Hilton has announced the opening of The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, marking the brand’s debut in Northern Ireland. Set along the North Atlantic coastline, Portrush is known for its beaches, rich heritage, and old-world charm. Embracing the spirit of this seaside town, the 80-room hotel offers a guest experience rooted in storytelling and discovery.

The hotel invites guests to step into a world of whimsical design, coastal charm, and curated experiences – inspired by the fictional character Marcus, a comic-book-style adventurer. Illustrations from Marcus’s journeys adorn the walls, while displays of treasures collected during his daring exploits bring the story to life. Younger guests can enjoy a complimentary storybook, ‘The Adventures of Marcus,’ adding a playful touch to their stay. From the logo to the interiors, every detail connects back to Marcus’s adventurous spirit, creating an immersive atmosphere that echoes the town’s seafaring past.

The Marcus Portrush occupies a restored Victorian building that served as a hotel and artisan bakery for over 85 years between 1895 and the 1980s. The £11 million renovation preserves historic features, including original mosaic signage, decorative floor mosaics reflecting the site’s rich hospitality heritage, and the restored tiled façade. Historical photographs displayed throughout the hotel celebrate Portrush’s heritage as a Victorian tourist resort, while the interior design draws inspiration from the surrounding coastline, blending a contemporary palette with nods to the natural landscape.

Culinary delights await at Nemesis, the hotel’s Asian fusion restaurant, named after the mythical giant octopus from Marcus’s tales. Drawing on flavours discovered through his travels, the menu offers reimagined classics – like Irish sirloin steak with bone marrow butter and Asian steak sauce – alongside vibrant dishes such as Korean bibimbap with beef, steamed rice, Asian vegetables, and kimchi, finished with a perfectly fried egg.

The Heritage Cocktail Bar evokes the charm of snug harbour bars, with low ceilings, rich textures, and a warm, intimate atmosphere. Its curated drinks list features cocktails crafted from artisan Irish spirits and select international favourites. Signature serves include the Orra Margarita – inspired by the winding beauty of Orra Drive, a scenic stretch through the Antrim Glens. This Northern twist on a classic blends Poitín with mango for a bold, tropical finish.

Nearby attractions include the Bushmills Whiskey Distillery and the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Giant’s Causeway – popular with hikers, surfers, artists, and families. The hotel will open in time to welcome guests for golf’s 153rd Open Championship – one of the sport’s four majors – returning to Royal Portrush Golf Club from 13–20 July 2025, its first staging in Northern Ireland since 2019.

Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said, “Northern Ireland has seen a strong rise in tourism in recent years, drawing travellers from around the world to experience its unique charm. As the only internationally branded hotel in Portrush, The Marcus Portrush, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, offers high-quality accommodation with an authentic local touch – making it the perfect base for visitors eager to explore all that Northern Ireland has to offer.”

Developed under a franchise agreement with Andras House Ltd, Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group, the hotel is expected to boost the local economy by £1.1 million in annual visitor spending and will create over 40 permanent jobs.

Rajesh Rana, director, Andras House, said, “I am delighted to be welcoming our first guests to this exciting and high-profile project. Portrush has so much history and fond memories created here over the years, and our architects and designers have responded by delivering a scheme that embody these stories in a modern style. This investment of £11million will bring much needed modern hotel accommodation to the area, helping to regenerate the Main Street of Portrush and secure its future as a must-go tourism destination.”

About Hilton

Hilton is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 24 brands comprising more than 8,600 properties and nearly 1.3 million rooms, in 139 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its founding vision to fill the earth with the light and warmth of hospitality, Hilton has welcomed over 3 billion guests in its more than 100-year history, was named the No. 1 World’s Best Workplace by Great Place to Work and Fortune and has been recognized as a global leader on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices. Hilton has introduced industry-leading technology enhancements to improve the guest experience, including Digital Key Share, automated complimentary room upgrades and the ability to book confirmed connecting rooms. Through the award-winning guest loyalty program Hilton Honors, the more than 218 million Hilton Honors members who book directly with Hilton can earn Points for hotel stays and experiences money can’t buy. With the free Hilton Honors app, guests can book their stay, select their room, check in, unlock their door with a Digital Key and check out, all from their smartphone.

About Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Tapestry Collection by Hilton is a portfolio of nearly 160 independent hotels each with an original, vibrant personality, encouraging guests to enjoy off-the-beaten-path experiences in destinations worth exploring. While each property has a unique story to share that comes to life through uplifting design and unique food & beverage, every Tapestry Collection property is united by the reliability that comes with the Hilton name, in addition to the benefits of the award-winning Hilton Honors program. Experience Tapestry Collection by Hilton by booking at tapestrycollectionbyhilton.com or through the industry-leading Hilton Honors app. Hilton Honors members who book directly through preferred Hilton channels have access to instant benefits.

About Andras House

Andras House is Northern Ireland’s largest hotel group with nine properties in the province. The company, which was funded by entrepreneur Lord Rana in 1981, opened the first Hampton by Hilton on the island of Ireland in 2018. Andras House is committed to sustainable and recently achieved Green Tourism accreditation for all of its hotel properties.