Former US president was guest at Abbeydene

Newtownabbey mayor Alderman Thomas Hogg has been continuing his business visits with a trip to Abbeydene House B&B.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Mar 2015, 06:00 BST
Newtownabbey mayor Alderman Thomas Hogg (right) with Tim Clifford outside Abbeydene B&B with a picture of Dwight D Eisenhower visiting Sir Crawford McCullough at the same house in 1945. INNT 09-452-CONNewtownabbey mayor Alderman Thomas Hogg (right) with Tim Clifford outside Abbeydene B&B with a picture of Dwight D Eisenhower visiting Sir Crawford McCullough at the same house in 1945. INNT 09-452-CON
Newtownabbey mayor Alderman Thomas Hogg (right) with Tim Clifford outside Abbeydene B&B with a picture of Dwight D Eisenhower visiting Sir Crawford McCullough at the same house in 1945. INNT 09-452-CON

The property was once owned by entrepreneur and former Lord Mayor of Belfast, Sir Crawford McCullough.

In 1945, during one of his mayoral terms, he invited Supreme Commander Dwight D Eisenhower, who then went on to become a US president in years to come, to lunch at his home following his presentation of Freedom of the City.

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Current owners, Tim and Ethy Clifford converted the house to a B&B in 2008 and were delighted to be one of the first venues in Northern Ireland to be awarded four stars by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.

Speaking at the business visit, Newtownabbey mayor, Alderman Thomas Hogg, commented:“Abbeydene House is a fine example of Victorian architecture and provides top class bed and breakfast accommodation. The house has entertained and accommodated such a wide range of guests over the years, that even a former US president features amongst them.  

“The charm of the place is further enhanced by the wonderful warm welcome extended by the dedicated owners who are clearly very passionate about what they do.”

Related topics:BelfastNorthern IrelandNewtownabbey