The 10 best hotels in County Down, United Kingdom

August 6, 2022 Joeann Galban

Discover the best hotels in County Down, Northern Ireland including Slieve Donard, Rayanne House, Enniskeen Country House Hotel, Killeavy Castle Estate, Kilmorey Arms Hotel, Slieve Donard, Lisnacurran Country House B&B (Hot Tub-Sauna facilities), The Donard, Harbour House Inn, The Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro.
Things to do in County Down

1. Slieve Donard

Downs Road, Newcastle BT33 0AH Northern Ireland 011 44 28 4372 1066
Excellent
61%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4666 reviews

Slieve Donard

Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down Golf Links frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is now home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is equally suited to a short break, residential conference or even grander events. The hotel boasts 180 luxurious bedrooms, including Executive and Resort rooms and six magnificent Suites, many of which have stunning panoramic views over the Mountains of Mourne and County Down Coastline. All bedrooms are finished in tasteful, traditional styles with every modern comfort, including our famous King Koil 'cloud beds'. Add this to the Spa facilities and proximity to one of the world’s finest golf courses and you have a holiday destination capable of proudly taking the stage with the world’s best resorts. Just 30 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles north of Dublin, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is the perfect choice for touring and sightseeing, and although you may never want to venture away from our sumptuous luxury and exquisite surroundings, there is a range of must-visit local attractions all within close proximity to the Hotel. The Mountains of Mourne are on our doorstep and offer fantastic walking and climbing experiences. Tollymore Forest Park is just a few minutes drive away and is simply breathtaking. Silent Valley, Castlewellan Country Park, Murlough Bay Nature Reserve are all nearby. Less than ten miles away lie the delights of Downpatrick, home to St Patrick’s Visitor Centre and Grave, (a world Christian Heritage Site) and countless opportunities for horse riding, fishing, sailing, off-road driving, mountaineering and windsurfing.

Fabulous One-Night Stay, Too Short

Reviewed By Aslanschild2

Due to scheduling conflicts, we checked in very late, between 10 and 11 p.m., and were greeted by the nicest front desk person, a lovely young lady whose name I unfortunately can't recall now. (I'm still trying.) She had all kinds of great advice for things to do the next day, and we followed it to a "T." She was exactly right, and her advice added to our trip immensely. Of note, she recommended Castlewellan Park and Tollymore Forest Park, both of which turned out to be real gems on our mostly unplanned itinerary. She also assigned us a spectacular room with an ocean view, which was not expected, and we were likewise delighted by the delicious included breakfast buffet the next day. This was our first night ever in Ireland, up from Dublin airport. Far from having any service issues, everyone on staff whom we met was friendly, courteous, and went out of their way to be helpful. But I wish I remembered our check-in girl's name. Her husband belongs to the golf club there. If anyone there who may read this can figure out who she is, please give her our warmest greetings and deepest thanks. She may remember us. We were there on a C. S. Lewis "pilgrimage" of sorts, and I shared with her that I wrote the only published index to his writings.

2. Rayanne House

60 Demesne Road, Holywood BT18 9EX Northern Ireland
Excellent
86%
Good
11%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 256 reviews

Rayanne House

Rayanne House offers a boutique experience where period meets present, charm & comfort, luxury & location, elegance & excellent service. Multi award winning Rayanne House is a unique period property with private grounds, parking and spectacular views over Belfast Lough. A genuine friendly welcome awaits you.

Fantastic place to stay and eat

Reviewed By HeatherER

This is a wonderful place to stay, with some new delights to try on the extensive breakfast menu. The caramel spiced oranges were a big hit, so much so we came away with the recipe, and the hot baked cereal was another winner. The rooms were very comfortable and there is a really good choice of drinks to enjoy in the lounges. The highlight however was the tasting menu which was absolutely stunning, one of the best meals we have ever had. Add to this super friendly staff and owners and we would not hesitate in recommending here and would definitely like to return

3. Enniskeen Country House Hotel

98 Bryansford Road, Newcastle BT33 0LF Northern Ireland
Excellent
62%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
5%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 317 reviews

Enniskeen Country House Hotel

Enniskeen Country House hotel; a mountainside hideaway, this family-run hotel rests in the lush Shimna Valley just outside Newcastle Co Down; Explore the hotels stunning 12 acre estate and winding woodland trail down to the Shimna river; And enjoy the striking views over Northern Ireland's highest mountain Slieve Donard and the Irish Sea.

Adjoining rooms not asked for

Reviewed By Ray V

Room next to us has access to our room virtually.. but our door jammed Had more than one loud g Bang literally in our room very disturbing us with what appear to be drunken voices Expect this in 3rd rate hotels but this was an expensive special anniversary adding to bearded staff member on the desk WINDING UP v1ery helpful room staff by wrongly expanding a minor complaint As I say not what you pay for

4. Killeavy Castle Estate

12 Ballintemple Road, Newry BT35 8LQ Northern Ireland
Excellent
82%
Good
8%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 312 reviews

Killeavy Castle Estate

ACCOMMODATION AT KILLEAVY CASTLE ESTATE Far away from the maddening crowds, our range of cosy, comfortable accommodation has something for everyone to enjoy. Hotel Where old meets new is probably the best way to describe the Hotel. Originally a Mill and Coach House, the building has been lovingly transformed into a family-owned hotel that’s full of charm and elegant comfort. Clean lines and a great use of space brings the outdoors inside. Designed to embrace the sweeping views of the Estate, each of the 45 guestrooms and lounges are sensitively decorated in a soothing contemporary style. Walls in soft greys, burnt oranges and sage greens, echo the seasonal colours of the surrounding landscape. Spacious rooms are all equipped with the latest technology and all suitable for double or twin occupancy with ample relaxation spaces, indoor and outdoor, for you to enjoy. Killeavy Castle For that ultra special family celebration, Killeavy Castle is available for exclusive hire. Inside the Grade A listed building, a full restoration programme has reformed the magnificent Castle back to its original glory. Enjoy the romance of its gothic glamour with impressive reception spaces, private dining room, original library and restored architectural features. Fully self-contained with four bedrooms, lounge space and extensive relaxation, each room emulates the original period style. With stone walls, hanging tapestries, rich fabrics and plush four-poster beds, every angle throws up new silhouettes and shapes. The Gatelodge For a more modern experience, the Gatelodge located at the entrance to the Estate offers secluded self-catering accommodation for up to six guests. The attractive holiday lodge has been built to a very high standard of comfort and is within easy walking distance of the Hotel, Castle and the hills beyond. Ideal for small groups, it is perfect for cycling, walking or activity holidays in Northern Ireland.

Wonderful couple of days.

Reviewed By JoArmstrong

I stayed here with my elderly parents for two nights, on a Monday and a Tuesday. Due to it being the start of the week the hotel wasn’t packed. We had a terrific stay. Wow, what amazing grounds, gardens and castle. They even have a couple of peacocks roaming around. We had breakfast, lunch and dinner both days in the hotel. We had the pub/bar dinners because my mum and dad aren’t adventurous enough for any tasting menu, I would loved to have tried that. I did treat myself to a massage in the spa while mum and dad had their afternoon nap. That was wonderful too. All the staff from the reception staff to the cleaners were amazingly friendly and helpful. Would go back here in a heartbeat.

5. Kilmorey Arms Hotel

41-43 Greencastle Street, Kilkeel BT34 4BH Northern Ireland
Excellent
67%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 207 reviews

Kilmorey Arms Hotel

Welcome to Kilmorey Arms Hotel, your Kilkeel “home away from home.” Kilmorey Arms Hotel aims to make your visit as relaxing and enjoyable as possible, which is why so many guests continue to come back year after year. You’ll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, and you can stay connected during your stay as Kilmorey Arms Hotel offers guests free wifi. The hotel features a 24 hour front desk and room service. Plus, Kilmorey Arms Hotel offers breakfast, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day. For guests with a vehicle, free parking is available. When you’re feeling hungry, be sure to check out Hunters Moon, which is an Asian restaurant that is popular with locals and out-of-towners alike. If you are interested in exploring Kilkeel, check out a history museum, such as Nautilus Centre. Kilmorey Arms Hotel puts the best of Kilkeel at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable.

A lovely lunch!

Reviewed By lucyl153

A rather hungry crew needed fed before we returned to Dundrum to find our holiday accommodation. My husband remembered the hotel being recommended by friends so we gave it a go. We had lasagne with chips (3 portions) and a peri chicken Caesar salad. It all went down beautifully, and we would definitely return as our welcome was warm, and the staff were lovely!

6. Slieve Donard

Downs Road, Newcastle BT33 0AH Northern Ireland 011 44 28 4372 1066
Excellent
61%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
7%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4666 reviews

Slieve Donard

Nestling at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa stands in six acres of immaculate private grounds. A golden strand of beach borders one side while the mighty Royal County Down Golf Links frames the other. This lovingly maintained Victorian hotel is now home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is equally suited to a short break, residential conference or even grander events. The hotel boasts 180 luxurious bedrooms, including Executive and Resort rooms and six magnificent Suites, many of which have stunning panoramic views over the Mountains of Mourne and County Down Coastline. All bedrooms are finished in tasteful, traditional styles with every modern comfort, including our famous King Koil 'cloud beds'. Add this to the Spa facilities and proximity to one of the world’s finest golf courses and you have a holiday destination capable of proudly taking the stage with the world’s best resorts. Just 30 miles south of Belfast and 90 miles north of Dublin, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa is the perfect choice for touring and sightseeing, and although you may never want to venture away from our sumptuous luxury and exquisite surroundings, there is a range of must-visit local attractions all within close proximity to the Hotel. The Mountains of Mourne are on our doorstep and offer fantastic walking and climbing experiences. Tollymore Forest Park is just a few minutes drive away and is simply breathtaking. Silent Valley, Castlewellan Country Park, Murlough Bay Nature Reserve are all nearby. Less than ten miles away lie the delights of Downpatrick, home to St Patrick’s Visitor Centre and Grave, (a world Christian Heritage Site) and countless opportunities for horse riding, fishing, sailing, off-road driving, mountaineering and windsurfing.

Fabulous One-Night Stay, Too Short

Reviewed By Aslanschild2

Due to scheduling conflicts, we checked in very late, between 10 and 11 p.m., and were greeted by the nicest front desk person, a lovely young lady whose name I unfortunately can't recall now. (I'm still trying.) She had all kinds of great advice for things to do the next day, and we followed it to a "T." She was exactly right, and her advice added to our trip immensely. Of note, she recommended Castlewellan Park and Tollymore Forest Park, both of which turned out to be real gems on our mostly unplanned itinerary. She also assigned us a spectacular room with an ocean view, which was not expected, and we were likewise delighted by the delicious included breakfast buffet the next day. This was our first night ever in Ireland, up from Dublin airport. Far from having any service issues, everyone on staff whom we met was friendly, courteous, and went out of their way to be helpful. But I wish I remembered our check-in girl's name. Her husband belongs to the golf club there. If anyone there who may read this can figure out who she is, please give her our warmest greetings and deepest thanks. She may remember us. We were there on a C. S. Lewis "pilgrimage" of sorts, and I shared with her that I wrote the only published index to his writings.

7. Lisnacurran Country House B&B (Hot Tub-Sauna facilities)

6 Listullycurran Road, Dromore BT25 1RB Northern Ireland
Excellent
91%
Good
7%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5 based on 195 reviews

Lisnacurran Country House B&B (Hot Tub-Sauna facilities)

Lisnacurran Country House B&B and The Barn Self Catering accommodation is centrally located in Northern Ireland, 5-10 mins from Lisburn, just a few yards off the Belfast to Dublin main A1 Dual Carriageway. The private guest Lounge has TV, DVD, library of DVDs, books, board games & magazines for guests to enjoy in fornt of an open fire. The newly built Storehosue dinign area and function space is large enough for groups of up to 30 to get together. All rooms are en-suite, wireless internet broadband access & TVs in all bedrooms. Breakfast is a choice of cooked & continental buffet, special requests can be made at time of booking. Just 2 miles from the pretty village of Hillsborough with a good selection of coffee shops, bars, and renowned restaurants. Set in mature grounds and with an old style courtyard for guests to relax and enjoy. There is a hot tub and sauna house in the garden with childrens pay area.

Beautiful place

Reviewed By 335nicola

Lovely hosts. A beautiful house, rooms are clean and have beautiful furniture. The hot tub was fab. Breakfast was delicious and the staff friendly and helpful. The location is brilliant just a stones throw from hillsborough & Lisburn. Great spot, peaceful and quiet, even though it’s close to the road.

8. The Donard

29 Main Street, Newcastle BT33 0AD Northern Ireland
Excellent
61%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
5%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 241 reviews

The Donard

Looking for a place to stay in Newcastle? Then look no further than Donard Hotel, a family-friendly hotel that brings the best of Newcastle to your doorstep. Donard Hotel offers guests an array of room amenities including a flat screen TV, and getting online is possible, as free wifi is available. The hotel offers room service, to make your visit even more pleasant. The property also features free breakfast. Guests arriving by vehicle have access to free parking. Travelers looking to enjoy some crab can head to Percy French or Olive Bizarre. Otherwise, you may want to check out a cafe such as Railway St., Niki's Kitchen Cafe, or Olive Bizarre. If you’re looking for something to do, Spy Pond Photo Space is a nice way to spend some time. We’re sure you’ll enjoy your stay at Donard Hotel as you experience everything Newcastle has to offer.

Afternoon tea treat

Reviewed By rd20172017

I visited the slieve Donatd hotel for afternoon tea today. What a fantastic experience. The staff were friendly and welcoming from the moment we arrived. We had a beautiful selection of infused teas to choose from as well as the normal . Loved the butternut squash soup and beetroot and goats cheese tart to start. The sandwiches were fresh and a good range, the scones delicious and light and the pastries were a real treat . Truly loved every minute . It was a pleasure to taste food obviously made fresh in your kitchen and not bought in. Thank you . We will be back.

9. Harbour House Inn

Inn Newcastle 4 South Promenade, Newcastle BT33 0EX Northern Ireland 011 44 28 4372 3445
Excellent
63%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
6%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 328 reviews

Harbour House Inn

Family run small hotel, 8 en suite rooms, terrance dining with panoramic views of Dundrum Bay. extensive menu including locally sourced fish & shellfish. Fully licenced bar & lounge including Our newly added South Prom coffee shop & brew bar. Our property is on the South Promenade at Newcastle Harbour: The harbour is among the most richly historic areas of Newcastle. Home to many longstanding families, the area around the pier has a long association with the sea. The origins of the current harbour date back to the 1820's, when a new pier was created by Lord Annesley to replace the old one. One of the chief functions of the pier was to act as a loading point for Mourne granite, which was quarried in the hills above the harbour. If you stand on the shorter arm of the pier and look up towards the mountain you can see a path cut through the trees leading to the now defunct quarry on Millstone Mountain. In the last century, stone was quarried here and dispatched down this track to the harbour by railtrucks. It was loaded on to ships (known as Stone Boats) and used to build docks in Belfast and Liverpool and the courthouse gaol in nearby Downpatrick

Great!

Reviewed By pata184

This is a quaint wee hotel. Staff was so friendly and Michael was great! We had a great lunch in the bar with stunning views. Breakfast was delicious too! We had a lovely walk into town and stopped bY a few wee pubs on the way. We will be back in a few weeks.

10. The Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro

10-12 Seacliff Road, Bangor BT20 5EY Northern Ireland
Excellent
49%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
11%
Terrible
8%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 633 reviews

The Salty Dog Hotel & Bistro

An old Victorian townhouse that’s been beautifully transformed into a stunning boutique hotel overlooking Bangor’s Marina and the Irish Sea. A perfect retreat from everyday hustle and bustle. Friendly staff, gorgeous rooms and great food will make your stay a memorable one. Committed to fine local produce, our highly skilled, award winning chefs, offer a real alternative to Belfast’s restaurants. Whether you’re visiting North Down’s attractions or want a memorable Bangor night out – The Salty Dog offers accessible, nostalgic food in a relaxed setting.

Overpriced poor quality food.

Reviewed By amyw514

The food was grim, especially considering the price. The 'chowder' was a bowl of cream- they'd obviously just heated some frozen fish and put it in a bowl with some cream as there was no flavour and no texture whatsoever, thin, watery and completely flavourless. The 'Korean' sauce was actually piri-piri- this wasn't simply a mistake as they don't have piri-piri on the menu. Style over substance-. Crap food served on nice crockery and no atmosphere at all. It might be nice to just go for a drink and sit out the front in the summer, but there seems to be other dog friendly eateries in the area that would be worth a try first.

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