Ballykeel Farm

03/06/2024

URGENT… WE REALLY NEED YOUR HELP…

***NEW RESCUE BASE UPDATE/APPEAL***

Apologies in advance for the length of this post but we’d be grateful if you can read to the end… maybe grab a cuppa before starting!

When we celebrated our 50th anniversary back in 2012, we identified that one of the key challenges to sustaining Mountain Rescue in the Mournes was the lack of a ‘fit for purpose’ base. As such, we set ourselves the goal of finding ourselves a home and although we knew this was a big undertaking, little did we know how big!

After identifying our exact needs and ultimately developing a specification, we set about trying to locate a site in the Newcastle area. During this process we were exceptionally fortunate to receive an offer of a site from Lidl adjacent to where they planned their new store.

After much consultation and design work, assisted by Lidl, the scheme went forward for planning in 2017. Unfortunately, an objector ensured the process was disrupted and planning delayed. This was subsequently compounded by the pandemic.

Even when the challenges of the pandemic were removed, the objector remained, causing continuous disruption.

Thankfully, and only very recently, some 7 years later, planning for the scheme has eventually been approved. There are still some technicalities to overcome however we’re hopeful of no further delays.

But… (there’s always a but!) the planning challenges to date have caused not just delays, but also a significant funding issue for the Team. The delays have meant that we have lost two grants worth £500,000 each, and have seen considerably inflated construction costs in the market. Consequently what started as a build cost of £650,000 has now increased to £1,000,000, something over which we have no control.

On the positive side, since we first announced our plans, you have been continuously donating with a level of generosity that humbles us. So much so, that in the 12 years since we started, we have accumulated a dedicated new build fund of just over £600,000.

On the negative side, and you’ve probably already worked this out, we are almost £400,000 short of the likely project cost. With a real opportunity to get on-site in the not-too-distant future, we desperately need your support to help plug this shortfall. Our plan ‘A’ is to raise the funds and complete the build as intended without burdening the team with a significant debt. If plan ‘A’ fails we may need to look at alternatives, albeit none are ideal.

We are beyond grateful for the support received to date and reluctant to ask for more but we do need more help if we are going to achieve the new base we set out to deliver 12 years ago. Any help whatsoever from any source will be greatly received and take us a step closer to completing the project and establishing a rescue base for the region. Whilst we are appealing for your support we are still applying for grant support, but options are very limited at present and currently unreliable.

If any one of our followers was able to donate £400,000, or if all 30,000 followers were able to donate £13.33 each, or any combination in between, we will reach our target. As mentioned, if an opportunity exists to contribute either personally, via a club, business, or other avenue, we would be exceptionally grateful.

Donation options can be found here:

https://www.mournemrt.org/donate/

#100%Voluntary #100%Committed

19/07/2023

Are you looking for a last minute get away?

The Booley is available from 23rd - 28th July, ideal for a couple or family with young children.

🛌 2 king size beds (extra single available on request)
🍽 full kitchen
📶 superfast wifi
🖥 satellite TV, Netflix, Prime and other apps
🐕 pet friendly
🌄 private garden with mountain views
🚗🚲🏍 secure parking and bike storage

Close to Newcastle, Kilkeel and the Mourne Mountains.

This is available at the discounted price of £95 per night.

Go to Ballykeelfarm.co.uk and book a few restful days on the mourne coast.

01/07/2023

Ballykeel Farm still has some availability for July and August.

The Stables has three ensuite bedrooms, views to the Mournes and a fully equipped kitchen.

The Booley has one bedroom with two king size beds, a fully equipped kitchen and a private garden.

We are dog friendly, have the essential wifi and are centrally located to access Newcastle, Kilkeel and the Mourne Mountains.

Prices per night start from £100 per night. Head over to Ballykeelfarm.co.uk for availability, prices and secure booking.

19/06/2023

Morning after the rain.

Hubby is really happy now there has been some rain. The Queens desperately needed the drink.

Our guests from the North of England had a great week. Some of the best weather this year.

If you want to escape to the Mourne Mountains this summer we have availability in both the Booley and the Stables. Book direct for the best deal.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

13/06/2023

The sunset from the Stables was spectacular tonight.

A glass of wine, a good book and prepare to be distracted by the view.

If you want to experience the glory of the Mournes, check out our website Ballykeelfarm.co.uk to book direct for the best prices.

31/05/2023

We had a wonderful surprise from our guests this week.

Kim was travelling to visit places where her family had lived. She mentioned they had a Jane Orr in the tree who was born in 1883 and was married in Kilkeel Presbyterian.

Unbelievably, when I checked the family Bible there she was. So Keith got to meet his distant cousin from Australia.

Good luck with your research Kim. Come and visit anytime 😊

29/05/2023

16/05/2023

We are very pleased to be finalists in the Local Pet Awards NI for best pet friendly accommodation. 🐶

Please support us by voting at www.thelocalpetawards.com.

Thank you to those who nominated us.

Anne and Keith, Ballykeel Farm

13/05/2023

Finalist Announcement: Northern Ireland Awards: Pet Friendly Holiday Accommodation of the Year: Ballykeel Farm

28/04/2023

28/04/2023

The Stables is free this weekend for a last minute Bank Holiday escape. Sleeps 6.
£150 per night when you book direct at Ballykeelfarm.co.uk.

08/04/2023

It's Easter and the sun is out.

We have finished landscaping behind the Stables, lots of heathers and granite to reflect the mountains.

The garden furniture is back in the Booley Garden and its warm enough to sit out and enjoy the view.

Check out our website to book your escape with us.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

28/03/2023

This was the spectacular view at Spelga Dam this morning.

I had to get to Newry early for my MOT but this photo was just too good to miss.

We still have availability for Easter so you can experience Mourne views like this.

Don't forget we are dog friendly so the whole family can enjoy a few days away at Ballykeel

Book direct at Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

26/02/2023

It's a perfect day in the Mournes.

Whatever you are planning to do this spring day, enjoy.

I've taken myself off to the Stables to enjoy the quiet with a good book and my cup of tea. Although the view is distracting 😊

Check out Ballykeel Farm for an amazing country getaway.

Link in bio.

11/02/2023

How is this for a place to rest our weary feet?

Beautiful walk along the beach this morning. Now, I'm heading to get the Stables ready for new visitors tomorrow. My peaceful walk has set me up for cleaning plus my daughter is helping. Bribery works every time. 😄

Check out our website for your chance at peaceful walks.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

31/01/2023

Red sky in the morning, shepherds warning.

Early start today but the payoff was spectacular colours at sunrise.

If you want an escape to experience wonderful sunrises or sunsets, come and visit us at Ballykeel Farm 10 minutes from Newcastle (voted the second most welcoming place in the UK)

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

24/01/2023

Are you looking for an escape for a few days?

Ballykeel Farm has the one bedroom Booley and the three bedroom Stables just waiting for you and your four legged friends.

All the comforts of home, in the stunning Mourne area.

Check out Ballykeelfarm.co.uk to book now.

07/01/2023

It's Saturday morning and I'm taking some time to myself.

Lets face it, we all need the escape sometimes particularly when life gets a bit much.

I'm planning an weekend away visiting friends for something to look forward to. What about you?

Check out our website if you are looking for a place to escape to.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

31/12/2022

I can't believe how much we have achieved in 2022. It has been a roller coaster ride, but I wouldn't have changed a thing.

From a derelict building to three bedroom self-catering cottage in six months.

Thank you to all who helped with hard work, ideas and support.

Thank you to everyone who stayed and to those who gave us great feedback. We send best wishes to all our visitors, supporters and followers.

Ballykeel Farm is going onwards and upwards for 2023 and we would love to see you in 2023.

Have a great 2023 everyone.

Check out our new website to book. Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

22/12/2022

Bit of a hold up when I went to collect the turkey today. Slow moving tractor ahead. We are very lucky to be able to get our turkey straight from the farm.

The day was beautifully crisp and sunny. Everywhere we go in the Mournes we get views like this.

We have two cosy cottages suitable for walkers. Everything you need in your own space close to the mountains.

Book for a last minute gift or for a new year getway.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

17/12/2022

Spent today wrapping all the presents. I'm trying to get ahead as next week is so busy.

A benefit of having a self-catering property is being able to give your daughter a sleepover for her friends without turning your own house upside down.

I'm relaxing after a busy day, they are eating pizza and singing Christmas songs. Going to send Dad down in a moment to check on them.

Have a great Christmas everyone. Blessings to you and yours from Ballykeel Farm.

Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

09/12/2022

You can just feel the cold.

It's one of the most beautiful times of the year with the winter sunshine truly spectacular.

This weekend we are hosting a girls weekend away. I think someone may have reached the big 40.

The Stables has the advantage of your own space, beds a few steps away, your own choice of music and lots of good stuff on your doorstep.

Last photo is just Trevor practicing for Boxing Day.

Check out our new website. You can plan an escape to the countryside for those cold winter weekends. Good company to lokk forward to.

Link in bio

06/12/2022

Congratulations Hazel Cross You have won our Giveaway with CranfieldAlpacas.com

Thank you everyone who entered and better luck next time.

Follow us on Facebook and have look at our new website at ballykeelfarm.co.uk. We would love to be your getaway destination in 2023.

05/12/2022

See you tomorrow folks.

03/12/2022

What a response to our giveaway post. We want to say thank you for taking part and joining in the fun. As a special bonus, we want to give everyone a chance to get a second guess at the lucky number.

All you need to do is to fill in this form.
https://forms.gle/Si2b9YqYZAuaigGA7
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

We are going to draw the winner on the 6th December 2022.

Good luck

CranfieldAlpacas.com

30/11/2022

🎁🤩 GIVEAWAY TIME 🎁🤩

WIN 2 Night stay at Ballykeel Farm with a Family Beach Trek at CranfieldAlpacas.com

❤️ To be in with a chance to win, simply follow these two steps

1️⃣ Comment below with your LUCKY NUMBER between 1 - 10

2️⃣ Like this post

Make sure you don’t forget to SHARE this on your wall and stories so your friends and family can see this fantastic prize!

This is our biggest-ever giveaway, and we’re so excited!



PLEASE NOTE:
For your protection - the winner will be contacted directly after the giveaway ends. Under no circumstances do we ever request funds via social media messages.
Please report anyone who attempts to impersonate or defraud our page.
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We will announce the lucky winner on 6th December 2022
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Entrants must be over 18 years old, and must live in UK or EU
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Prize and dates will be subject to availability - Full T&C available upon request.

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29/11/2022

Who would be interested in a Ballykeel Farm Christmas giveaway?
If so please comment below.

23/11/2022

Winter in the Mourne Mountains. Spectacular landscapes and mesmerising seascapes.

Do you want something to look forward to when the days are cold and the evenings are dark.

Ballykeel Farm is ideally situated for an escape to the country.

The Stables and Booley have full central heating and a cosy stove to sit beside. Both have everything you need for a home from home and the furry family members are welcome too.

Have a look on our website Ballykeelfarm.co.uk for availability, prices and secure booking.

21/11/2022

Looking for a getaway. We have the perfect place.

Book Now at Ballykeelfarm.co.uk

Ballykeel Farm, Mournes shared a post on Instagram: "Another successful weekend at Ballykeel Farm. Thank you to Emer and friends for their kind words. We are glad you had a good time. If you are looking for a weekend escape to the Mourne Mountains book now for Ballykeel Farm. Link in bio ...

14/11/2022

The view from the Stables today as I was cleaning was lovely.

It was very tempting to take some time to just sit and enjoy the peace and quiet. I might just book myself in. 😄

We have availability for a pre-Christmas escape. Check out the booking page on our website for prices, dates and secure booking.

Link in bio