A peaceful, contemporary holiday let in a quiet residential area, nestled at the foot of The Mournes on the east coast of Northern Ireland, within minutes of Newcastle beach.
This 2 bedroom cottage has everything you need for break, with all the amenities and facilities you'd expect from a modern self-catering let.
It is just a 5 minute walk to Donard Park, the gateway to Slieve Donard and the Mournes, a 10-minute walk to Newcastle beach and Promenade, and 2-minute walk to convenience store.
The space
This charming two-bedroom cottage offers a comfortable and relaxing retreat, ideal for couples, small families, or friends seeking a home away from home. Located in a quiet residential area, yet close to local attractions and amenities, this inviting space provides everything you need for a memorable stay.
Sandwiched between the Irish Sea, Newcastle beach and the Mountains of Mourne, it is ideally located for your seaside and mountain hiking break.
**Living Room**
Step into the heart of relaxation in our warm and inviting living room. This space is thoughtfully furnished with comfortable seating and contempory cottage decor, creating a welcoming ambiance where you can unwind after a day of exploring. Whether you're sinking into the sofa with a good book, catching up on your favourite shows on the TV, or enjoying a quiet evening with loved ones, this living room is designed for comfort and relaxation. Natural light streams in through the large windows, adding a bright and airy feel to the room during the day.
**Kitchen and Dining Area**
Our well-equipped kitchen diner is a delightful space to prepare and enjoy meals together. The kitchen comes fully stocked with modern appliances, including an oven, hob, microwave, and a selection of pots, pans, and utensils, making it easy for you to whip up everything from quick snacks to gourmet meals. The dining table comfortably seats four, providing a lovely spot for breakfast, family dinners, or a relaxed evening with friends. With ample counter space and practical storage, this kitchen has everything you need for a convenient and enjoyable cooking experience.
**Bedrooms**
The property features two beautifully appointed bedrooms designed to offer a peaceful night's sleep. The first bedroom is a spacious double, complete with a comfortable bed and soft lighting to create a restful atmosphere. There's ample storage space for your belongings, so you can unpack and feel at home.
The second bedroom is a twin, ideal for kids or additional guests, featuring two single beds that are equally inviting. Decorated in a calming palette, this room provides a restful retreat for a great night’s sleep. Each bedroom is designed with comfort in mind, ensuring you and your fellow guests wake up feeling refreshed and ready for the day.
**Bathroom**
Our modern bathroom is equipped with both a bath and shower for your convenience. Whether you prefer a leisurely soak in the tub or a quick, refreshing shower, this bathroom caters to all preferences. The quality fixtures, ample lighting, and plush towels provided make this space a joy to use. Essentials are provided - hand wash, toilet roll and female sanitary towels.
**Additional Amenities**
To enhance your experience, we’ve provided thoughtful extras throughout the property. High-speed Wi-Fi, a selection of books and games and hiking sticks are just a few of the touches that make this space feel like an ideal holiday home.
**Location and Accessibility**
With easy access to local attractions, scenic spots, and public transportation, our property is an excellent base for exploring the area. The peaceful neighbourhood ensures you have a tranquil stay, yet you're never far from shops, dining options, and adventure.
There is a shortcut from Mourne Hikers’ Cottage to Donard Park - out the gate, straight across the brow of the hill, left, another left and straight on until you reach the Greenhill entrance - 5 minutes walk.
There is a corner shop nearby - out the gate, right down the hill and right until the next junction - 2 minutes walk.
Book your stay today and experience comfort, style, and convenience in one perfect package!
Guest access
Guests are welcome to independently check-in to the property, in line with the details I'll share with them early on check-in day. On occasion, I will personally welcome them, perhaps due to amended check-in times, etc.
Other things to note
Nestled along the southeastern coast of Northern Ireland, Newcastle in County Down offers a stunning blend of rugged coastline, sea, sand, and mountains, making it one of the most beautiful and diverse holiday destinations in the region. With its dramatic landscape, where the Mourne Mountains sweep down to meet the Irish Sea, Newcastle provides a perfect retreat for nature lovers, outdoor adventurers, and those looking for a peaceful coastal escape. The town’s natural beauty is enhanced by nearby attractions such as Tollymore Forest Park, Newcastle Beach and promenade, Murlough Nature Reserve, and the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Course. Together, these features make Newcastle a truly remarkable place to visit.
At the heart of Newcastle’s charm lies the breathtaking Mourne Mountains, a range that dominates the landscape and provides the town with its unique character. The Mournes are a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, drawing hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world. Rising to a height of 850 meters, the highest peak in Northern Ireland, Slieve Donard, looms large over Newcastle. For those seeking adventure, a hike to the summit of Slieve Donard is an unforgettable experience. The route, which can be accessed directly from the town, takes hikers through forested paths, past the Mourne Wall, and up the steep slopes to the summit. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering a panoramic vista of Newcastle, the Irish Sea, and even, on clear days, Scotland.
But the Mourne Mountains aren’t just for serious hikers. There are numerous trails for all abilities, allowing visitors to explore the rolling hills, heathland, and valleys at their own pace. The Silent Valley, located within the range, offers scenic walks around its reservoirs, providing a peaceful spot for reflection amid the natural beauty. For those who prefer cycling, the Mournes offer challenging routes through rugged terrain, with scenic roads that wind through the mountains and along the coast. Whether you're hiking, cycling, or simply taking in the views, the Mournes offer an unparalleled connection to nature and an opportunity to experience one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic landscapes.
For visitors seeking a gentler, more relaxing outdoor experience, Tollymore Forest Park is just a short distance from Newcastle and offers a tranquil escape into nature. Tollymore is the perfect place for a leisurely walk or a family day out, with its network of trails meandering through ancient woodlands, along the banks of the Shimna River, and across picturesque stone bridges. The park is home to a variety of plant and animal life, making it a haven for nature lovers. Its serene atmosphere, coupled with the grandeur of its towering redwoods and old-growth forests, creates a magical setting that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Tollymore Forest Park is also steeped in history, with several historical features hidden within its woods. Visitors can explore the Hermitage, a small stone structure built along the river’s edge, or discover the stepping stones that cross the Shimna River, offering a playful challenge for children and adults alike. For those with an interest in film and television, Tollymore’s atmospheric beauty was showcased in several scenes of the hit series *Game of Thrones*, adding an extra layer of intrigue for fans of the show. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful woodland stroll or an adventurous exploration of the park’s hidden gems, Tollymore Forest Park is a must-visit destination for anyone staying in Newcastle.
No visit to Newcastle would be complete without spending time at the town’s beach and promenade, which perfectly complement the rugged beauty of the Mourne Mountains. Newcastle Beach stretches for miles along the coast, offering golden sands and clear waters that are ideal for walking, swimming, or simply relaxing in the fresh sea air. The beach is family-friendly, with plenty of space for children to play, build sandcastles, and explore the shoreline. For those who enjoy water sports, the beach provides opportunities for activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and kite surfing, with equipment available for hire from local providers.
Running alongside the beach is Newcastle’s promenade, a vibrant and lively area that has recently undergone significant improvements. The promenade offers stunning views of the Mournes as they descend into the sea, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely walk, a cycle, or simply sitting and enjoying the scenery. Lined with cafés, restaurants, and shops, the promenade is a great place to sample local cuisine, pick up a souvenir, or enjoy a coffee while watching the waves. In the summer months, the promenade comes alive with local events, music, and festivals, adding to the town’s welcoming and festive atmosphere.
Just a short distance from the beach lies Murlough Nature Reserve, one of the most significant and well-preserved dune systems in Ireland. This National Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for wildlife, particularly bird species that thrive in its diverse habitats of sand dunes, heathland, and coastal marshes. Murlough’s extensive network of walking trails allows visitors to explore the area at their own pace, with paths that lead through the dunes, along the beach, and up to viewpoints overlooking Dundrum Bay and the Mournes. The reserve is a peaceful and scenic spot, perfect for birdwatching, wildlife photography, or simply taking in the natural beauty.
Murlough’s dunes are not only important for wildlife but also for their role in coastal protection, helping to shield the inland areas from the forces of the sea. As visitors explore the reserve, they will discover a variety of plant life, including rare orchids and coastal wildflowers that bloom in the summer months. The combination of the dunes, heathland, and beach creates a unique and fragile ecosystem, making Murlough a place of great ecological importance and a perfect destination for those who appreciate nature and conservation.
For golf enthusiasts, Newcastle is home to one of the most prestigious and challenging courses in the world: Royal County Down Golf Course. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea, Royal County Down is consistently ranked among the top golf courses globally. The course offers a mix of natural beauty and technical difficulty, with its links-style layout featuring undulating fairways, deep bunkers, and challenging greens. Playing a round at Royal County Down is an unforgettable experience, with each hole offering stunning views of the mountains, the sea, and the surrounding landscape.
The course’s history is as rich as its scenery. Established in 1889, Royal County Down has hosted numerous prestigious tournaments, including the Walker Cup and the Irish Open. Golfers of all levels can appreciate the beauty and challenge of this course, and even non-golfers will enjoy the opportunity to explore its scenic grounds and take in the views. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to the game, Royal County Down is a bucket-list destination for any golfer visiting Newcastle.
Beyond its natural beauty and outdoor attractions, Newcastle itself offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The town is home to a variety of accommodation options, ranging from cozy bed-and-breakfasts to luxury hotels, making it easy for visitors to find the perfect place to stay. Local pubs and restaurants serve up delicious food, with many establishments offering fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional Irish dishes. The town also hosts a number of events throughout the year, including music festivals, artisan markets, and sporting events, ensuring that there is always something happening in this vibrant coastal community.
Newcastle’s location also makes it an excellent base for exploring the wider region. Just a short drive away are other attractions such as Castlewellan Forest Park, with its beautiful lake and maze, and the historic town of Downpatrick, where visitors can learn about the life of Saint Patrick. The nearby Mourne Coastal Route offers one of the most scenic drives in Northern Ireland, with stunning views of the coastline and countryside at every turn.
In conclusion, Newcastle, County Down, is a truly exceptional holiday destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re drawn to the majestic Mourne Mountains, the tranquil beauty of Tollymore Forest Park, the sun and sand of Newcastle Beach, or the wildlife-rich landscapes of Murlough Nature Reserve, this coastal town has it all. Add to that the world-class Royal County Down Golf Course and a welcoming local community, and it’s easy to see why Newcastle is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best that Northern Ireland has to offer. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a chance to reconnect with nature, Newcastle promises an unforgettable holiday experience.