Landmark Belfast Lough hotel adds award to a run of hospitality honours in its 150th year
Culloden Estate & Spa, one of Northern Ireland’s best-known hotels, has marked its 150th anniversary with another major accolade, after the five-star hotel was named AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland.
The award comes during a significant year for the Belfast Lough hotel, which dates back to 1876 and has undergone a €700,000 programme of investment while recording growing demand from visitors from the Republic of Ireland.
A run of hospitality honours
It also follows a run of recent recognition for both the hotel and its team. General Manager Cormac Fadden was named Hotelier of the Year at the 2026 Institute of Hospitality Northern Ireland Awards earlier this month, while Executive Head Chef Mark Begley was named Chef of the Year and Michelle Wells Commercial Manager of the Year at the same awards.
The hotel’s spa was also just named Northern Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa at the recent World Spa Awards.
The latest accolade was announced at the AA Hospitality Awards at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, where more than 1,000 hospitality professionals gathered for the annual awards recognising hotels, restaurants and individuals across the UK.
It represents another endorsement from the AA for the Culloden following the award of Two AA Rosettes to its flagship Vespers restaurant in 2025, recognising the quality and consistency of its food and service.
Mr. Fadden said the timing gives the award added significance for a hotel which has been part of the Belfast Lough landscape for a century and a half
“To receive another recognition in our 150th anniversary year makes the AA Hotel of the Year award even more special and we are proud of the role we play in showcasing the exceptional quality of Northern Ireland’s tourism industry.”
“It is a true honour to have our team’s commitment, care and attention to detail recognised at an event that celebrates the very best of hospitality.”
Built in 1876 as a Scottish Baronial-style residence for Belfast stockbroker William Auchinleck Robinson, Culloden House later became the official residence of the Bishops of Down, Connor and Dromore and was known as the Bishop’s Palace. It was converted into a hotel in the 1960s, acquired by Sir William Hastings in 1967 and, in 1996, became Northern Ireland’s first hotel to achieve five-star status.
Today the estate is set within 12 acres of gardens overlooking Belfast Lough, with 98 individually designed rooms and suites, Vespers restaurant and a destination spa.Its 150th anniversary investment has included upgrades to guestrooms, private dining spaces and spa facilities.
The anniversary comes as Belfast and Northern Ireland continue to attract short-break visitors from across the island. The Culloden reported strong growth from the Republic of Ireland market during 2025, alongside increased business from the US.
“Congratulations to Culloden Estate & Spa on being named AA Hotel of the Year for Northern Ireland at the AA Hospitality Awards 2026,” said Simon Numphud, Managing Director of AA Hotel & Hospitality Services.
“Our annual Awards celebrate the businesses and people that set the standard for the industry across the UK, and Culloden Estate & Spa is a brilliant example of a team that deliver true hospitality for their guests. Their commitment to delivering exceptional experiences is exactly what these awards set out to celebrate. A truly deserved recognition of their hard work, commitment and love for what they do.”
For more information visit cullodenestateandspa.com.
