Wellness Weekends

Food for the mind, body and soul 

The famous singer, Van Morrison, once said that in life “there’s always got to be a struggle”. We’re big fans of the great man in these parts, but we like to think you can give your soul a wee rest from time to time. People have been coming to the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion to escape the relative hectic pace of life for centuries. Spend an hour here and your body and mind will thank you, spend a few days and by the time you’re finished you’ll be “standing in the sunlight laughing”.

Rest easy at the foot of the mountains 

Green Holiday Cottages are a group of four four-star cottages at the foot of the Mournes. Whether you come here just to get away from it all or to take part in their weekend retreats, you will not be sorry. This spot sits in a secluded riverside setting near Kilkeel and has access to a number of walking trails in nearby fields. Kilbroney Forest Park and the majestic trees and gardens of Castlewellan are no distance, while the Mourne Mountains provide both fantastic scenery and, of course, a wonderful challenge for the body and mind, should you endeavour to take them on.

Those attending the Pilates and Wellness Retreat at the cottages can enjoy the ecotherapy, connect with nature and with other people. Food on this retreat is locally sourced and is fish and vegetarian based. While breakfast is provided in cottages other meals are communally prepared and eaten together.

A little further south, Killeavy Castle Estate offers top-class treatments and exceptional food in beautifully manicured surroundings in the Ring of Gullion. Enjoy the castle’s water therapy area with a hydro poll, an exercise pool and views of the surrounding hills. Move to the laconicum to purify and detoxify the body by gently heating up and stimulating circulation before cooling down in the aroma mist and drench showers. You can get a blast of fresh country air sitting in the outdoor hot tub or tylarium before checking in for your spa experience. After all of that, and the inevitable nap back in your room, you might want to try their amazing afternoon tea - just as well there are plenty of places you can walk it all off all around you.

Breathe the freshest air – then breathe out

If you fancy taking a more active role in your well-being then the Sound of Silence Retreat at nearby Xhale is probably the place for you. Xhale was founded by Ann Ward who has practiced meditation for over twenty years. She now creates and curates immersive, mindfulness experiences and retreats using meditation and nature. You’ll learn how to meditate and develop tools to help quieten your mind. Immerse yourself in mindful cooking and eating, treat yourself to a hot stone massage or take part in some forest bathing without removing a stitch of clothing.

Of course, when it comes to forests, the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion is a tree lovers paradise. As well as the aforementioned Kilbroney Park and Castlewellan, the beautiful Tollymore Forest Park is a must visit.  There are many routes to choose from but the powerful Shimna River is nearly always a feature. Game of Thrones® fans might feel a sense of familiarity as they walk through the forest - many of the features such as bridges and stepping stones were used in the filming of the famous series.

Everywhere you look, there’s sea

Those who love the sea have plenty of beaches to choose from in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion. The five-mile Newcastle and Murlough Beach is hugely popular for swimming, sunbathing and other forms of recreation including walking. In summer, it can get busy but there are many days you will have this place to yourself and you can enjoy the silence.

You need to try the Sisters by the Sea retreat.  This multi-sensory experience will nourish your mind, body and soul.  The location for the experience nestles in the most magical setting in the grounds of the Enniskeen Estate amoungst the trees by the Shimna River with spectacular views of the Mourne Mountains.

Close to Downpatrick is the lovely Tyrella Beach and dune conservation area. This is a small, enclosed area within Dundrum Bay offering a wide, flat, sandy beach less than two miles long but backed by twenty-five hectares of mature dunes. There are many other scenic walks that you can take from here to explore the surrounding area.

Closer to Kilkeel, you’ll find the enchanting Cranfield Beach, a gently sloping and Blue Flag-winning beach at the very mouth of Carlingford Lough.

Rest, recuperate and relax

All that sea air is sure to make you hungry. Stone Boat Restaurant, located at the Harbour in Newcastle, is set in an idyllic location at the foot of the Mournes where you can sit outside and take in the views of the Irish Sea. This place does cracking breakfasts, lunches and dinner, so be sure to bring an appetite with you - you might be here a while.

A visit to Soak Seaweed Baths in Newcastle is a must.  After a relaxing seaweed bath why not pay a visit to the Montalto Estate. This beautiful spot opened to the public with the aim of reconnecting visitors with nature through access to a range of captivating gardens and beautiful walks and trails. Those with green fingers will love the many gardens and the enchanting Orchard within a wildflower meadow. Walkers will love the many tracks and trails and you can breathe deep and easy as your mind floats out among the trees and becomes one with nature.

Another place to spend some time on rejuvenating your head and body is the award-winning Zen Day Spa. This oasis of tranquility in the heart of Newry specialises in advanced non-surgical skin and body treatments as well as spa treatments. Their facials will have you looking the bees-knees and ready for a slap-up meal at the nearby Yellow Heifer Bar & Bistro.

There is much to choose from so you will have to choose judiciously to get the most from your wellness stay in the Mourne Mountains & Ring of Gullion.