The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat - Good Food Ireland

Good Food Ireland^® Approved Since 2025

We stand over our recommendations. With exacting selection and regular review processes, we ensure a rewarding local Irish ingredient-led experience. You can count on it!

Overview

Located in Templepatrick, just 20 minutes from Belfast, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is a four-star escape that blends modern design with comfort.

Part of the Galgorm Collection, it’s often described as the relaxed little sister to Galgorm. Guests can choose from a range of stylish rooms including Snug, Comfy, Luxe and Attic options, with some featuring outdoor bathtubs or private hot tubs. Select rooms are also dog-friendly. The hotel’s design combines character and warmth, while the addition of the Lake House offers a more secluded stay. Dining is a highlight, with The Rabbit Restaurant serving modern dishes made from quality local ingredients and Hunter’s Bar offering a more casual setting. Sunday lunch is a popular tradition, and families are well catered for with child-friendly menus.

The spa and wellness facilities make The Rabbit a destination in itself. Its lakeside setting provides the perfect backdrop for botanical baths, outdoor hot tubs and indulgent day spa packages. Guests can unwind with treatments or enjoy signature experiences like the Duo Clay Ritual. The atmosphere throughout the property is laid-back yet refined, and the hotel has earned recognition as one of The Times’ “Best Places to Stay in Northern Ireland 2024.” With its mix of good food, relaxed luxury and contemporary comfort, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat offers a refreshing countryside break within easy reach of Belfast.

Dining

Dining at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is a true celebration of Northern Irish produce, where provenance takes centre stage from the first course to the last. The restaurant is a relaxed, sociable dining experience in a stylish setting that blends sophistication with warmth. The menu champions local suppliers and changes with the seasons, offering dishes full of colour and flavour. From the moment we sat down, the service stood out, with each dish introduced by the team and its ingredients proudly traced back to local farms, fisheries and producers.

We began with Portavogie prawns served on toasted sourdough with an Irish whiskey cream and a crisp, fresh salad. The prawns were generous and full of flavour – a simple but refined nod to the coast. The main course, a butterflied fillet steak cooked rare, was beautifully tender and paired with chunky chips and a freshly made red wine jus. Dessert was a warm, in-house brownie served with ice cream, rich and comforting without being heavy. Breakfast carried the same care and attention, from French brioche with streaky bacon and honey to local granola, yogurt and fruit. Every plate was thoughtfully presented and accompanied by an explanation of where each ingredient was sourced. With its focus on authenticity, hospitality and quality, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is more than just dining in a hotel restaurant – it’s a genuine showcase of Irish food done right.

The Rabbit Restaurant is the hotel’s signature dining space, open daily from noon until late, with menus that celebrate the best of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Guests can choose from à la carte, early evening and set menus, along with weekday and Sunday lunch options, plus dedicated vegetarian and vegan dishes. The adjoining terrace adds to the appeal, offering an inviting spot for al fresco dining when the weather allows.

Inside, the atmosphere is elegant yet easy-going, making it as suitable for a relaxed lunch as it is for a special occasion. The wine list is carefully curated to complement the menu, while the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing independently ensures that every dish is fresh, authentic and full of character. It’s a dining experience that reflects the spirit of The Rabbit itself – stylish, welcoming and distinctly local.

Gift Vouchers:

A gift voucher for dining at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat makes a perfect gift for special occasions

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Rooms & Facilities

Each of the rooms and suites at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is designed with a blend of modern comfort and character, creating a space that feels both stylish and relaxed. Whether guests choose a snug hideaway or a more luxurious suite with an outdoor bath or hot tub, every detail is geared towards comfort and personality.

Beyond the rooms, guests are spoiled for choice when it comes to wellness and leisure. The spa is a standout feature with outdoor hot tubs, a Roman-style bath beneath a sparkling disco ball, a Swedish sauna, aroma steam room, salt chamber and botanical baths by the lake. Guests can unwind on heated loungers, enjoy the lakeside pebble beach or retreat to private cabanas and chill-out lounges with waterbeds. The setting beside the lake adds a sense of calm, making it a space to fully switch off and recharge.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat also caters for events and gatherings with flexible spaces designed for everything from intimate dinners to large celebrations. The Loft provides a striking venue for weddings, while smaller rooms offer stylish options for meetings or private dining. Guests have access to the spa from midday on arrival until check-out, allowing them to make the most of their stay from the moment they arrive. Other thoughtful touches include complimentary Wi-Fi, on-site parking and a strong commitment to independently sourced products and ingredients that reflect the hotel’s attention to detail and authentic approach.

Relax in Style and Comfort

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat offers an eclectic collection of rooms and suites that blend contemporary design with playful character. Each space has been thoughtfully styled with bold patterns, rich textures and modern comforts, creating a fun yet luxurious retreat that feels instantly welcoming.

Guests can choose from a selection of room types to suit their stay. Snug Rooms are compact and cosy – ideal for a short break or solo traveller. Comfy Rooms offer a little more space, while Comfy Rooms with Outdoor Bathtubs bring an added touch of indulgence. Luxe Rooms elevate the experience with plush furnishings and stylish design, and for something extra special, Luxe Room with Hot Tub provide the perfect private escape. For a stay that’s full of character, Attic Rooms feature unique layouts and charming details, while the Lake House offers a great place to stay for work retreats, group stays or hens parties with views over the water.

Every room at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat combines personality with practicality, featuring plush bedding, rainfall showers, CORA products and modern tech touches. Select rooms are also dog-friendly, ensuring no one is left behind. Whether visiting for a relaxing getaway, a special occasion or a spa weekend, each room promises a stay that’s as stylish as it is comfortable.

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Sustainability

Commitment to Sustainability

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is dedicated to sustainability, integrating eco-friendly practices into every aspect of its operations. As part of the Galgorm Collection, the hotel is working towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, aligning with the group’s broader environmental goals.

Guests are encouraged to participate in sustainable practices through the Responsible Visitor Charter, which promotes actions such as reducing energy consumption, supporting local businesses, and minimizing waste. The hotel’s menus feature locally sourced, sustainable, and organic produce, reflecting its commitment to reducing environmental impact.

Additionally, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat supports local charities, societies, and clubs, fostering a positive impact within the community. This approach ensures that sustainability extends beyond environmental efforts to encompass social responsibility, making every stay a contribution to a greener, more connected world.

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