms within the cottage.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
Guests must contact this property in advance to reserve high chair
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
We should mention
A car is recommended for transport to and from this property
About the area
Antrim
Located in Antrim, this cottage is in a rural area and on a river. ECOS Environmental Centre and Seamus Heaney HomePlace are cultural highlights, and some of the area's landmarks include Antrim Motte and Antrim Castle. Travelling with kids? Consider Clotworthy House and Antrim Forum Leisure Centre. Fishing offers a great chance to get out on the surrounding water, or you can seek out an adventure with hiking/biking trails, ecotours and horse riding nearby.
Queen's University of Belfast - 27 min drive - 43.3 km
Getting around
Antrim Station - 13 min drive
Belfast International Airport (BFS) - 23 min drive
Restaurants
Tim Hortons - 8 min drive
Tannaghmore Services - 7 min drive
Starbucks - 9 min drive
McDonald's - 8 min drive
Popeyes - 8 min drive
Frequently asked questions
Is Duneden Cottage and grounds pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much does it cost to stay at Duneden Cottage and grounds?
As of 1 April 2026, prices found for a 1-night stay for 2 adults at Duneden Cottage and grounds on 7 June 2026 start from NZ$346, including taxes and fees. This price is based on the lowest nightly price found in the last 24 hours for stays in the next 30 days. Prices are subject to change. Choose your dates for more accurate prices.
How much is parking at Duneden Cottage and grounds?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at Duneden Cottage and grounds?
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
What time is check-out at Duneden Cottage and grounds?
Checkout is at 11:00 AM.
Where is Duneden Cottage and grounds located?
This family-friendly Antrim cottage is located on a river, 1 mi (1.6 km) from Randalstown Library, and within 6 mi (10 km) of Clotworthy House and Antrim Forum Leisure Centre. The Junction Shopping Complex and Allen Park Golf Centre are also within 6 miles (10 km).
Reviews
10
Exceptional
Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
This was our favorite stay on vacation, the house offered so much to do, the host was friendly and very helpful giving suggestions of places nearby including a cute pub where we got to enjoy music. Highly recommend this place.
Very comfortable place for 4 adults to relax just 25 minutes outside Belfast. Easy drive into Belfast. Host was very accommodating and made access easy to the cottage. Well stocked and were met to show accommodations. Restaurants were short drive from cottage. Very quiet and relaxing.
Duneden was a picturesque perfect first stay on our tour of Ireland. Allie was welcoming and helpful. She was very responsive with any questions and needs. While the cottage sits behind the main house, it felt private and we were given all the privacy we wanted on the property. The cottage itself was cozy with stocked items for evening fires. Allie even gave us some yummy homemade treats to welcome us. Randalstown was beautiful and clean to walk through with a couple of cute shops for gifts. We found the locals to be friendly and helpful in getting around. Would definitely stay again!
Amazing, magical place with the best hosts. We loved everything about it. Comfortable with everything you might need. The grounds are amazing, we enjoyed the fire pit and the views. Thank you!
Amazing hidden gem in Randalstown in a beautiful quiet setting! Owners are beyond gracious and we were so pleased with the gifts of bread, juice, butter and milk. Very nice touch. Cottage is roomy and airy with plenty of room to spread out. Beds are very comfortable and everything is very well stocked and clean. Boys enjoyed the tennis, bocce and archery on site. Couldn't be happier and was definitely the best house (out of 5) on our trip. Thank you!!
A great house in a huge property with a warm welcome!
Everything was perfect for our couple of days visiting Northern Ireland.
The host gave us a warm welcome and a private tour of the (huge!) property that includes fire pits, a tennis court, a private bar (not fully stocked obviously), and a beautiful outdoor scene where we could see sheeps from the living room and the master bedroom!
The property was well furnished, and many local products were in the fridge.
Don't forget to ask where the best places to see are; you won't need a guide after that!
A good place for a weekend, or for a confortable house after visiting the country. Highly recommended!
From the moment we drove down the beautiful driveway arrived and met Allie the owner(extremely warm and charming) we were in heaven.
A truly incredible property set on a wonderful acreage with lots of fun things to do if you are not out touring Northern Ireland (Giants Causeway, Dark Hedge, Belfast, etc.), which this a great home base to have. Randalstown is an incredible little town with lots of beautiful architecture and great pubs, filled with the most outgoing and helpful people I have ever met travelling.
Duneden Cottage and the surrounding area were well worth the 2 day Ferrie trip on our Scotland road trip and highly recommend it!
We stayed at this beautiful house for 5 days, and loved every minute of it! The host was wonderful, very kind and informative. She greeted us with a basket of fresh Irish bread and other treats, and made our stay very comfortable. The horse is spotless clean, the beds and linen were high quality . The kitchen has everything you might need, the fireplace was the highlight for me, as I enjoyed it every evening! The view from the living-room window was picturesque, and the gardens around the house as well. Randall’s town is at walking distance, so this house was in a strategic location to tour the north of Ireland.
I highly recommend this place and it’s owners. I will absolutely go back and stay there again, I already told all my friends about it.
Originally booked for two nights and loved it that much we booked an extra night and another three nights in Autumn. Property, grounds, facilities and of course management are amazing . Highly recommend for a quiet break away with stunning views. Thank you Alison
Experience was great and wished it was a longer stay. Allie made us feel welcome and every recommendation she gave us on where to go turned out great. The place was very well kept and it had everything we needed. Would stay here again if we find ourselves in Northern Ireland on holiday.
We loved our stay in this sweet cottage in irish country side. It’s an excellent location and a quick drive to the local shops and neighboring communities. Ali and Mark were wonderful hosts and we felt right at home. Place was clean and stocked with all we could need. The property is quaint and we even shot some hoops and played some tennis. Would definitely come back amd stay longer. Highly recommend.
Kevin B.
Stayed 3 nights in Jul 2019
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Isabel S.
20 March 2019
Very nice cottage, and friendly owners. Amazing landscape. Relaxing location.
Spectacular location. Peaceful and well located. Very helpful and joyful owners. Feeling at home on the cottage. Even a welcoming box included. Very recomendable.
Isabel S.
Stayed 2 nights in Mar 2019
Response from VrboOwner on 30 March 2020
Thanks so much Isabel . It was a total pleasure to have you and your family stay at duneden cottage. We do hope you get the chance to stay with us again. Warm wishes. Mark