You’ll find an amazing range of places to stay in and around County Down.
There are hotels, coastal cottages and campsites with sea views to die for. There are ancient castles and period buildings steeped in history and atmosphere.
There are post-modern and modern-retro architectural marvels for the style-conscious traveller. There are places for families and groups big and small. There are even places, in this land of giants, if you’re just one or two-feet tall (and walk on four legs!).
Families first
County Down is such a varied place, and so enmeshed in myths and legends, that families seem naturally drawn to its mountain valleys, rolling farmland and seaside strands.
For a mythical experience the kids will adore, visit Fairy River Glamping (4*). Their name is a nod to the presence of two fairy trees on the land. The site, situated at the base of Slieve Muck Mountain, boasts two Luxury Underground Cottages neatly tucked beneath an active farm at a Rivers Edge.
There’s a host of activities to indulge in nearby with the Game Keepers Horse Riding Lodge located right next door, and the Kilkeel Golf Club and Silent Valley Reservoir both within a five-minute drive. There’s plenty of exciting activities available in the local area including paint balling, go-karting, canoeing, sailing, archery and much, much more. The kids will have the time of their life!
Castles for keeps, or just a short stay
County Down is the home of the brooding Castle Ward, near Strangford, which stood in for Winterfell, the home of the Stark family in Game of Thrones®. While you can’t actually stay in Castle Ward, you can always visit, while living like a lord in a period property nearby.
Amongst them is Helen’s Tower (3*), perched high above rolling hills with views across to North Wales and Scotland on a fine day. This enchanting three-storey stone tower sits deep in the beautiful Clandeboye Estate. With steep, narrow stairs, it’s an adults-only property, which makes it perfect for relaxing while stepping back in time to soak up the views and the history.
Portaferry, at the mouth of Strangford Lough, is an incredibly picturesque village, with a quiet harbour, and a lovely heritage feel to it. Making it even more of a delight is the period bank building which has been converted into boutique self-catering accommodation. The Old Bank, Portaferry, is packed with quirky details from its banking past, combined through its restoration with all the mod cons and facilities today’s visitors expect.
Accommodation that is a cut above
If a touch of luxury is what you’re after, more than a touch is what you’ll get. Especially at The Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, (4*) midway between Bangor and Belfast. This place oozes old world charm, with service, facilities and food that are right up to date.
In Donaghadee you’ll find One Shore Street (5*), a stunning design-led Georgian restoration with five luxurious bedrooms overlooking the sea. Everything here is subtly sea-themed, from the light, bright room décor, to the table settings for your sumptuous sea-view breakfasts.
A short ten minute drive from the historic Hillsborough Castle is the beautiful 5* Coach House Boutique B&B. This elegant, cosy and charming residence features two luxury bed and breakfast rooms located separately from the main house. A stay here will grace you with spectacular views over the surrounding valley to the Gillhall Estate and the River Lagan.
Heavens above
If star-filled nights are more your thing, then Larchfield Estate’s converted Swiss Army Truck could be the perfect glamping place for star-gazing from its elevated deck.
Elsewhere, for self-catering with the stars, The Boathouse, Sketrick Island, oozes atmosphere, seclusion plus star-watching and panoramic views from its deck out front, or is that the back? Who cares with a private location like this!
Right on the edge of County Down is the Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park. With something for just about everyone, its extensive glamping park has instant appeal. It’s got more glamping options than you could shake a tent peg at, including a boat, an iglu hut, a forest dome and a safari tent. Perhaps a different one each night?
With all the accommodation options listed below, your biggest challenge will be deciding which to go for! County Down really is an amazing place to stay, by day and by night.
