Business Details
Luxury Country House Hotel in Newcastle, Co. Down
Enniskeen Country House Hotel is a family-run establishment nestled in the picturesque Shimna Valley, offering breathtaking views of the Mourne Mountains and Irish Sea. Built in the late 1890s as a private residence by tobacco magnate Robert Murray, our hotel combines historic charm with modern comforts. Guests can explore our 12-acre estate, unwind in elegantly appointed rooms with period features, or savour locally sourced cuisine in our award-winning restaurant. Our dedicated team ensures every visitor experiences the warmth of genuine hospitality, whether staying for leisure, business, or special events. With proximity to Royal County Down Golf Club, Tollymore Forest Park, and Newcastle Harbour, we provide the perfect base for exploring Northern Ireland's natural and cultural treasures. From our original art deco bathroom to panoramic sea-view suites, each of our 12 individually styled rooms reflects our commitment to preserving the building's heritage while meeting contemporary expectations.Our culinary offerings showcase the finest seasonal ingredients, including Mourne Honey Afternoon Tea served in a setting where guests can appreciate both the gastronomy and the stunning vistas. As custodians of this historic property, we maintain its legacy through meticulous care of our grounds, which feature woodland trails leading to the Shimna River and habitats for local wildlife. Our event spaces combine traditional elegance with modern facilities, making us an ideal venue for weddings, conferences, and celebrations. With convenient access to Belfast and Dublin, we invite guests to discover a haven where history, hospitality, and natural beauty converge.
Services
Accommodation
Dining
Event Hosting
Afternoon Tea
Local Tours
Highlights and features
- We offer family-run hospitality with over a century of heritage in hospitality
- Our rooms combine historic charm with modern amenities and stunning views
- We provide award-winning dining with locally sourced seasonal ingredients
- Our location offers easy access to Northern Ireland's premier golf and nature attractions
- We host weddings and events in beautifully preserved Victorian function spaces
What people say
Delightful hotel
Superb location
Warm and friendly staff
Stunning views
Serene surroundings
Services
Accommodation
Our 12 individually styled rooms combine Victorian elegance with modern comforts. Each en-suite room features flat-screen TV, tea/coffee facilities, and complimentary breakfast. Many rooms offer mountain and sea views, including a turret suite with panoramic vistas and an art deco bathroom in Room 6. The peaceful setting ensures restful stays with only birdsong as your morning alarm.
Dining
The Oak Restaurant serves traditional Northern Irish cuisine using fresh local ingredients. Guests enjoy seasonal menus with Mourne Honey Afternoon Tea and gourmet dinners while admiring views of the Mountains of Mourne. The 'Brandy Pad' lounge offers a quiet space to relax with fine wines after meals, complementing our professional and attentive service in a historic setting.
Event Hosting
Our versatile function spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and special occasions. The hotel's historic architecture provides elegant backdrops for celebrations, supported by dedicated event planning and modern facilities. Whether intimate gatherings or larger events, our team ensures seamless execution with attention to detail and exceptional service standards.
Afternoon Tea
Our Mourne Honey Afternoon Tea showcases local produce in a refined setting. Served with delicate finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and honey-infused pastries, this experience combines culinary excellence with scenic views. The tradition continues in our conservatory overlooking the gardens, offering guests a taste of Northern Irish hospitality with a modern twist.
Local Tours
We provide access to nearby attractions including Royal County Down Golf Club, Tollymore Forest Park, and Silent Valley Reservoir. Guests can explore woodland trails leading to the Shimna River or visit historic sites like Castle Ward Estate. Our location serves as an ideal base for discovering the Mountains of Mourne and Strangford Lough's cultural heritage.
Questions
What types of rooms are available at Enniskeen Country House Hotel?
We offer 12 individually styled rooms with en-suite facilities, including a turret suite with panoramic views and an art deco bathroom. All rooms feature modern amenities and many offer mountain or sea vistas.
Does the hotel provide dining options for guests?
Yes, The Oak Restaurant serves traditional Northern Irish cuisine using local ingredients. We also offer Mourne Honey Afternoon Tea and a 'Brandy Pad' lounge for post-dinner relaxation with fine wines.
What nearby attractions can guests visit from the hotel?
We're near Royal County Down Golf Club, Tollymore Forest Park, and Silent Valley Reservoir. Guests can explore woodland trails, visit Newcastle Harbour, or discover the Mountains of Mourne and Strangford Lough.
Is the hotel suitable for special events and weddings?
Yes, our historic function spaces accommodate weddings, conferences, and special occasions. Our dedicated team provides event planning services and modern facilities while maintaining the venue's traditional elegance.
How accessible is the hotel from major cities?
We're 45 minutes from Belfast and 1.5 hours from Dublin, with convenient access to Northern Ireland's main attractions. The hotel's mountain setting offers peaceful seclusion while remaining easily reachable from major transport routes.
Reviews (7)
Alison Mccomiskey
Nov 02, 2021
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We had such a lovely time here. Made to feel very welcome and grounds beautiful. Old world charm and very clean. Will definitely be back again.
John Blain
Oct 29, 2021
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Lovely old style country house. The staff there are really lovely and go the extra mile to make you feel welcome. The room was clean and cosy. Super comfy bed and I got an excellent nights rest. The food was lovely. There is also a really pleasant meandering walk down to the Shimna river on the grounds. To top it all off, ample parking. I would definitely recommend a stay at the Enniskeen Country House.
Michael Bond
Sep 28, 2021
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If you want a quiet and peaceful break, this is the place. Staff helpful and pleasant. Food was nice, especially when a family of deer pass the dining room window.
Repent Believe
Sep 24, 2021
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We will be back . Great location , lovely food as food should taste freshly prepped , Great service , great views and surrounds . Retro in style , very peaceful but for an older customer . We really liked this place .
Geoff Carroll
Sep 18, 2021
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We stay there fairly regularly and love the location. Overall the place is clean and well kept and prices are not too expensive. It is a family run hotel and not as professional as some places. The food standard is adequate for short stays but menus are limited and so we eat out too.
Sonia Kinning
Sep 16, 2021
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Enniskeen Country Hotel is very impressive..it is So peaceful, with such stunning scenery...would recommend this hidden gem 100%...service is excellent to the finest detail and staff are incredible friendly and helpful...this beautiful hotel is grand and very homely...food was freshly made and excellent which was very refreshing...the grounds are amazing with river trails hidden among the trees and well landscaped seating areas...my husband and I will definitely be back to this beautiful place...thank you for making our stay so welcoming...
Carol McGoran
Jul 03, 2021
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Very comfortable hotel. Lots of original structure. The grounds are magnificent. Beautiful with clear views of part of the mourne mountains. Fantastic. The food was delicious. I was a one day visitor and hope to stay overnight in the near future.
