Family Fun at the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, Northern Ireland
March 2007//…Standing at the foot of the majestic Mourne Mountains in County Down, the Slieve Donard Resort and Spa benefits from breath-taking views and has a number of attractions nearby just waiting to be explored. Children and adults alike can immerse themselves in a host of fun activities in the nearby town of Newcastle, and of course the beautiful surrounding area of County Down.
The Slieve Donard is a hotel of luxury and prestige. The property itself is over one hundred years old and showcases Victorian architecture at its most impressive. Guests will love the unique features of this historic building and enjoy relaxing in the cosy lounges with roaring open fires. Deluxe accommodation, luxurious surroundings and excellent facilities make this the perfect location for family holidays and weekend breaks.
The Great Outdoors
The Slieve Donard is situated in six acres of private grounds, leading down to an expansive beach which children will love to explore. The stunning Mourne Mountains are just a step away and the hotel can arrange for a friendly guide to show you the best spots. For more gentle strolls, Castlewellan Forest Park offers miles of wooded walks. The Silent Valley reservoir, nestled amongst the mountains is another must-see. Cycling is an ideal way to see County Down. With its network of small rural roads, varied landscape and hidden historical ‘gems’, there are many routes that are suitable for all the family as well as off-road and forest tracks for keen mountain-bikers. The hotel offers archery, falconery and clay pigeon shooting, and nearby horse-riding, pony-treking, sailing, fishing, and windsurfing will keep the kids entertained for hours (all activities can be organised through the hotel). For real adventure seekers, the Peak Discovery Centre offers mountaineering, caving, white water rafting and canoeing for older children and teens.
In the Town
From the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa why not take a five minute stroll into the nearby town of Newcastle, which has plenty of restaurants, bars, shops and activities on offer. At Castleward in County Down there is a fantastic adventure playground and children can not only dress up and play with period toys at the Victorian Past Times centre but they can also take a tractor ride and feed the animals at the local farm. The Saint Patrick Centre makes for an educational day out where you can learn about St. Patrick using 21st century technology and for arty-types, there is also the chance to paint your own pottery at the nearby pottery studio!
Relaxation
After all these activities, parents may well need a bit of pampering for themselves after the kids have gone to bed and where better than at the Slieve Donard’s new £8million ESPA spa. Relax and unwind whilst enjoying one of the many therapeutic experiences on offer including Hot Stone Therapy, advanced Ayurvedic massage and treatments aimed specifically at men such as the Golfing Recovery ritual. Together with all that fresh mountain air, guests will be left feeling calm, rejuvenated and ready for another adventure!
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For further information, please contact either Joanna Cadbury Joanna@grifcopr.com; Kathryn Peel Kathryn@grifcopr.com; Emily Wilson Emily@grifcopr.com or Emma Powell Emma@grifcopr.com on 020 7385 7090.
