Slieve Donard Hotel and Spa is a luxurious 5-star hotel situated at the foot of the picturesque Slieve Donard Mountain in Newcastle, Co Down.
The famous hotel recently reopened under the Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts banner on September 1. From relaxed to upscale, the re-imagined Slieve Donard resort now offers four new options for drinking and dining, with menus championing in-season ingredients, local produce, game, and seafood — introducing J.J. Farrall’s, The Wolf Bar, The Lighthouse, and newly refurbished favourite, The Percy French.
The hotel is only a 45-minute drive from Belfast city or 1 hour 30 minutes from Dublin. The 180 bedrooms and nine function rooms are all finished to the highest of standards, ready to welcome guests and host events.
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You can make the most of your stay by exploring all that Newcastle has to offer. This picturesque town is located on the stunning shores of the Irish Sea and is renowned for its sandy beaches and great walks – especially in the Mourne Mountains – which will provide entertainment for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers.
The town's promenade is dotted with charming shops, cafes, and traditional pubs, offering a taste of Irish culture and warm hospitality.
If you’re looking to relax then you’ve come to the right place and will be well looked after in the hotel's spa, which is absolutely top class.
Guests can indulge in a range of spa treatments and have full use of the leisure facilities. Personally, I absolutely love chilling out in the hot tub as there’s nothing better than taking in the stunning views of the Irish Sea and Mourne Mountains.
If golf is your thing, Newcastle is famous for its Royal County Down Golf Club, consistently ranked among the world's top courses, attracting golf fans from far and wide. There are numerous other golf courses nearby, including at Ardglass and Downpatrick.
The Slieve Donard Hotel offers five types of dining and drinking options to cater to guests' tastes and preferences. The Percy French is a place I have been numerous times over the years and can highly recommend.
RORY'S VERDICT
Having had the most relaxing stay, I really think you should add Slieve Donard Hotel to the top of your list for when you’re looking to book your next getaway.
While it may be on the pricier side, it is well worth it as you’re looked after from the second you walk through the door. Everything about it, from the rooms and food to the attentive staff, is top class and really adds up to a memorable stay.
If you have a special occasion coming up or just fancy treating yourself to a relaxing night away, you will have no regrets if you stay at the Slieve Donard.