Set within 350 acres of woodland and working farmland in the foothills of Slieve Gullion in County Armagh, Northern Ireland, the luxurious Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect base to explore Ireland, North and South.
Just one hour from Dublin or Belfast, Killeavy Castle Estate has as its centrepiece the stunningly refurbished Killeavy Castle – a Grade A listed 19th-century gem that lay derelict for many years before being sympathetically restored to its former glory. Alongside the Castle, there is an award-winning 45-bedroom luxury boutique-style Hotel, with a spa, restaurant and bar, as well as a picturesque self-catering Gatelodge property.
The Estate opened in 2019 following a £12m investment and sits within an area of outstanding natural beauty. While the history and majesty of Killeavy Castle embodies the luxury experience guests can enjoy, Killeavy is also grounded in an ethos of sustainability with a working farm and walled gardens providing 90% of the food served in the hotel’s award-winning restaurant.
Not only does Killeavy Castle Estate pride itself on giving guests a first-class experience, but it is also leading the way in sustainable tourism. A new Farm Store and Estate Garden will open in March 2022 giving guests the opportunity to experience first-hand how the food for the Estate is produced. Guests can visit the farm animals, walk the walled gardens and see how expert artisans cure, smoke and preserve the meat that features on the Estate’s menus.
Killeavy Castle Estate aims to create a legacy of sustainability throughout the Estate - that includes everything from the food that is served to its zero plastics policy, energy reduction and plans to restore the 19th-century water wheel for renewable energy production. The Estate is working towards achieving net zero by 2027 and has embarked upon a reforestation initiative that will see the replanting of Slieve Gullion with broadleaf trees.
Guests can enjoy the magnificent countryside surrounding Killeavy Castle Estate with miles of scenic walking and cycling trails that can be accessed directly from the Estate. Foraging, forest bathing mindfulness experiences and e-bike hire are also on offer.
Killeavy Castle Estate’s central location, just one hour from either Belfast or Dublin airports, makes it the perfect base to explore the East Coast of Ireland. Guests can take a day trip north to visit Belfast with its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene. The world-leading Titanic Belfast celebrates its 10h anniversary this year and Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and St. George’s Market are all worth a visit.
An hour’s journey South will allow guests to explore Ireland’s capital city, Dublin where the Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, Trinity College and the historic Dublin Castle all prove popular visitor attractions.
Closer to home, in County Armagh, where Killeavy Castle Estate is situated, guests can explore the Cathedral City of Armagh or visit the Armagh Orchards, the 250-year-old Robinson Library with its display of rare books or the Armagh Planetarium.
Game of Thrones fans can visit the first-ever Game of Thrones tour opened in the world at the Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge, where fans will be treated to a set tour of all things surrounding the series.
For the more adventurous, a short drive east takes you to County Down where you can climb the Mountains of Mourne and master Slieve Donard or visit St. Patrick’s grave and Visitor Centre in Downpatrick.
Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect location for a couples retreat or romantic getaway. Not only does the Estate offer luxury and relaxation with the joy of getting back to nature, but its central location makes it the ideal base to explore the historic and vibrant cities and attractions of the surrounding area.