Slieve Donard Hotel

Positioned adjacent to the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Club, the 180-key Slieve Donard is the first Marine & Lawn property in Northern Ireland. Celebrating 125 years of service, 2023 welcomes a new chapter for the famed hotel, with updated guest rooms, renovated meeting and event, and restaurant spaces. Rich in history, the hotel, built by the Belfast and County Down Railway in 1898, has welcomed various icons over the years including Charlie Chaplin, Tiger Woods, Catherine Zeta Jones, King Leopold (of Belgium), Dame Judi Dench and many more. The famed Polar Express at Slieve Donard will also remain on property as a family-favourite activity.

DESIGN

Led by AJ Capital's in-house design team, the decor pays homage to the destination's seaside beauty and rich Irish traditions, with an aimto preserve the Victorian elements and characteristics of the building. Across the railway-inspired lobby are also nods to nature, with a large variety of overhanging plants and artwork featuring local landscapes and scenery. Food and beverage spaces similarly embody the marriage of land and sea. Warm, welcoming interiors showcase original architectural details while textural design elements such as Victorian-inspired wall coverings and statement chandeliers bring a refreshed personality to the space.

Many of the 180 refurbished rooms offer stunning panoramic views over the mountains of Mourne and County Down coastline. The colour palette throughout the rooms is inspired by the wild scenery surrounding the hotel, with florals around the bed (headboard, pillows, drapery). Hand carved crests mounted over each of the guestroom headboards are replicated from the carved stone that hangs above the front entry into the building.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Slieve Donard will be home to four restaurants that emphasise in-season and local ingredients.

J.J. Farrall's is named after Slieve Donard's architect, where guests will enjoy 19th-century architecture and open fire, whilst tucking into dinner, afternoon tea, or a traditional Sunday lunch.

Lighthouse Lounge will draw inspiration from Italy, Greece, and the Levant - this casual eatery will serve seasonal Mediterranean menus with views overlooking the property.

Wolf Bar is inspired by local history - this intimate and richly decorated space will offer plates of local Carlingford oysters, platters of local cured meats and cheeses, and a number of snacks from pastries and sandwiches.

The Percy French is a local favourite which has been reimagined under the Marine & Lawn brand. From pub classics, regional fare, bar snacks, and a traditional Sunday roast, all dishes will focus on in-season and local produce alongside a wide-ranging wine list, draught beers and a menu of classically inspired cocktails.

SPAThe Spa at Slieve Donard will welcome guests looking to relax and unwind during their stay, as well as locals alike. Spanning over two floors, it will offer therapeutic ESPA treatments, one of the world's leading spa and skincare brands. Their unique face, body and massage treatments combine traditional holistic therapies with modern-day techniques and the purest natural ingredients.

Other wellness and fitness facilities include a 20-metre indoor pool, a vitality pool, steam room, rock sauna and drench showers. The Gym will be home to Peloton and Life Fitness equipment, offering a range of classes in the studios such as yoga, HIIT and more. Relaxation rooms will provide comfortable seating, herbal teas and fresh fruit. The award-winning hair salon will offer cutting, styling and colouring, as well as specialty services around hair loss and hair replacement by experienced stylists.

LOCATION

The hotel is located at the foot of the famous mountain Slieve Donard, which peaks at 850m (2,789 ft) and is the highest of the Mourne Mountains. Having recently been awarded the internationally coveted UNESCO Geopark status, the destination is ideal for hikers and nature-lovers, and offers pristine views of Isle of Man, Wicklow, Donegal, Wales and Scotland. Located five minutes' drive from the hotel is also Tollymore Forest Park, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea. Tollymore Forest Park caters to many outdoor activities including walking, horse riding and orienteering.

Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve, voted #1 in the world according to Golf Digest. Against the magnificent backdrop of the Mountains of Mourne, the links stretch along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole.

Hotel website