Blog (Accommodation) - Visit Mourne Mountains

Summer has ended and Autumn is drifting away, so a quiet stay in a cosy cottage in the UNESCO Global Geopark of Mourne Gullion Strangford, set in Counties Down and Armagh, Northern Ireland, should be on your itinerary this Winter.

Killeavy Castle Is Named Hotel of the Year  

The four star, Killeavy Castle Estate, nestled in the heart of County Armagh has been named AA Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland at the prestigious AA Hospitality Awards 2023. 

We believe that dogs deserve to enjoy their holidays too, so to celebrate National Dog Day, we’ve featured six of our dog-friendly places to stay.

Love is in the air in Mourne, Gullion and Strangford. Why not escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life and treat yourself to a night of decadence in one of our luxury hotels or book a truly romantic getaway in a secluded self-catering property. Grab your partner’s hand and take a relaxing, pine scented stroll through one of our beautiful and majestic forests. 

A Burns supper is a celebration of the life and poetry of the poet Robert Burns, author of many Scots poems.

Suppers are normally held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January, known as Burns Night. However, in principle, celebrations may be held at any other time of the year. 

Check out what's happening this year in our area...

Following an AA Awards secret inspection to Killeavy Castle Estate, the venue has just been named an AA four-star hotel in recognition of the exemplary offering at the Estate. Following its first AA inspection, the restaurant has been awarded two AA rosettes for ‘Culinary Excellence’, further acknowledging the quality of Killeavy Castle Estate’s food and drink offering.

Whether you love to camp with your tent, glamp, motorhome, or bring your own caravan, The Mournes, Gullion and Strangford are a haven for lovers of the great outdoors. 

With luxury glamping becoming popular, our region has some unique places to fall asleep under the stars or relax by the river.

Officially unveiled by the owners of Killeavy Castle Estate, Sydney-based businessman Mick Boyle and his wife Robin, Killeavy Castle Estate has just launched an Estate Farm Store and Estate Gardens following a further £500,000 investment. 

The fresh daffodils and colourful crocuses are finally flowering, the tiny lambs are frolicking in our fields and it’s beginning to feel a lot more like Spring is finally in the air. With the impending Spring and longer days, my mind turns to the wonderful celebrations that involve bringing people together to enjoy fabulous food, good company and making great memories.

For those who take their outdoor living with a pinch of glamour, The Mourne Mountains and Ring of Gullion area is a little slice of heaven on earth. This wee corner of the world is a glamper’s paradise, and you’ll find there’s no shortage of options for people who want to sleep under the stars while still living a little like them.

Following the government announcement restrictions are starting to ease.  The regulations for the easing of restrictions from 23 and 30 April 2021 have now been published and 24 May 2021 was announced for the reopening of other accommodation and the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland. If you're planning your next staycation or thinking of coming to Visit Mourne for a great day out, here are some suggestions on what's open.