IN PARTNERSHIP WITH SLIEVE DONARD
Celebrating 125 years of service, 2024 welcomes a new chapter for Slieve Donard, now a Marine & Lawn property …
Positioned adjacent to the world-renowned Royal County Down Golf Club, the 180-key Slieve Donard is a natural fit for Marine & Lawn – an Adventurous Journeys (AJ) Capital brand, and a collection of hotels and resorts set alongside some of the world’s most coveted golf courses. With updated guest rooms, renovated meeting and event and restaurant spaces, the iconic hotel is in its best chapter yet.
Since 1898 Slieve Donard – with its impressive views of the Mournes sweeping down to the sea – has welcomed various icons over the years including Charlie Chaplin, Tiger Woods, Catherine Zeta Jones, King Leopold (of Belgium), Dame Judi Dench and many more. Today, that rich tradition continues, now with more to offer.
From relaxed to upscale, the re-imagined Slieve Donard has four new options for drinking and dining, with menus championing in-season ingredients, local produce, game and seafood – including J.J. Farrall’s, The Wolf Bar, Lighthouse Lounge and newly refurbished favourite, The Percy French.
A little more than an hour’s drive from Dublin, Slieve Donard is an upscale getaway for guests drawn to the outdoors, golf, excellent cuisine and more.
The Great Outdoors
Awarded the coveted UNESCO Global Geopark status, hikers and nature lovers have plenty to explore. Nearby Tollymore Forest Park offers horse riding and orienteering to round out an active retreat.
Golf
Marine & Lawn ihotels and resorts are set alongside the world’s most coveted golf courses – The Old Course in St Andrews, to Marine Troon, Marine North Berwick and Dornoch Station. Golfers will know Royal County Down is located in one of the world’s most naturally beautiful links settings in the Murlough Nature Reserve, and has been voted the best course in the world (according to Golf Digest). Against the backdrop of the Mournes, the links stretch along the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole. Golfers staying at Slieve Donard are literally a few paces from the fairway!
Rooms
After a day spent hiking, golfing and exploring the area, Slieve Donard provides chic, comfortable accommodation, excellent cuisine and a renowned spa. The new decor blends old world charm and contemporary luxury with nods to the hotel’s seaside location. Details include lush foliage, inspiring artworks, original Victorian architectural elements and statement chandeliers, as well as railway-inspired elements (the hotel was originally built by Belfast and County Down Railway in 1898).
As for the 180 guest rooms, they are spacious and welcoming. Many offer stunning panoramic views over the coastline. Notable details include the hand-carved crests mounted over each of the headboards – replicated from the carved stone that hangs above the front entry into the building – and luxurious Floris amenities in the bathrooms.
Cuisine
Fortunately there’s no need to travel far to find a dining spot to suit your preference. JJ Farrall’s, located in the heart of the hotel, is named after the hotel’s original architect, and is a fitting setting for enjoying afternoon tea, a traditional Sunday lunch or dinner. On the menu are modern classics and the very best seasonal beef, lamb, seafood, game, and fresh produce, straight from the local larder.
The relaxing Lighthouse Lounge boasts inspiring views across the bay to Newcastle and serves Mediterranean light bites, more substantial menus as well as tempting patisserie.
The intimate Wolf Bar is richly decorated which adds to its cosiness – and makes it the perfect spot for elevenses, sharing platters at lunch time, (stop by for a plate of Carlingford oysters or charcuterie and cheeses), as well as a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. The cocktail menu features classics with a Slieve Donard twist, inspired by local history and ingredients.
The Percy French, located at the entrance to the resort, is a local favourite for elevated comfort food, bar snacks and a traditional Sunday roast. From burgers and Shorthorn steaks from the chargrill, to free-range chicken from the rotisserie, all entrees are served with generous sides. The menu is designed to please hungry golfers, large groups and little ones alike.
Spa
For spa devotees, The Spa at Slieve Donard is also a destination in itself and spans two floors with relaxation rooms and wellness facilities including a 20-metre indoor pool, a vitality pool, steam room, rock sauna and drench showers. Its menu of ESPA treatments combine holistic therapies with the purest natural ingredients.
The Gym, with Peloton and Life Fitness equipment, schedules a range of classes in the studios such as yoga and HIIT. The in-house hair salon not only offers expert cutting, styling and colouring, but also specialty services for hair loss and hair replacement by experienced stylists.
So whether your idea of a weekend getaway is an outdoorsy, action-packed adventure, or a more indulgent and leisurely break with pampering facilities on hand, Slieve Donard hotel is an excellent base providing a warm welcome, seamless service and superior facilities only 90 minutes from Dublin.
Winter Warm-Up
Plan a winter visit and we’ll take the chill off with a £50 dining credit, late 1pm checkout* and complimentary breakfast. Book by January 31 for stays now to March 28 2024; www.marineandlawn.com/slievedonard/.
