My new year began with a much anticipated weekend escape at Killeavy Castle ( a gift at Christmas from my ever thoughtful husband). A new destination for both of us, Killeavy Castle is situated in the Ring of Gullion near Newry, approximately an hour’s drive from Belfast.
Killeavy Castle Estate
Originally a farmhouse, Killeavy Lodge was redesigned into a castellated grand residence for the Foxall family by Dublin architect George Papworth in the 1830s. Taking ownership in 1881, the Bell family resided there for several generations, until it gradually fell into disrepair. The current owner, born locally and raised in Australia has, in recent years, embarked on a restoration programme. This has been driven by a desire to both strengthen family ties to the region and to create a place to celebrate the beauty of the area.
This restoration has included not only the castle itself but the wider estate too. It consists of a working farm, native woodlands and, to my delight, a walled garden. And the backdrop to all of this is the Ring of Gullion, an area of outstanding natural beauty, steeped in history and Irish mythology.
The castle
Nestled next to the castle is the hotel, contemporary in design and featuring huge picture windows that take advantage of beautiful views across the countryside. Our two night stay included complimentary use of the spa. And if that were not enough already, hubby had booked us into one of the rooms that overlooks the walled garden.
Exploring the area
Having arrived late Friday afternoon, our weekend escape at Killeavy Castle began with an indulgent 7 course taster menu in the restaurant that evening. We spent Saturday enjoying walks both on the estate and in the surrounding area. Close by are Killeavy Old Churches, an early convent founded towards the end of the 5th century by St Moninna. It remained as a house of nuns for almost 1,000 years. Indeed, it is one of only four women’s foundations in Ireland to have survived as major convents. On our return, I took a solitary wander to photograph the walled garden, quiet and bare in winter and yet serenely beautiful. Hubby, meanwhile, went off to enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the bar !
Killeavy Old Churches
On Sunday, I got up early to enjoy the peace and quiet of the spa. Having popped on the robe provided in the room, I was able to just get in the lift on the second floor which took me directly down to the spa below. Within minutes, I was enjoying an early morning swim with the added luxury of having the pool all to myself. After breakfast and check out, we took the four minute drive to Slieve Gullion Forest Park. There we enjoyed a lovely (though quite bracing !) walk through the forest, dense with heather and bracken. Then after a quick coffee at the forest cafe, it was back in the car for the drive home.
Inspired and invigorated
This weekend escape at Killeavy Castle really left an impression on me. I came home feeling inspired and invigorated. Sipping coffee in the morning while watching the sun rise over the walled garden was a personal highlight. Another highlight was the tranquility of the spa. With so much to explore outdoors, we walked for miles, getting loads of fresh air, chatting as we went and discovering new things together. It was the perfect pick me up for those January blues, so much so that we’ve already booked to return in August. By then the walled garden will be in bloom.
Wishing you all a lovely Sunday,
Paula x
The walled garden
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Sounds like a great way to start the year, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Thank you Andrea. Yes I did, so much in fact we’ve booked to return again in August!