Welcome
Arrival
The premises will be normally available from 4pm on the day of arrival; generally we will meet you at the house. A welcome basket containing some basics including tea, coffee and milk, bread will be available on arrival. Should you be planning for a later arrival, please let us know and alternative arrangements can be made.
Departure
The premises should be normally vacated by 10am on the day of departure (unless extended by prior arrangement) and left in a clean and tidy condition. Any losses, damages or breakages must be paid for prior to departure.
Should we not be present when you wish depart, please ensure that both the garage and house are locked and the keys can then be put back through the letter box.
During your Stay
Faults
We endeavour to ensure that everything about the property is correct and functioning properly prior to your arrival. However during your stay, if you notice anything that isn’t working or that you are unhappy with, please bring it to our attention immediately using the contact numbers above. We will endeavour to have the fault rectified immediately rather than let it impact on the enjoyment of your stay with us.
Spare Bedrooms - We would be grateful for your co-operation in ensuring that any bedrooms not in use during your stay remain undisturbed.
Smoking - Please note that smoking is not allowed inside the buildings.
WIFI
WIFI is available and the code will be provided on arrival. Should the router be showing “No internet service”, this is usually rectified by re-setting the router, which can be done by switching off the power to the router at the wall socket for 20 seconds and switching it back on.
Equipment - Full instructions on the use of the kitchen, laundry and other equipment in the house are reproduced in the Instruction Manual folder located in the bookcase in the sun-room.
BBQs
For your enjoyment, both a gas BBQ and a masonry charcoal BBQs are available at the house in season.
The gas BBQ is positioned in the area are the rear door of the house to provide shelter from sea breezes and a more secure location and we would be grateful if the BBQ was not moved,
The charcoal; BBQ is located in the patio area at the bottom of the front garden. This masonry BBQ can also be used as an outdoor fireplace.
Once lit, BBQs should not be left unattended and we would be grateful if the grills were cleaned after use.
BBQ cooking utensils are stored with each BBQ and we would be grateful if you would return them to the appropriate BBQ after cleaning.
Further information on the use of the BBQs is provided on a separate page within this information folder.
Gazebo
The electric heater in the gazebo operates on a timer switch which gives 15 minutes heat per touch. To switch the heater off before the time is exhausted simply touch the button again.
Please ensure the gazebo heater and lights are witched off before leaving the area.
Showers - There are 3 showers in the house – please note that the use of multiple showers or when appliances are using the water may affect the water pressure to each individual outlet.
Books/Games/DVDs
A selection of novels and magazines are available from the bookcase in the conservatory. These are for use during your stay and should not be removed
A selection of DVDs are in the lounge, again these are for your enjoyment during your stay and must not be removed.
The snooker/pool table is situated in the garage – please replace the table cover after each use.
Refuse Bins
The property has three types of refuse bins and we have 2 of each type
- A blue recycling bin, for paper, cardboard, plastic or card food and drink cartons, bottles and cans.
- A brown bin for food waste
- A grey bin for all other refuse.
Please refer to notice in the kitchen or the bin schedule within this information folder to see which colour of bin should be left out during the week of your stay and more details of what can be placed in the blue bin.
Should either both bins of either colour become full during your stay, please us the refuse bags under the sink.
Heating
The heating and water heater is controlled by a timer in the utility room, with the hours of automatic operation depending on the season. Should you require additional heat or warm water please use the +1hr button once. Additional instructions are posted at the controls in the utility room.
Note:
- The water will stay hot for up to 48hrs after the heating has been on, depending on usage.
- When using the heating and water together, it does take slightly longer for both systems to reach their maximum operating temperatures.
Use of Heating Stoves
Full instruction manuals on the use of both stoves are available in the instruction manual folder in the Sun Room. We provide an initial supply of fuel for both stoves free of charge and additional supplies can be purchased at Bush Fuels in Bushmills.
The stove glass can usually be cleaned by wiping with newspaper or cloth, however if the tar is hardened please do not attempt to clean with any cleaning solutions or abrasives and this can damage the glass.
Lounge
This stove can be used to burn only logs, peat or smokeless coal. Kane Fuels Hi-Lite or Cosy Flame smokeless coal is recommended.
Always use the heat resistant glove when touching the fire door handle.
The fire door should only be open to replenish the fuel and must never be left open.
The fire can be regulated using the lower level on the front of the fire (moving to the left reduces the fire intensity). The upper lever can also be used to regulate the fire, but also prevents the glass from blackening by any smoke. Full instructions on use are reproduced in the Instruction Manual section of this Information folder.
The fire grate will need to be cleaned out each day after use. Ashes can remain hot overnight so please ensure hot ashes are not put in the bin. A galvanised ash bin is available to empty ash into for transporting to the refuse bin.
Sun-Room
This stove can be used to burn logs only.
Both air vents should be open when lighting the fire, but once it is established the left hand air vent should be closed.
Wood does not create too much ash, but the grate should be checked each time before use and emptied if required
Fire Safety Equipment
A fire blanket and fire extinguisher are located on the wall in the utility room with an additional extinguisher on the 1st floor landing
Fire Alarm
The premises are protected by a fire alarm- should this sound please immediately vacate by the nearest safe exit and call the emergency services. Should the alarm be tripped inadvertently there is a reset button on the ceiling unit.
CO2 alarm
The CO2 alarms are situated in the lounge and sun room – should this sound please operate the test/reset button and if the alarm continues to sound
- Move everyone to fresh air
- Phone us & the emergency services
- Do not re-enter the property until the all clear is given by the emergency services
- When leaving the house please ensure that all doors (including the garage) are locked and all windows closed.
- Note the main front and back doors of the house are locked by raising the door handle and while raised turning the key in a clockwise direction. To unlock the doors simply turn the key in an anti-clockwise direction.
Note Should there be a loss of electricity supply to the house there alarm this will show on the alarm controller.
Gas Safety
In the unlikely event that you should smell escaping gas inside or outside the house
- Ensure all the rings on the cooker are turned to the off position
- Turn off the gas using the gas supply isolation valve, this is the silver coloured valve located under the cover of the gas tank (situated behind the garage).
- Phone us and Calor Gas 24 hour emergency number 08450 755588 for assistance.
A supply of spare light bulbs and batteries for the TV remotes are kept in the utility room.
Occasional “spikes” in the electricity supply can cause the RCD circuit breaker in the fuse cupboard to trip, which will disable the supply to various circuits including the sockets in the lounge and the heating. If this occurs, simply reset the switch which is clearly marked in the fuse cupboard located in the utility room.
Should the power go off, there is a supply of emergency lighting and candles available in the cupboard above the fridge in the kitchen
Local Area
Tourist Information
A selection of tourist information is available from the bookcase in the sunroom. This is for reference during your stay and should not be removed. The nearest tourist information office is at the Giants Causeway
Giant’s Causeway
44 Causeway Road
Bushmills, BT57 8SU
T: (028) 2073 1855
Or log on to the official Northern Ireland Tourist Board web site www.discovernorthernireland.com
Walking
The Causeway Coast Way can be accessed starting from Whitepark Bay Beach, east to Ballintoy Harbour (and coffee shop in season) or West towards Port Bradden, Dunseverick and the Giants Causeway. Note the tide needs to be out to join the trail from the beach and you can get information on tidal times from BBC web site and look for the data on Ballycastle Bay. http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/coast_and_sea/tide_tables
Should the tide be in, you can still join the trail west by using the coast road to get to Port Bradden
Shops
Bushmills has a selection of supermarkets, butchers and a speciality fruit shop. The Centra and Co-Op in Bushmills are open 7 days a week from 8am to 10 pm and the Centra has an Off-Sales.
Larger shops can be found in Coleraine including a large Tesco’s (open 8am to 12pm Mon-Sat and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday) and Asda (open 8am to 10pm Mon to Sat and 1pm to 6pm on Sunday). Both Tesco’s, Sainsbury and ASDA offer online ordering and delivery to the house. To use this service you simply need to add the house address to you existing account registration or register as a new user on their web sites for delivery to this address. http://www.tesco.com/groceries/ or http://www.sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries or http://groceries.asda.com/asda-webstore
There is also a selection of shops in Ballycastle including a large Co-Op grocery store.
Petrol Station
The nearest petrol station is Bush Fuels, 3 Main Street, Bushmills, which also stocks supplies of coal/peat/logs for the fires and replacement gas cylinders for the BBQ if required.
Taxis (Recommended you book well in advance)
Fast Cabs Booking office 0282076100, Mobile 07746609019
Bush Cabs 07857957688
Sammy T 07711197146
Causeway Taxi 07715177129
TK Cabs 07716763617
Riverside Cabs 07729169955
S&C 02870821008
Hugh’s Taxi 07702986110
Sam’s Cabs 07731492826
Buses
The “Rambler” hop on hop off bus service operates from June to September, connecting all the various places of interest on the Causeway Coast from Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge through to Portrush and Coleraine. The bus stops on the main road at the bottom of Moycraig Road, opposite the White Park Bay car park entrance. See the attached information leaflet and timetable.
The standard local bus service number 172 also stops at the main street in Ballintoy, offering a regular easterly service to Ballycastle and westerly past the Giants Causeway, through to Bushmills, Portrush and Coleraine. See attached timetable.
Restaurants/Bars (with comments against our own personal favourites)
Bushmills Inn - 9 Dunluce Road, Bushmills Tel +44 (0)28 2073 3000 www.bushmillsinn.com
Recommended for their food and traditional bar, but more expensive than most.
Distillers Arms - 140 Main Street, Bushmills Tel 028 2073 1044 www.distillersarms.com Recommended for their food,
The French Rooms - 45 Mains Street Bushmills Tel 028 2073 0033 http://thefrenchrooms.com
Restaurant with a French feel – great spot and food is good, Excellent for breakfasts as well.
Smugglers Inn - 306 White park Road, Bushmills Tel 028 2073 1577
The Nook - 48 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway Tel 028 2073 2993
Great for an alfresco drink in their outside area with views of the coast and watch all the activity around the Causeway.
The Causeway Hotel - 40 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway. Tel 028 2073 1210
The Bayview Hotel - 2 Bayhead Road, Portballintrae, Tel +44 (0)28 2073 4100
Great food in the restaurant with views looking out over the bay and a good bar with sky sports showing
The Fullerton Arms - 22 - 24 Main Street, Ballintoy Tel + 44 28 2076 9613 – good pub food, lacks some atmosphere but one of the closest bars to the house
The Causeway Tavern – 241 Whitepark Road Tel +44 2820732224 – Traditional pub with an atmosphere all of its own – the closes pub to the house at 2 miles away.
The Harbour Bar Complex - http://www.ramorerestaurant.com The Harbour, Portrush (Bar, Live music lounge and 6 separate restaurants) -
Harbour Bistro Tel +44 (0) 28 7082 2430 (bookings on Sunday and for parties of 10+)
Tourist Tel +44 (0) 28 7082 3311 (no bookings)
Ramore Wine Bar Tel +44 (0) 28 7082 4313 (bookings for parties of 10+)
Mermaid Kitchen +44 (0) 28 7082 6969 (bookings, no kids)
Basalt +44 (0) 28 7082 6969 (bookings, no kids)
Neptune & Prawn +44 (0) 2870822448 (no bookings, no kids) – also cocktail bar upstairs.
The Harbour Bar itself is renowned in the area, a great old traditional pub with lounge and roof terrace upstairs. The food in all its restaurants is good and great value. Check their website for details and opening times.
55 Degrees North - 1 Causeway Street, Portrush, Tel 028 7082 2811
Good food and location with great sea/beach views, watch the surfers through the floor to ceiling glass walls.
The Tides Restaurant – 21 Ballyreagh Road Portrush Tel 028 7082 3833
Good food, reasonably priced with sea views, outside balcony area and good if you are with children.
Ocho Tapas Bistro – http://www.ochotapas.com 92-94 Main Street Portrush Tel 028 70824110 – Excellent tapas food, good veggie/vegan selection on the menu. Book online from their website.
Amici Ristorante - http://amiciportstewart.squarespace.com Portmore Rd, Portstewart BT55 7DA Tel (028) 7083 4444 – Excellent Italian restaurant – great wood fired pizza oven
Harry’s Shack - 116 Strand Rd, Portstewart, Ireland BT55 7PG Tel :028 7083 1783 . Highly recommended for it’s excellent food and unique setting on Portstewart beach. Advanced booking is normally necessary for lunches or evening meals. Also open for breakfast or just a coffee/pastry during the day outside of the main lunch time. Also has a covered outdoor area for dining/drinks or coffee with live music in the evening in season.
The closest place for Tea/Coffee and snacks is Bothy Coffee , located at 164 Whitepark Rd, which is only few hundred metres to the left at the bottom of the Moycraig Road/Whitepark Bay carpark – snug location with excellent coffee/food and wood burning pizza oven in the back covered yard, not open on Sundays.
There is also a selection of cafes, coffee bars, traditional fish and chip shops and Chinese carryouts available in Bushmills and cafes at Ballintoy Harbour. The Central Bar or O’Connors Bar (Irish Traditional music on Thursdays nights in Ballycastle are also very good for food and music in the evening. See their own websites for details. www.centralwinebar.com www.oconnorsbar.ie
Emergency Contacts
Doctor
Bushmills Medical Centre
6 Priestland Road,
Bushmills
BT57 8QP
Tel 028 2073 1233
Hospital
Causeway Hospital
4 Newbridge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1HS
Tel: 028 7032 7032
Dentist
Boyd & Logue
95 Eglinton St,
Portrush,
BT56 8DZ
Tel 028 7082 5000
Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance:
Tel: 999
This number is free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency. On answer, state which service you require, wait to be connected to that service, and then clearly state the location of where the assistance is required.
Northern Ireland Electricity
In the event of a power cut contact myself or phone 03457 643643
http://www.nienetworks.co.uk/
And be ready to quote house address
Northern Ireland Water
In the event of an interruption to water supply contact myself or phone 03457 440088.
And be ready to quote house address
We sincerely hope that you have a wonderful stay at Seascape Lodge and would be grateful if you would sign and make comment in the Visitors Book prior to departure
Yours Sincerely
Ian & Nikki
