Drum Gatelodge

2 Dogs Allowed
From £301 for 2 nights
Sleeps 2
Wood Burning Stove

About the Property

2 Dogs Allowed
From £301 for 2 nights
Sleeps 2
Wood Burning Stove

The Drum Gatelodge, Co. Antrim

The Drum Gatelodge is a unique and pretty two-storey Gatelodge. It was built at the end of a long avenue of beech trees at the western edge of the Ballylough Estate in 1800. It is situated on a quiet country road – and its rustic setting makes it an ideal romantic retreat from the stresses of everyday life. The property has underfloor heating with gas fired central heating. Located just outside Bushmills, it is an ideal base from which to explore the North Antrim Coast.

We think you’ll love

 
  • The peace and tranquillity of this Countryside location.
  • Spotting hares, rabbits and other wildlife just outside your door.
  • Visiting nearby Giants Causeway and all of the attractions of the beautiful North Antrim Coast. 

Facilities

  • 1 Double Bedroom
  • Gas Fired Central Heating
  • Peat Burning Stove in Sitting Room
  • Underfloor Heating
  • Electric Oven
  • Microwave
  • Fridge/Freezer
  • Towels and Linens Provided
  • Travel cot/crib for infants (under 2 years), on request
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Cooking Utensils and Equipment
  • 1 Bathroom with Bath Tub
  • Sitting Room
  • Garden and Garden Furniture
  • Patio area
  • Countryside setting
  • Radio/CD Player
  • Car Parking

Things to do in County Antrim

A fantastic example of the things to do – Seven Days On The Antrim Coast.

Things you should know

Guests to not have access to the private estate.

Please note:  Irish Landmark properties that welcome a pet may not have secure enclosures.  It is vital that you supervise your pet during your stay.

Irish Landmark Trust has teamed up with Co. Down based food company Hara at Home to offer guests the option to pre-order a premium meal delivery service at The Drum Gatelodge.  Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home

Please see FAQ for further details.

 

Archdeacon Traill, whose family still own the estate, built the Drum Gatelodge (also known as Ballylough West Lodge) at the end of a long avenue of beech trees at the western entrance to the Ballylough Estate in 1800. The Lodge was tiny, with two rooms linked by a stone staircase. It was a dwelling with no running water, an outside two-holer and you pumped your own water from the well on the opposite side of the avenue. It was always lived in by estate workers, but there are no records of the occupants prior to 1898 when Lizzie Taggart and her husband came to live there. Both of the Taggarts were employed on the estate, he as a farm labourer, and she as the 'hen girl' looking after the geese, ducks and hens.

Mr. Taggart died sometime between 1910-1920 leaving Lizzie with a family of two daughters, named Elizabeth and Martha, and a son called Joseph. Elizabeth married a Mr. Callaghan and went to live in nearby Castlecatt, where they had a family of four sons and a daughter. Martha moved to Cloughmills and married Mr. White, a farmer. Robbie (Robert), one of her children, was sent back to be reared by his grandmother at the lodge.  He was sent to the local school at Ballylough, became a bus driver, and lived at the lodge with his grandmother until her death in 1962.  Robbie then came to live in Bushmills, where he set up a small business in the Main Street, and died in his 70s.

Lizzie's son, Joseph, joined the Army at the outbreak of the First World War served in France, and married on his return. He was employed by local farmers and latterly worked with a local coal delivery firm. Joseph had two children, Joseph and Margaret. Joseph (junior) worked locally in Coleraine until the outbreak of the World War Two when he joined the Army.  He was stationed in Scotland where he met and married a local girl. He is still living in Scotland after 63 years - he and his wife are now in their mid 80s. Margaret worked in local factories as a seamstress, married Edward Crawford and had a family of four.

Lizzie Taggart herself was quite a character, Mrs. Shanks (who lived nearby as a child) has vivid recollections of her from as far back as the 1940's:
" My childhood was spent on a farm just along the road away from Bushmills, and I remember Mrs. Taggart and Robbie, her grandson, and their quaint home. We children spent the first few years of our school life (under the beady eye of Mrs Briggs!) at the wee two teacher school at Castlecatt. We had permission to take a short cut through the estate, and as we always walked to school, this saved some time and shoe leather. We passed right by the lodge twice a day and often saw and chatted to Mrs. Taggart. We knew that her name was Lizzie, but to us children, she was always Mrs. Taggart.
We were in no hurry on that homeward journey - we'd dawdle among the trees, pick the odd wild flower or play tag around the trees near the Lodge. Mrs. Taggart might have been feeding hens or carrying in water from the well, as we passed. Although kindly, Mrs. Taggart was fairly outspoken, and voiced her opinion when the occasion demanded it. My brother James and I, being the youngest, usually walked home together, and we still laugh about the time when he left me behind among the trees while he ran off without me. I was crying, so I was escorted into the Lodge with soothing noises and some tit bit or other, and James was sent off with her opinions ringing in his ears and no goodies!"
Lizzie's tenancy was from 1898 to 1962, and reports of her housekeeping show the great changes in domestic habits throughout her married life, as well as resourcefulness in bringing up a family in such a small space

She cooked on an open peat fire with a crook and hooks and a griddle, and made soda bread and potato cakes daily.

  • HEALTH AND SAFETY:

    Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.

  • Arrival and Departure Time?

    Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.

  • Is there a TV?

    No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.

  • Is there WiFi?

    No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.

  • Can I bring a dog?

    Yes this property accepts up to 2 dogs. Please read the policy carefully and supervise your pets at all times.

  • Do you supply towels and bed linen?

    Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.

  • Is there an open fire and do you supply fuel?

    The is a stove in the sittingroom. We supply enough fuel for your first night only. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property

  • Do you supply fuel for the fire?

    Irish Landmark Trust supply enough fuel for one night only. Guests will be advised where to purchase fuel for the fire locally.

  • Do I need a car to get here?

    It would be preferable to have a car as otherwise it will be difficult to get to shops, etc.

  • How do I get the keys?

    When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.

  • Can I arrive early?

    Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.

  • What is the latest departure time?

    10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.

  • How far to the nearest town?

    About 5 mins drive back to Bushmills.

  • Where can I find information about the local area?

    Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.

  • Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?

    We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.

  • Is it suitable for children?

    This is a small property that only sleeps 2 people. However a travel cot can be provided on request for babies.

  • Is it suitable for older people?

    This property is not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. The bedroom is reached by a narrow winding staircase.

  • Does it have facilities for disabled people?

    No.

  • Is it suitable for a wheelchair?

    No.

  • Is there central heating?

    There is gas central heating with radiators throughout the house.

  • Is the cooker electric or gas?

    There is an electric cooker

  • Is there a shower?

    Yes - there is a shower over bath in the single bathroom.

  • How many bathrooms?

    1

  • Can I get to the house by public transport?

    Yes. You would get a train or bus to Coleraine and a local bus to Bushmills. A taxi could take you onwards from there to the gatelodge. However, you would need a car to get to local shops, etc.

  • Where is the nearest train station?

    Coleraine.

  • What type of heating is in the house?

    Gas central heating.

  • What is your minimum booking period?

    Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.

  • Is there a garden at the house?

    Yes. There is a lawned area.

  • Is there outdoor furniture.

    Yes, a table and chairs are provided.

  • Is there parking on site?

    Yes there is parking for 1 car.

  • What condiments and products do you supply?

    We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.

  • How do I order the premium meal delivery service from Hara at Home?

    Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look at the menus and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home. Your House Manager will receive your delivery and have it for you at the property on arrival. Please note this service is available for Friday arrivals only. Please see FAQ for further details.

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.

CONTRACT OF HIRE:

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.

 

Read Full Booking Conditions

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Reviews

Great Escape to the Countryside

“Spent Easter weekend of 2022 in this gem of a house. It was a real treat and a great place to get away from wi-fi/ TV and other distractions in life. The house was spotless, cozy, warm, and ticked all other boxes. The turf burning stove got lit every night, more for effect that heat. I would suggest it to any one. It is located about 1.5K from the main road to Bushmills village and another 2 K to the Bushmills village. It is located on a quiet county back road that runs through beautiful fields with some local cows in the distance. Meet with Brenda at one point when she kindly dropped by and it was a pleasure to meet her. The kitchen has everything one needs including a French press for your morning coffee. Kitchen is snug but perfect for 2 people. The bed is a five foot wide bed and very comfortable. FYI: Mobile phone coverage is adequate for phone calls but not much else for those who don’t want to disconnect from technology.” 

A short break in the Drum

“Quirky, comfortable and cosy. This is a property which has been imaginatively extended and furnished, but has lost none of its original charm and character.The Drum part of the accommodation is furnished with some lovely period pieces and the peat burner adds to the atmosphere. It’s located on a very quiet road within easy striking distance of many of the Antrim coast attractions. All in all, ideally suited for two people.” 

House Manager

Alan McAfee

Alan McAfee is the House Manager at the Drum Gatelodge. Alan loves to welcome guests and tell them about the best things to do in the local area.

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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

Availability Calendar

Check availability for all of our properties at a glance here.

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.