Slieve Donard

During the height of Victorian Britain's industrialization, developments in railway travel opened new horizons for people all over the world. Overland travel that took weeks and was prohibitively expensive was now reduced to days and became relatively more affordable, granting many access to far-flung destinations. The town of Newcastle, situated at the foot of the mountain called Slieve Donard, was originally a humble fishing village with scenic views. When the Belfast and County Down Railway established railroad tracks and stations along Northern Ireland's coasts, these small communities exploded with an influx of tourists and travelers looking to escape the dreary cities. Seeing an opportunity, the railway company began construction of its very own hotel in 1896, and a year later, in 1897, the Slieve Donard Hotel opened its doors for the first time.

Even back then, the hotel was quite a significant establishment. It boasted 120 guestrooms, along with amenities such as freshwater, saltwater, and Turkish baths. Celebrities and important figures visited the hotel, including cinema icon Charlie Chaplin, and the songwriter and poet Percy French, to whom one of the hotel's restaurants is named after.

Ownership changed later in the 20th century, when the Belfast & County Down Railway was nationalized, with management of its properties taken over by the Ulster Transport Authority. In May 1971, Sir William “Billy” Hastings, founder of Hastings Hotels, purchased Slieve Donard and invested in restoring it to its original splendour. Over the decades, it has expanded, maintained, and modernized, including a major 15  million GBP (20.5 million USD) redevelopment in the mid‑2000s. This overhaul added new rooms and wellness facilities while painstakingly preserving the hotel's Victorian aspects. More recently, it Slieve Donard was acquired by US‑based Adventurous Journeys, which operates Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts.

When the Slieve Donard Hotel began construction in 1896, it was envisioned as a Victorian edifice looming over the coast. Its design was the result of an architectural competition held by the Belfast & County Down Railway, which was won by James J. Farrall of Young & Mackenzie. It boasts a grand red facade in Victorian Gothic styles, prominently featuring a tall tower, followed by symmetrical balconies and dormer windows. These windows were deliberately crafted to present panoramic views of Newcastle Bay, the Mourne Mountains, and the Irish Sea.

While the original interiors have largely changed over time, the overall theme still adheres to the opulence and pomp of romanticized Victorian aesthetics. Parquet floors are polished to gleam, while the walls and ceilings are lined with Art Nouveau and Art Deco details. Furnishings embrace classic 19th-century styles, providing the same level of comfort while creating a nostalgic atmosphere. Ornate chandeliers and light fixtures line the ceiling, while Victorian‑inspired wallpapers breathe dynamic energy into rooms and spaces.

J.J. Farrall's

As the hotel’s signature restaurant, J.J. Farrall’s offers a refined dining experience that highlights seasonal and locally sourced Irish produce, especially regional beef, lamb, seafood, and game. Named after the hotel's architect, the restaurant celebrates the hotel’s historic 19th‑century architecture and is decked in fixtures like open fireplaces. The menu is filled with nods to classic recipes given contemporary twists, presented in daily dinner services and traditional Sunday lunches. Also on offer are exquisite Afternoon Tea times, letting guests indulge in this lovely Victorian ritual with a Northern Irish style.

Opening hours:
Breakfast:
Monday to Friday: 7 am - 10 am
Saturday & Sunday: 7 am - 10:30 am
Dinner:
Daily: 6 pm - 9 pm
Afternoon Tea:
Thursday to Saturday: 12 pm - 3 pm
Sunday Lunch:
Sunday: 1 pm - 3:30 pm

The Percy French

Head over to The Percy French if you're looking for a more relaxed, informal dining spot at Slieve Donard. The menu is lined with classic pub favorites and regional comfort foods. Each dish is made using locally sourced, in‑season ingredients, particularly the seafood. Admire the views of the Irish Sea and the Mourne Mountains as you savor your meal. Try specialties like the beer‑battered fish and chips and chargrilled steaks, accompanied by vintages from their wine list, draught beers, spirits, and crafted cocktails. Your children will also learn about the flavors of Irish cuisine with the help of the kids' menu, perfect for developing palates.

Opening hours: 12 pm - 9 pm

The Lighthouse Lounge

Treat yourself to the delightful light bites and baked tasties served at The Lighthouse Lounge. Daily items include cakes, pastries, cream teas, hearty soups, and sandwiches, all prepared fresh. Whether you're looking for a place to grab a lunch, cool off with afternoon refreshments, or fill up with an early dinner, this lovely setting is what you need.

Opening hours: 11 am - 5 pm

The Wolf Bar

Kick back and relax in Slieve Donard's beautifully decorated social den, where the cozy atmosphere blends with the soothing draughts and drams. Aside from spirits and vintages, the menu is also lined with signature cocktail mixes, as well as sharing platters and orders for light bites. Try their delicacies, such as the local Carlingford oysters, or special charcuteries of local cheese and cuts of meat.

At Slieve Donard Hotel, couples can find bespoke venues and services for their dream wedding, with the Mourne Mountains and Irish Sea as their backdrop. Assisting you along the way is a professional wedding coordinator and their experienced in-house team. From the planning stages all the way through to the big day itself, they'll make sure to tailor every detail of the event.

The venues can accommodate events of various sizes, providing flexible options for ceremonies and receptions, as well as post-wedding gatherings and activities. By offering tiered wedding packages, couples can easily scale their plans up or down, depending on the size, budget, and degree of opulence they envision.

Here are the main venues available at Slieve Donard:

The Grand Ballroom - Recognized as one of the largest formal function halls in the country.
Capacity: 400 guests

The Chandelier Room - Spacious gathering hall with beautiful chandelier fixtures.
Capacity: 140 guests

Brunel Lounge - Includes a bar and direct access to the lawn area.
Capacity: 100 guests

Annesley Room - Classy event space that can accommodate both ceremonies and banquets.
Capacity: 60 guests

Drawing Room - Intimate venue conveniently close to the hotel lobby.
Capacity: 25 guests

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

Indulge in a well-rounded wellness experience that rejuvenates your body and soothes your mind, all while admiring the scenery of the Mourne Mountains and the Irish Sea. The Spa at Slieve Donard is a sanctuary providing ESPA treatments ranging from formulated facials and body therapies to soothing massages and sensory rituals. Guests also enjoy access to an indoor swimming pool, a vitality pool, and a thermal suite complete with steam rooms, a rock sauna, and drench showers. For the more active spirits, there's also a gym with modern equipment such as Peloton bikes, weights, and group classes for yoga and Zen sessions.

Slieve Donard is situated in one of Northern Ireland’s most scenic regions, surrounded by beautiful coasts along the Irish Sea and the impressive Mourne Mountains to the south. Guests can explore the mountains and enjoy day trips for hiking, walking, and biking. The mountains are protected as the Mourne Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring their enchanting beauty and rich flora and fauna will be seen by future generations. At the foot of the mountains is Tollymore Forest Park, featuring ancient woodlands with lovely trails, which also served as filming locations for the HBO series Game of Thrones. If you'd like to play or relax by the sea, Newcastle boasts a considerable stretch of shoreline featuring sandy beaches, pebble beaches, and rocky sections.

History lovers can visit a slew of sites, ruins, and museums around Newcastle as well. Inch Abbey is the remnants of a Cistercian monastery that was built back in the 12th century. If you'd like to learn more about Irish alcohol heritage, the Hinch Distillery is an award‑winning Irish whisky and gin distillery set in the Killaney Estate, with guided tours and tastings. Armagh Observatory, Britain's oldest planetarium, is also a big hit with travelers of all ages.

To help plan your itinerary, Slieve Donard can arrange themed tours and activities in the region. Fans of medieval fantasy can take on the Game of Thrones Tour, while sporty folks can drop by the Life Adventure Centre and book kayaking, paddleboarding, or canoeing sessions. You can also play a game or two of golf at nearby courses, such as the Royal Belfast Golf Club.

Slieve Donard offers sites and venues suitable for all kinds of events, from corporate conferences and business meetings to social celebrations and formal functions. You'll have a selection of versatile spaces to choose from, including the Grand Ballroom, which can hold a conference of 800 guests, and smaller breakout rooms like the Drawing Room and Centenary Rooms. Each function will be supported by an experienced in‑house events team that helps with planning, catering, and execution. Aside from the event itself, the hotel also provides inclusive packages with team or group activities to further enrich your stay.