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Cairn Bay Lodge, Co. Down Echlinville Distillery, Co. Down

The Cuan, Co. Down

The Cuan

Sitting right on the mouth of Strangford Lough for over 200 years, The Cuan offers incredible views, comfortable and stylish rooms along with some of the most delicious food. They have several packages available so whatever your reason for visiting, there’s a great offer waiting for you.

Exploris Aquarium

Before taking the ferry across the Lough to Strangford, be sure to pay a visit to the awesome Exploris Aquarium and seal sanctuary in Portaferry. Get a fascinating diver’s view of marine life around the globe, from the native species in Strangford Lough to the colourful coral reefs of the tropical oceans.

Manse on the Beach

Built originally in the 1850s, this stunning boutique guest accommodation is the perfect place to relax and re-energise. Situated at the heart of Northern Ireland’s Ards Peninsula, you can enjoy some stunning beach views, doorstep access to the beach, tranquil spa facilities and a variety of bespoke communal areas. Manse on the Beach also offers holistic yoga and wellness therapies. If you’re looking for some well-deserved downtime, be sure to spend it here!

Canoe and Cake

Set off on a sweet adventure with the brilliant Canoe & Cake tour. Enjoy the beauty of Strangford Lough from your own canoe and relax in the serenity of your surroundings before a food tour like no other, tucking into tasty treats in a magnificent traditional Irish thatched cottage at Tracey’s Farmhouse.

Echlinville Distillery

Echlinville Distillery in Newtownards is Ireland’s first field- to-glass distillery, crafting spirits from the ground up, with every drop trickle-pot-distilled to perfection from barley from the family farm. The region’s unique topography, climate and soil make this place one of the finest grain-growing areas in the country. Discover the whole fascinating story with a tour & tasting of gin or whiskey at the distillery.

Walk the Mournes

Get a unique sense of your surroundings and join professional mountain man Peter Rafferty’s Walk the Mournes tour. Peter takes you back to the times when Mourne granite was highly sought-after and the mountains echoed with the sound of handpicks. He captivates you with his stories and legends of local smugglers in their secret caves.

The Old Inn

Classic Victorian design meets elegant contemporary luxury at The Old Inn in Crawfordsburn. This cosy rural retreat is as relaxing as it is beautiful. Savour the seasonal menu at The Restaurant, which brings together homely classics and modern dining. Enjoy the relaxed vibe of the 1614 Bar and its vast wine collection. Or visit the newly opened Tree Top spa. With outdoor bathing in the pool and hot tub, a

Canoe and Cake, Co. Down Cranfield Alpacas, Co. Down Tree Top Spa at the Old Inn, Co. Down

sauna and steam room, and heated marble loungers and waterbeds too, this is a truly luxurious and exclusive experience.

Loaf Pottery & Coffee Shop

If you like a bit of self-expression and relaxation, Loaf Pottery & Coffee Shop, in Crawfordsburn, combines the best of both worlds. At the Pottery, you can jump into a variety of stimulating activities, including art classes and drop-in Paint Me, Glaze Me workshops. After creating a masterpiece, head to the café where you can savour a delicious cup of coffee and award-winning sausage rolls.

Whistledown Hotel

Sitting on the seafront in Warrenpoint, the Whistledown Hotel is surrounded by the grandeur of the stunning Mourne Mountains and breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough. If you’re looking for a family getaway, the hotel offers excellent facilities and provides top quality service from the moment you arrive.

Mourne Trails and Ales

Meet up with Martin from Life Adventure for an incredible cycling tour through Castlewellan Forest Park. Doesn’t hurt that you’ll finish up at Whitewater Brewing Company for a tour and beer tasting.

Cairn Bay Lodge

For 100 years, Cairn Bay Lodge has been sitting watching over the Ballyholme Bay and the Irish Sea. If you’re looking to explore the Mourne Coastal Route, Belfast, the Ards Peninsula and the Causeway Coastal Route, this is your perfect base. Each room, which is unique and individually styled, comes with Voya-certified organic seaweed toiletries, a flat screen TV, free WIFI and complimentary Irish treats. How could you say no?

Castle Ward

Steep yourself in history at the National Trust’s magnificent 18thCentury Castle Ward. This unique mansion is famed for its mixture of architectural styles. It’s Gothic on one side, Palladian on the other! On its grounds by the shores of Strangford Lough you’ll also find a variety of enjoyable trails for walkers and cyclists. There’s something for everyone here, with amazing scenery to enjoy.

Newells Cross Cottage, Kilkeel

This luxurious accommodation is perfect for golfers and hikers as well as families. Whatever you’re hoping to see in Co. Down, this is a lovely base to do it all. There are plenty of facilities for all the family, from toys and a sandpit to a hot tub and a gas BBQ!

Cranfield Alpacas

If you’re a lover of animals, you’ve got to meet and greet the gentle alpacas at Cranfield Alpacas near Kilkeel. Go on one of the guided tours and get up-close and personal with these friendly furry creatures, with stunning panoramic views of the Mourne Mountains as your backdrop.

The Narnia Trail

If you’re in search of something magical this spring, head east to the land of Narnia: Kilbroney Forest Park in Rostrevor.The Narnia Trail weaves through a forest path with citadels, tree folk and a beaver’s house along the way. The C.S. Lewis-inspired trail has no shortage of wonders to keep kids and grown-up kids enthralled.

Plenty more in the Mournes and Strangford Lough

With so much natural open space to explore in the surrounding areas of the magnificent Mournes and stunning Strangford Lough, there’s no shortage of amazing outdoor opportunities this spring. From wonderful walks to heart-pumping hikes, this place has it all. But don’t just take our word for it, go and see for yourself!

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