Peaceful three-star country house, with renowned restaurant, situated in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains. It's motto of "Simple Excellence" says it all.
GUESTROOMS
10 well-appointed en-suite bedrooms, including 2 suites, offering excellent views of the Down coastline to the front and Mourne Mountains to the rear.
FACILITIES
Restaurant, bar, private garden. Horse riding and hill-walking may be pursued nearby.
ACCOMMODATION REVIEW
Lying in the heart of the ancient "Kingdom of Mourne" on the majestic coastline of County Down, Glassdrumman Lodge is a small rural haven, owned and run by the Hall family, whose philosophy is that of simple excellence. Situated in one of the most picturesque regions of Ireland, the austere boundary of stone walls around the lodge hides the warmth of pine log fires, beautiful furnishings, rich wool carpets and a traditionally warm Irish welcome.
Over the last twenty years, Glassdrumman Lodge has gained widespread acclaim for its hospitality, elegance and quality of cuisine. The Hall family is guided by Brillat-Savarin's dictum "to invite someone is to take charge of his happiness during the time he spends under your roof" and today, Glassdrumman Lodge offers all one would expect of a five-star hotel in an unpretentious home from home atmosphere. Dining at Glassdrumman is always an experience to relish and guests have the option of sitting around a twenty-foot pine table or at their own private table. The cuisine is fashioned from local produce, much of which is grown on the lodge farm and gardens, while fresh oysters and fish are sourced daily from local ports.
Each of the ten pastel coloured bedrooms offer panoramic views of the coastline to the front and heather-clad Mountains of Mourne to the rear, while beamed ceilings, soft chairs, thick carpets, soft lighting and a crackling log fire are just some of the elements, which ensure the reception rooms provide a relaxing and therapeutic venue for body and mind. A one-acre fly fishing lake, well-stocked with rainbow trout, is located in the grounds, while other attractions in the area include Silent Valley and Tollymore Forest Park. Royal County Down by the way, is just a short drive along the coast and Glassdrumman is the perfect base for golf here.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
If quality country house accommodation in a friendly atmosphere close to one of the world's finest golf courses appeals to you, then look no further than Glassdrumman Lodge. Throw in superb cuisine and you're in the equivalent of golfing heaven.
Situated just off the A2 coastal route, outside the village of Annalong, approximately 8 miles south of Newcastle and 25 miles southeast of Newry Town.
The Vine Restaurant, Burrendale Hotel, 51 Castlewellan Road, Newcastle, Co. Down. Tel: (44) 28 437 22599. Unrivalled à la Carte and table d'hôte menu, gentle ambience and excellent local fresh food.
The Buck's Head, 77 Main Street, Dundrum, Co. Down. Tel: (44) 28 437 51868. Dating back to the 18th century, the dining room is conducive to casual intimate dining with wood paneling and open fire.
The Slieve Croob Inn, 119 Clanvaraghan Road, Castlewellan, Co. Down. Tel: (44) 28 437 71412. Using local produce and fresh market vegetables, the menu is both unusual and mouthwatering.
The Lobster Pot, 9-11 The Square, Strangford, Co. Down. Tel: (44) 28 448 81288. Located in the village of Strangford, it retains an old fashioned charm and uses the finest freshest produce when preparing the menu.