The OldThatch Inn

The Old Thatch Inn has stood on Hillhead Road in Castledawson since 1832, one of the older pub buildings still trading in Northern Ireland. Margaret and Vincent Devlin ran the inn from 1973, the McLarnon family took over in 1997, and Alacoque and Colm Diamond bought it in 2010; their daughter Michaela now manages day-to-day operations. A fire damaged the thatched building in 2014, and an extension was added the following year. The kitchen sources meat from McAtamneys butchers in Magherafelt and vegetables from the family-run McAleese supplier, and has served its own Thatch Sandwich, a chicken and steak dish in peppercorn sauce, for 30 years. The inn offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options alongside live music and sports screenings. Hours run Monday to Thursday, noon to 8pm, Friday to 9pm, Saturday from 9am to 9pm, and Sunday to 8pm.