The Slieve Donard stands among six acres of immaculate private grounds at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne. Just 30 miles south of Belfast, it’s home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is perfect for a short break, residential conference or grand event.
https://www.slievedonardhotel.com/
A stunningly picturesque hotel at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne, and a few minutes drive from Tollymore Forest, the Slieve Donard stands among six acres of immaculate private grounds. Bordered on one side by the beach, and the famous Royal County Down golf course framing the other, this lovingly maintained Victorian hotel, just 30 miles south of Belfast, is home to one of Europe’s finest resort Spas and is perfect for a short break, residential conference or grand event.
The hotel boasts 180 luxurious bedrooms, including 100 new 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 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 or conference centre capable of proudly taking stage with the world’s best resorts.
The Accommodation
We were invited to stay in one of the Resort Rooms; a modern, luxurious and spacious suite with absolutely breathtaking views of the sea and the dramatic Mourne Mountains. As well as every conceivable amenity, our room included a comfortable seating area and came with a separate bath and shower. We also had a delicious fruit platter and selection of cupcakes to welcome us upon arrival.
Afternoon Tea
We must thank the Slieve Donard for a delicious Afternoon Tea during our visit in the grand Oak Lounge. The wide selection of teas, the amuse bouche and soup starter, the perfectly prepared sandwiches, the freshly baked scones, and the pretty patisserie selection were all absolutely outstanding. Service was faultless. The whole experience from the attention to detail and use of high quality produce, to the wonderful mountain and sea views, made this a very special afternoon tea indeed.
That night, on returning to the hotel, after a great meal in a local restaurant, we retired to Chaplin’s Bar for a whiskey nightcap, and finished the evening with a gorgeous cheeseboard-another lovely surprise which had been delivered to our room.
Breakfast in The Slieve Donard showcases some of the finest produce that Northern Ireland has to offer. The chefs and suppliers go to great lengths to source local ingredients to ensure a fresh and tasty start to the day. We were treated to a full Irish breakfast (with veggie sausages on request) and a selection of fresh fruit and yogurt. From a delicious Bushmills Whiskey Porridge to a classic Continental breakfast comprising of Danish pastries, cereals, meats and cheeses, there is something for everyone; breakfast at the Slieve Donard is a real treat.
Many thanks to the Slieve Donard for a wonderful stay, and we look forward to finding out all about the exciting new developments in store over the next few months.
History & Future
Slieve Donard was originally built by the Belfast and County Down Railway as an ‘end of the line’ luxury holiday destination. Construction started in 1896 and was completed and officially opened on 24th June 1898 at the cost of £44,000. It was one of the most majestic hotels of its time and was almost self-sufficient with its own bakery, vegetable gardens, pigs, laundry and innovatively a power plant, which also provided electricity for the railway station.
Slieve Donard typified the idea of Victorian grandeur and luxury with its Drawing Room, Grand Coffee Room, Reading and Writing Room, Smoking Room, Billiard Room and Hairdressing Rooms—you can’t help but conjure up scenes of great style and decadence. ‘One could even partake of seawater baths, douche, spray, needle and Turkish baths all provided by an electric pump straight from the sea.
In 2021, Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital Partners acquired Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, which will become the first Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts property in Northern Ireland and the fourth hotel in the collection.
Marine and Lawn properties offer unforgettable travel experiences inspired by the history and legacy of the once-in-a-lifetime destinations they call home. The Slieve Donard is Northern Ireland’s seaside icon, and is a beloved destination for golfers, holiday travellers and more. A landmark of grand Victorian-style nestled at the foot of the Mountains of Mourne. Renovation coming 2023.
