What makes the perfect staycation? Good company and stunning locations! Here is a list of some of my favourite accommodation in the Mournes and reasons why I think they are cool. Most of them are small family owned businesses and all are well worth a visit.
Hillside House is an incredible Georgian house built in early 1800’s. It is a unique place to stay as it is full of period features and architectural character. It can sleep up to 10 people and one of the bedrooms even has a massive old 4 poster bed. On the same property is Hillside Lodge, a renovated coach house, sleeping four. There is a fabulous yard out the back with a lovely playground and BBQ and off street parking. Both are nestled in the heart of the Rostrevor and, most importantly, within easy walking distance to Good Craic Gifts. 😉
Just down the road is the Rostrevor Inn. It is about 20 metres from the start of the Fairy Glen and the
entrance to Kilbroney Park with its famous Narnia Trail. It has has seven really lovely ensuite rooms, ranging from charming doubles to a brand new Narnian-themed family room. An excellent breakfast is included in your stay and the restaurant also offers a brilliant lunch and dinner menu. In more normal times the Rostrevor Inn has a fabulous program of live music and events. I’m sure these will return as soon as possible. But again, excellent proximity to my shop. 😁
Just up the hill from Rostrevor are 12 self-catering cottages with 1 to 4 bedroom optionson a farm. Can sleep up to 58 people so ideal for groups. Very kid friendly and pets are welcome. Great for mountain bikers. Fabulous river walk and a tennis court. Sit and listen to the birds, or on a clear night, look up at sky to view the stars. Plus the owner is hilarious.
This wonderful B&B has one of the best views in the village out across Carlingford Lough. Owners are very hospitable and friendly and I know you’ll enjoy your stay. Breakfast is excellent! Easy walking distance to anywhere in the village (including a certain giftshop........)
I could go on and on about all the wonderful places to stay in Rostrevor but there are many others throughout the Mournes. Here are a few more of my favourites.
Just outside Kilkeel an 18th Century corn and flax mill has become luxury self catering accommodation in a secluded riverside setting. There is a lovely enclosed garden with BBQs and a pizza oven, a great outdoor play area and lovely walking trails along the river and through fields. They even have their own goats which are great fun to say hello to. You can choose which of the four cottages suits you best. All have open fireplaces which make things so cosy.
With 5 luxury cottages Kribben Cottages can sleep a total of 24 people. Dog friendly and a central green space with a small playground. These cottages are super well equipped and have also have wood burning stoves which are always so nice. Great views and great location.
A ‘Claghan’ of 10 individual cottages at the foot of the Mournes. Your chance to live in history. Many of the cottages still have the old half doors and at least one still has a tradition thatched roof. There is a lovely river with huge stepping stones on the property. Pets are welcome, fire places in each cottage. This is a unique option for your staycation.
This property won top staycation location in Northern Ireland in 2020. When you see the views and their commitment to quality you can see why. Choose between four star self catering or try glamping on the side of a mountain with gorgeous views of the High Mournes and Dundrum Bay.
Absolutely first class service.
I actually stayed here over Christmas this year. It was incredible! Luxury glamping with a twist. Pets are welcome, kids are not! Outdoor Victorian showers, private hot tubs and uninterrupted views of the Mournes. The log cabins have been hand crafted on site. A yurt has recently been added the accommodation options. No kids, no wifi, no TV so disconnect and reconnect for a few days. Ciara can offer outdoor yoga if that’s your cup of tea and the views really are incredible!
Northern Ireland’s most environmentally friendly self catering accommodation. It is totally off grid and is situated in a small pioneering permaculture farm called Lackan Cottage Farm. Fabulous place to relax surrounded by birdsong, clean air, and wonderful views. It has a four star rating and a gold rating with Green tourism. There is also the option to rent a beautifully converted horsebox.
This one makes me smile. They have proper big bell tents but with carpeted floors, real beds and woodburning stoves! Surely the definition of glamping. Situated right next to Castlewellan Forrest Park so you can head over and explore the Peace Hedge Maze or hire bikes/kayaks from Life Adventure. Genuinely camping but in serious style.
https://www.escapeglamping.com/
One of the most intriguing of all…..
Two underground houses! These magical looking houses have been integrated into their environment. Stone fronts but built into the hillside so you have grass on the roof! They are fully equipped with ensuite bathrooms, proper kitchens and a huge sprinkling of magic. Best of all is their commitment to help raise money to support Daisy Lodge, services for children with cancer.
Where ever you decide to stay the Mournes are well worth a visit this summer. If you want more ideas of what to do while you’re in the area come into Good Craic and grab your free copy of my Guide to Rostrevor and the Mournes. It has 40+ ideas of what do to on your visit. A free link to the guide will be emailed to you if you sign up to my mailing list.
Hope to see you in Rostrevor soon!!!
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