Lead a Life of Luxury in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion
Everyone needs a little time away and the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is the perfect spot. The vast open spaces, rivers, lakes and the surrounding seas all speak of a pace of life that is less about the hustle and bustle and more about the rustle of leaves on trees and evenings spent sipping local brews with a whiff of mountain thyme on a gentle breeze.
The key to a luxurious weekend is of course picking that luxurious place to stay and the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has no shortage of candidates to choose from.
Home to the recently anointed Number One spa in the UK by Wardrobe Magazine, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is located on beautifully landscaped grounds right in the heart of the Mournes. Many of the 180 rooms look out over the stunning Irish coastline. The real draw of this lovingly maintained Victorian hotel are the award-winning treatments on offer. Whether you make use of the recently refreshed sauna or steam room, look out across the coast from the tranquility pool or give the skilled therapists the chance to give your body a therapeutic treat you’ll come away from The Spa at Slieve Donard feeling relaxed and ready for the next part of your weekend away...that’s after you’ve had a wee nap.
Luxury Hideaway for a Weekend or a Day
If it’s total seclusion you’re after, Killeavy Castle near Newry might be more of your thing. They too offer treatments and they boast a smaller but no less relaxing tranquility pool. The real draw here is the food and on-site forest trails that allow you to park the car and not budge all weekend.
That, however, is a tough thing to manage in these parts as there is so much to see and do. Wherever you stay you are never far away from the plethora of sites and beauty spots that this amazing area has to offer.
Fans of Games of Thrones®, for example, will find plenty of familiar spots in this neck of the woods. The ruins of the 12th century Inch Abbey and its surrounds were used as the setting for Hooster Tully’s funeral and just a few miles up the road, fans will recognise the shores of Strangford Lough so much of which was used as a backdrop to the world famous series.
Indeed as you delve further into Strangford, you’ll come to Audley’s Tower and Castle Ward. Again both places were used extensively in Game of Thrones® but their fame as places of beauty and historical interest long predates the series.
Castle Ward overlooks Strangford Lough and has been home to the Ward family since the 16th century. The mansion house is a unique blend of both classical and gothic architectural styles and reflect the differing tastes of the Lord Bangor and his wife Lady Ann Bligh who agreed to disagree over their architectural preferences and got the best of both worlds - first world problems are nothing new apparently. The house itself is stunning but the beautiful 820-acre walled demesne with its gardens and woodland is nothing short of idyllic. The 15th Century Audley’s Tower gives the whole area an added sense of mystique.
Shop ‘til you need a drop
You’ll be forgiven if all of this decadence and references to the lords and ladies of both real and fictional lands, inspires you to update your own wardrobe or maybe just your sock drawer. Everyone needs a little shopping excursion, especially on a Luxury Weekend and given that Newry is only up the road, it really would be shameful not to pay a visit and splash out on yourself. Visitors from the Republic of Ireland know this town well as a shopping mecca and almost every business here accepts Euro. You will find bargains galore at The Quays Shopping Centre where Next, Belleek Living, The Body Shop and many others have stores. If you have the time, why not book to get your hair done at one of the many hairdressing salons and get the lowdown on all the local gossip. In Newry itself, Hill Street is the main shopping thoroughfare, but be sure to keep an eye on the nearby Variety Market – a warren of clothes and food stalls that usually opens on Thursdays and Fridays. If you’re here around Christmas time, this market is a must.
Of course the problem with getting your hair done is that you need a place to show it off. Courtney’s Steakhouse is just the spot and the food is sure to hit the spot too. As the name suggests, they specialise in steaks here but they also do an excellent rack of local Mourne Lamb and a wonderful Medley of Seafood.
Closer to the coast the village of Dundrum is a great spot for those with a hankering for fish. Keep your eyes and ears open for the special lobster nights at the Mourne Seafood Bar. If you’re staying for a while, you really should try out Alison Crother’s beautiful Buck’s Head Inn where you can choose from Dundrum Bay oysters, local mussels, Kilkeel monkfish and roast hake depending, of course, on what has been caught that day.
Brewing up a craft beer storm
At most local restaurants in Mourne Gullion Strangford, you’ll be able to wash your food down with locally produced beer. Craft brewing has really taken off in Northern Ireland over the last ten years and one of its great success stories is told at the nearby Whitewater Brewery. This brewery was started on a fifth generation family farm and the tour around it gives you the opportunity to get right into the heart of a brewhouse.
Indeed it will be a member of the Sloan family who will show you around and inspire you with tales of the local folklore and landmarks from which the craft beers get their name. They will also recount their family history and how they came to establish a brewery that now exports all over the world.
To finish off your weekend, why not immerse yourself in an age old Irish tradition at Soak Seaweed Baths in Newcastle. Since they were opened in 2006 by husband and wife team Dermot Devine and Claire Dickinson, the baths have expanded to include three purpose built treatment rooms - a great place to relax and indulge your body just one last time before rejoining the real world.
In years gone by, this area was famous as a place for prospectors in search of gold. Many came and many found nothing. Thankfully, these days those prospecting for that little bit of luxury in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion won’t have such a hard time.
A beloved destination for families, golfers, and holiday travellers, Slieve Donard is a local landmark that’s equal parts homey and breath-taking. The resort sits at the foot of the Mourne Mountains, on the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked no. 1 in the world by Golf Digest.
Sleep in towering castles, in quaint cottages, or camp under the stars. The Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion has plenty of places for you to rest your weary head before going on your next giant adventure. This region boasts incredible stays. Holiday in one of our internationally recognised hotels or stay at one of our acclaimed B&Bs. Be prepared for scenic views, comfortable beds, and service and hospitality you’ll never forget.
