Slieve Donard
Grand Victorian seaside resort with a polished but unpretentious feel. Heritage details everywhere — open fires, beamed ceilings, local-legend artwork — but the atmosphere skews relaxed rather than stuffy. A genuine favourite with golfers, families, and spa-seekers alike.
Book a Sea View room — the mountain-and-coast outlook from the front of the hotel is the whole point
Why It Matters
One of Northern Ireland's oldest and most iconic hotels, pairing immediate access to the No. 1 ranked Royal County Down Golf Club with an award-winning spa (Ulster Tatler Spa of the Year 2024). The setting alone — mountains behind, beach in front — is genuinely hard to beat on the island of Ireland.
Built in 1898 by the Belfast and County Down Railway, Slieve Donard is a grand Victorian resort on the edge of the Irish Sea in Newcastle, County Down. It sits on six acres of private grounds with Royal County Down Golf Club — ranked No. 1 in the world by Golf Digest — on one side and a golden sandy beach on the other. Following a full Marine & Lawn restoration, the hotel now sports a reimagined lobby, updated rooms drawing on local history and wilderness palettes, and four dining options, all without losing any of that original red-sandstone grandeur.
Where You'll Stay
11 room types available
Resort King
Located directly above the spa in the resort wing — the pick for spa-break visitors wanting fast access to the pool and thermal suite. King-size bed (configurable as twins), ensuite with bath, walk-in shower, and Floris products.
King or Twin
Resort King Sea View
The Resort King upgrade, adding spectacular sea and mountain views. Pull up a window seat and watch the coast from the comfort of this spa-wing room. Walk-in shower, separate bath, and Floris toiletries.
King or TwinSlieve Deluxe King or Twin
More space than the standard King, with a dedicated seating area, air conditioning, and refined finishes. Ensuite has a walk-in shower and separate bath alongside Floris toiletries.
King or TwinSlieve Deluxe Sea View King or Twin
Larger layout, sweeping views of the Mournes and the Irish Sea, and air conditioning. Well-appointed ensuite with walk-in shower and uninterrupted coastal views from the bed.
King or TwinSlieve Double Double
Two full double beds without compromising on space — ideal for families or friends travelling together. Ensuite includes a walk-in shower and separate bath, plus Floris toiletries.
Two double bedsSlieve Junior Suite Sea View King or Twin
Open-plan junior suite layout that draws the coastal scenery right into the room. Dedicated seating area for lounging, king bed (or twins), and a spacious ensuite with Floris amenities.
King or TwinSlieve King or Twin
A well-appointed entry-level room with a king-size bed (configurable as twins), bespoke decor inspired by the hotel's Victorian history, and a full ensuite with Floris Cefiro toiletries.
King or TwinSlieve King or Twin Family
Designed with families in mind. Features a zip-and-link king bed (or twins) plus a comfortable double sofa bed — a practical, relaxed base for exploring the Mournes and beach.
King or Twin plus double sofa bedSlieve Sea View King or Twin
Front-row views of the Irish Sea and Mourne Mountains paired with a king bed (configurable as twins) and air conditioning. The ensuite comes with Floris toiletries.
King or TwinSlieve Sea View King or Twin Family
Family room with sea and mountain views. Zip-and-link king bed (or twins) plus a double sofa bed — plenty of room for everyone, with the Mournes and Irish Sea right outside.
King or Twin plus double sofa bedSlieve Sea View Suite King or Twin
The grandest room in the house. Separate sleeping and living areas with spectacular sea and mountain views. The ensuite features a double vanity, walk-in shower, and separate bath.
King or TwinThe Property
Eat & Drink
4 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Marine & Lawn runs curated adventure weekend packages based out of Slieve Donard, combining outdoor activities in the Mourne Mountains and along the coast.
Newcastle Beach is directly accessible from the hotel grounds — a golden sandy stretch that is ideal for walks, swimming, and coastal runs.
Complimentary bicycle rentals available year-round for exploring Newcastle and the surrounding coastal roads and trails.
The hotel sits at the edge of Royal County Down Golf Club, ranked No. 1 in the world by Golf Digest. The hotel offers complimentary golf bag storage, loaner Titleist club sets, and a Ship Sticks partnership for door-to-door club shipping. Golf offers and packages available.
A private putting green on the hotel's front lawn — handy for warming up or killing a pleasant hour between rounds.
Regular group classes including yoga, HIIT, and body pump held in the hotel's Fitness and Zen studios. Class schedule available; advance booking recommended.
The Mourne Mountains begin effectively at the hotel's doorstep. Donard Forest is 2.3 km away. The hotel can suggest walking routes.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Multiple event and meeting spaces including a ballroom and banquet hall. Dedicated weddings and group experiences team.
Fully equipped gym with Peloton bikes, Life Fitness equipment, and free weights. Open daily 8am–8:30pm.
Complimentary golf bag storage between rounds. Two full Titleist loaner club sets available. Ship Sticks partnership for door-to-door club shipping.
All rooms stocked with Floris Cefiro bath and body products. Floris, founded in 1730, is the oldest English fragrance and toiletries retailer.
Dogs welcomed throughout the hotel for £35/night. The hotel provides a dog bed and bowls on arrival, plus recommended local walking routes.
A 20-metre indoor pool with views of the Mourne Mountains. Open daily 8am–8:30pm. Family swim times for children aged 0–16 available daily 9:30am–5:30pm.
Rock sauna, steam room, vitality pool, and drench showers — all with mountain and sea views. Open daily 8am–8:30pm.
Concierge service, 24-hour bell service, and in-room dining available.
Open-air self-parking on site at no charge. No reservation required.
BUILD YOUR SLIEVE DONARD PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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