Historic Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus to close after almost 50 years under same family

Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus has announced it will close on Monday, 21 September 2026, ending almost five decades under the ownership of Derek and Maureen Fallis. The family said they had hoped to pass the business on but that trading conditions for small independent hotels had become increasingly difficult.

One of Carrickfergus’ best-known hospitality businesses, Dobbins Inn, has announced it will close its doors next month after almost 50 years under the ownership of the same family.

The historic High Street hotel confirmed that its final day of trading will be Monday, 21 September 2026.

Derek and Maureen Fallis, who are now operationally retired, have owned Dobbins Inn since 1978, with their daughter Kirsty later joining the family business. The inn’s own history records that Kirsty joined in 2010 and subsequently took a leading role in its operation. Read more about the history of Dobbins Inn.

Dobbins Inn closure confirmed by family

Announcing the decision, the family said:

“After almost 50 years, it’s time for us to say goodbye.”

They explained that while they had hoped to find someone to take over the business, this had ultimately not been possible.

The family added that, like many smaller independent hotels, Dobbins Inn had found trading increasingly challenging in recent times.

They thanked the thousands of customers who have stayed, eaten, celebrated special occasions or simply called in over the decades.

Special thanks were also given to the inn’s loyal regular customers and generations of staff who helped make Dobbins what it became.

Almost five decades of memories in Carrickfergus

Dobbins Inn has been a familiar landmark in the centre of Carrickfergus for generations.

The building itself has a history stretching back centuries and is closely associated with the heritage of the town. Dobbins Inn describes its history as spanning more than 500 years, while Tourism NI promotes the venue as a historic inn on Carrickfergus High Street. Visit the official Dobbins Inn website.

For many local families, however, its significance goes beyond the history of the building.

Over almost five decades under Derek and Maureen, the hotel has hosted weddings, birthdays, family meals, nights out, visitors to Carrickfergus and countless other occasions.

The family said those thousands of moments and memories would remain with them long after the doors close.

Dobbins Inn will remain open until 21 September

Dobbins Inn plans to continue trading as normal until Monday, 21 September, giving regular customers and visitors several more weeks to call in.

The family said they would love to see people before the final day.

Those wishing to find current information about the hotel can visit the Dobbins Inn website or its official Facebook page.

For more local news, events, businesses and information from Carrickfergus, visit our Carrickfergus page.

A landmark prepares to say goodbye

The closure will mark the end of a significant chapter for one of Carrickfergus’ longest-established hospitality businesses.

For Derek, Maureen, Kirsty and the many members of staff who have worked at Dobbins over the years, the final weeks will provide an opportunity to welcome familiar faces through the doors one last time.

Have memories, photographs or stories from Dobbins Inn over the years? Share them with Northern Ireland Online and help us celebrate the history of this much-loved Carrickfergus landmark.