The Donard Escape

27/06/2024

NEED ACCOMMODATION ? ? ?

Buy your tickets now! 🎟️

06/05/2024

2024 Tickets On Sale

21/02/2024

BUILDING BRIDGES ☘️

Absolutely amazing 👏🏼 this will be brilliant for everyone and will be a big success for Irish tourism on both sides of the border.

A great day for the parish with it being confirmed by Tanaiste Micheál Martin that cabinet is has signed off on the funding for the construction of the Narrow Water Bridge. It is a proud day for me and this project was a committment in the Fianna Fáil Manifesto and now it is being brought towards the end stage by this Government through the Shared Island Unit.

I am absolutely delighted and I want to thank Micheál Martin for his belief in my region and determination not to let us down. Congratulations to Louth CoCo on their diligent work in getting the bridge to this really positive day.

11/02/2024

HOW AMAZING IS THIS VIEW???

Gorgeous Photo by Paul Moane Photographer

One of the best views in Ireland, looking over Dundrum Bay towards the Mourne Mountains, from Rossglass. A clear night with the moonlight reflecting off the water.
Pic Paul Moane Photographer

10/02/2024

START YOUR ADVENTURE WITH US…

Beautiful Quote

“We must take adventures
In order to know,
Where we truely belong.”

08/02/2024

MAYBE NOT SNOWING YET…

BUT WHAT A DAY TO COZY UP AT A GORGEOUS OPEN FIRE…

22/09/2023

NOW THATS A FLOWER WALL

What a beautiful backdrop in the gardens of - just amazing, and only a 5 minute drive from .

This is a hot spot for wedding photographs.

24/08/2023

2024 Horizon Irish Open

📍Royal County Down, Northern Ireland

11-15 September 2024

Sign Up Today

19/08/2023

CROAGH PATRICK ☘️⛰️🙏🏼

From the mountains in the east to the mountains in the west - we spent a fab few days in the beautiful countryside of western Ireland and the beautiful town of Westport.

Climbing ‘Ireland’s Holy Mountain’ 772m above sea level. On 15th August after a fine Irish breakfast, we tied up our boots and set off on our climb. Maybe not in Ireland’s top 10 highest mountains but it was a pull all the same with quite a steep incline. We got a wonderful day of sunshine until the last 5/10 minutes of reaching the summit and the cute little chapel at the top when a heavy fog fell down for about a half hour or so.

On the way up & down we got chatting to men & women who from 2020 have been mending walk ways and constructing a new staircase (very similar to the steps beside the up to the Slieve Donard) from the stones and rocks on the mountain side. It really has made it so much safer than the last time we climbed it - it was pure sheil and nearly a hands & knees job to get to the top.

This is a lovely climb on a good day with some of the most beautiful views of Clew Bay and the different small island that are dotted around the west coast of Ireland.

And if you like a wee pint of something cold to drink or even a plate of irishstew - Campbell’s Pub at the foot of the mountain is well worth a visit. Its a traditional irish bar that is full of charter and plenty of good craic ☘️🍻

Finish the day with some cold water therapy at one of the most stunning beaches

18/07/2023

🌄🐑📢 Calling all mountain lovers and pet parents! 🐶

🏔️ Last week, an unexpected chase unfolded when a curious pup decided to play "sheepdog" and led one of our tenant farmer's sheep on a wild adventure down the mountains and into the woods! 🐾🐑

We know that dogs can't resist the allure of these stunning peaks, just like us humans. But we want to remind everyone why we kindly ask you to keep your furry friends on a lead when encountering livestock. It's not just for fun (though we can't deny they're adorable on leads) – it's to ensure the safety and well-being of the precious livestock that roam this amazing landscape! 🐄🚫🐕

During lambing season, it's absolutely crucial to keep your dog under control when around sheep. The consequences can be severe; even if a sheep isn't physically harmed, scaring a pregnant ewe may lead to a tragic miscarriage. Our tenant farmers work tirelessly to care for these precious animals, and we must do our part to protect them. Likewise, with our newest Mourne residents, it is crucial we keep our four-legged friends under control when passing cattle. 💚🐏🐄

So, dear hikers, the next time you embark on a mountain adventure with your four-legged companion, remember the golden rule: lead up when near livestock! By keeping your doggo close by, you're not only preventing any unexpected stampedes but also showing your love and respect for the Mournes and its magnificent residents. ❤️🐶🧡

Let's turn this "tail" into a lesson for all! Share this knowledge far and wide to create a dog-loving, sheep-friendly, and cow-courteous community!🐾💚📲

17/07/2023

SOMEWHERE OVER THE STILE

Even on a damp Irish summers day there is so much beauty to see and adventures to be had in the middle of the Mourne Mountain’s.

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05/06/2023

WOW - this is an amazing picture! 🌕

The full moon unreal on Saturday 3rd June night

A simply stunning moonrise - so beautiful to see.

16/05/2023

24/04/2023

This will be amazing for families looking to get out & about exploring Castlewellan Forest Park

So, alongside a host of exciting new things, we've also had a few additions to our family options in Castlewellan...

Thanks to the CUBE Kids Trailer (Double) CMPT, we're now offering bike trailers again! These are pretty mega trailers and no more so than when they come as a package with one of our CUBE Reaction Hybrid Bikes... Along with our existing range of Junior bikes, there's no excuse for not getting your time in the saddle!

Available to book online now!



Visit Mourne Visit Belfast Discover Northern Ireland Tourism Ireland Castlewellan Forest Park CUBE Bikes CUBE Bikes UK

26/03/2023

May every sunrise hold more promise and every sunset hold more peace.

This place is amazing all year round ✨

23/03/2023

PUB OF THE YEAR 🍻

Big congratulations to our fantastic local on winning
“Pub of the Year" in Co.Down
at the Irish Restaurant awards.

20/03/2023

SNOWY WALK

This had to be one of the coolest walks we have ever done in Tollymore Forest Park. Honestly it was like being in a scene from Narnia - so magical and peaceful, so so beautiful and best bit was it’s less than a 5 minute drive from The Donard Escape.

Book your stay now and discover the magic too ✨👇🏼

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/750756970786839467?adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2022-11-09&check_out=2022-11-14&source_impression_id=p3_1667514236_5wGw7CNRpeZhx6ut

17/03/2023

SNOW DAY

Hard to believe it’s a week from the snow - these are some beautiful shots from our front door and in Tollymore forest park

28/12/2022

CHILL OUT AND RELAX

One of our beautiful bedrooms, a space to chill out and relax.

Gorgeous picture here of ‘The Sun Set’ at Spelga Dam by Mac Creations Photography

27/12/2022

COZY UP FOR CHRISTMAS 🎄

Hoping you all had a lovely, peaceful Christmas wherever you are in the world.

Here at we are welcoming our next set of guests and hope they enjoy every minute in our beautiful bungalow.

10/11/2022

Gorgeous new piece of art work from local artist & designer

06/11/2022

AUTUMN ADVENTURES

How gorgeous is this??? 🍂🍁🍂🍁

📍Foley’s Bridge, Tollymore forest park.

Only a two minute drive or a ten minute walk from to this stunning place.

One of our favorite places to bring the kids for walks all year round. But I think you will agree that there is something so magical about going on autumn nature walks, all wrapped up cozy, crunching through leaves, looking for fallen conquers and maybe even a wee hot chocolate from .

We have even been lucky enough to stop two red squirrels 🐿 twice this week along the red route.

22/07/2022

TAKE MY HAND

TAKE ME TO THE MOUNTAINS

10/07/2022

BEAUTIFUL SUMMERS DAY AT THE GORGEOUS The Donard Escape ☀️

Booking link 👇🏼

https://www.airbnb.co.uk/rooms/750756970786839467?adults=2&children=0&infants=0&pets=0&check_in=2022-11-09&check_out=2022-11-14&source_impression_id=p3_1667861465_DuGANNukJsTBMLgY

21/06/2022

The Hen Mountain

Gorgeous photo, looking over the purple Rhododendron that is growing wild on the hillside of Kinnahalla just of the Kilkeel road coming from Hilltown on your way to Spelga Dam.

Rhododendron – a well-known sight, particularly in the west of Ireland – is an undeniably handsome plant. Sadly its rather nasty habit of taking over is causing grief to many native species by shading them out and growing all over their natural habitats. Often more of a small tree than a shrub, it can grow as high as three metres. Forming dense thickets, it bears evergreen, hairless, shiny, elliptical leaves, dark green above, light green below. From May to July, mauve-purple, five-lobed, bell-shaped flowers (4 – 6 cm) are held in large clusters, making a stunning display.