Location and Overview
If you are visiting Northern Ireland, consider staying in an upscale B&B outside of the big city. We found ourselves in Bangor, Northern Ireland, a favourite weekend escape for locals and visitors. Located just 30 minutes from downtown Belfast by train or car, it’s the perfect location for those seeking coastal walks, marina views, and quiet charm.
Bangor Marina – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
The town’s Victorian roots are visible everywhere, with ornate facades, well-kept flower beds, and an inviting promenade on the waterfront. Bangor Marina was a block from our B&B. I can only imagine how bustling it would be in the spring and summer. My husband and I were on a three-day tour of Northern Ireland with Rabbie’s Tours, and Shelleven House was one of two accommodations they recommended in Bangor. I’m happy to tell you this bed and breakfast was in a perfect location with excellent views from our second-floor room windows.
Accommodation and Hosts
Built in 1902, Shelleven House is a beautiful Victorian home in Bangor, Northern Ireland (U.K.). It has 13 tastefully decorated ensuite rooms, all with quality mattresses and LED Smart TVs. The rooms are on the main, first, and second floors and vary in size to accommodate solo travelers, couples, and families.
Dining Room – Shelleven House – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
The proprietors and hosts, Sue and Paul, were warm and welcoming. They accommodated us in a larger room with two beds and a bathtub. After settling in, we were looking for dining options, and Sue gave us a few suggestions of where to eat and what to see in this lovely coastal town. Although we were visiting in the third week of September, she did suggest we make dinner reservations for the more popular restaurants.
Room Features
Our bedroom was very comfortable, with a double bed and a single bed. There was a beverage tray, a phone, a small vanity, and two chairs. The view from the bedroom towards the Irish Sea was spectacular. I would highly recommend getting a room on the top floor or one that faces the sea.
Large Bedroom -Shelleven House – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
The bed was very comfortable, and we had a thick duvet (which we needed to remove) as the weather was sunny and warm. We could open the windows for fresh air, but we’re happy to see that they had blackout drapes for those who love a dark room. I prefer to see the sun coming up!
Amenities
Each bedroom is equipped with complimentary filtered water and a hot beverage tray (instant tea and coffee). There is an alarm clock with USB ports, as well as toiletries, comfy slippers, and cozy robes. WIFI is available throughout the house, and there is free parking on the premises.
Lounge – Shelleven House – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
There are books you can borrow on the second floor with a variety of titles to choose from. Relax and have a cup of tea in the lovely reading lounge, or sit and enjoy the beautiful garden. Need a refresh? Inquire at reception for laundry service details – an added bonus for travelers. Although I did not see it, I believe there is an accessible room with wheelchair accessibility features on the ground floor. This is something I always look for in any property.
Dining Options in Bangor
Shelleven House is a traditional bed and breakfast, so breakfast is the main meal here. Freshly cooked with local ingredients and plenty of Ulster hospitality. Breakfast has many options, including a full Irish breakfast or Ulster fry, delectable breakfast sandwiches (that were huge), and other traditional choices (porridge, crepes, etc.).
Breakfast – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
For dinner, you can easily walk from the B&B to High Street for a variety of culinary options. On our first night in Bangor, we went to the Underground Dining and enjoyed a lovely chicken curry and seared tuna. The house specialty is Beef Wellington, and I was able to snag a picture. On our second night, we had dinner at Donegan’s Bar and Restaurant, a traditional pub with an excellent menu and excellent service. We opted for the pork belly and the risotto. If you can snag a table upstairs, you will have a quieter experience, but if you want live music, stop by the bar downstairs.
Beef Wellington at Underground Dining – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
What to See Nearby
If you love history or easy day trips, you’re well situated in Bangor. The stately Bangor Abbey dates to the sixth century, while Crawfordsburn Country Park offers woodland trails and dramatic views out across the Irish Sea. The compact town centre is perfect for window shopping, sampling ice cream at Maude’s, or having a cold pint at Jenny Watts. There is a family water park—Pickie Fun Park—and access to scenic cycling routes along the coast. For longer adventures, head towards the Ards Peninsula for windswept beaches and birdwatching, or hop the train to Belfast the world-class Titanic Museum. We were lucky that the Rabbie’s Tour took us to some of these sites close to our accommodations in Bangor.
Pixie Funpark – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit Margarita Ibbott
Recommendation
Overall, our two-night stay at Shelleven House was relaxing, quiet, and very enjoyable. Our hosts, Sue and Paul, made the stay memorable, and we felt welcomed. Breakfast was delicious, and the views were spectacular. We both loved it and would highly recommend staying here if you are in Northern Ireland. Given its close proximity to Belfast, Shelleven House is an excellent choice for travelers who prefer not to drive, as convenient train service is just steps away. This charming B&B is truly a gem you won’t want to miss when booking accommodations in Northern Ireland, UK.
Shelleven House – View of the Irish Sea – Bangor, UK – Photo Credit: Margarita Ibbott
Check rates online for the Shelleven House at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
Disclosure: I was invited to travel with Rabbie’s Tours and was hosted by the company at Shelleven House for the purposes of a first-hand tour experience and accommodation review. All the opinions for this article are my own.
