Set in one of Ireland's loveliest yet least known areas, the opening of a fine hotel at Killeavy Castle Estate on the slopes of Slieve Gullion mountain, is set to give discerning travellers - from within Ireland and abroad - the joy of discovering the Ring of Gullion, with the magnificent mountain (573m) at its heart, and the beautiful Slieve Gullion Forest Park near Newry.
First time visitors expecting a conventional castle hotel are in for a surprise, however, as the view from the driveway is not of a castle but of what seems to be an uncompromising modern building - and if, as is likely, you park in front of it and head into what seems to be the reception area, you'll find yourself in the (wonderfully serene) spa. But it's an interesting way to arrive and the delightful staff seem well used to redirecting mystified guests.
You can take the lift from the spa up into the main hotel, exploring the building - which is planned around a central courtyard - as you go. You'll immediately get a sense of the TLC that has gone into this remarkable and very eco-friendly project and how it fits into the surrounding countryside.
And it's all thanks to the vision and determination of the owners, Australian-based local man Mick Boyle and his wife Robin, who have restored what was a derelict 19th century castle to create a boutique venue - and, alongside it, a modern hotel of character that's been developed around the castle's old coach house and mill buildings.
Or you could arrive the right way, driving up the hill past a stone archway that allows a glimpse into an impressively restored walled kitchen garden (with café), to arrive at the upper carpark beside the main entrance. Either way, there is plenty of interest to see, and the wall of photos recording the story will reward a close look.
The Grade A listed castle conversion has created four suites, a cellar bar and a private dining room for up to 12 people - castle accommodation is sold as a unit, and a permanent marquee beside it is available for weddings and other events. So the main action takes place in the new 4-star hotel which, despite its mainly modern ambience and some bright pops of colour in the decor, has a real old-meets-new feeling that quickly grows on you.
Rooms are understated but very comfortable - all have full bath and separate shower, and many have balconies or terraces - and there are intimate seating areas scattered throughout the building, some with views of the castle, others looking out over the countryside or courtyard.
When it comes to food, the hotel policy is to use the freshest possible seasonal ingredients, sourced from their own working farm and gardens, and carefully selected local suppliers. Fresh seasonal vegetables and herbs are picked daily from the vast walled garden or foraged from the extensive onsite woodlands, and (although not always mentioned) their own Cheviot lamb and Longhorn beef are also regularly part of the offerings on Executive Chef Darragh Dooley’s menus.
The spacious bar has wonderful mountain views and it's appealingly laid out for comfortable casual dining. The all day menu offers interesting choices (including unusual vegetarian options) and the good cooking and delightful staff make for an enjoyable experience, although it would be nice to see more information about the local produce that it's based on.
In the evening, fine dining is also offered in a pleasantly atmospheric restaurant that's set up smartly with white-clothed tables and, although menus are also short on provenance, the quality speaks for itself and the cooking is very good - and it's early days yet.
Killeavy Castle has only been open since spring 2019 and it is a huge achievement - and they're not done yet. Everything about the project conveys a sense of commitment, the quality is commendable and there's a real sense of being at the beginning of an exciting journey. There's even a plan to plant the slopes of Slieve Gullion behind the castle with an additional 100 acres of broadleaf woodlands to provide over 200 acres of continuous broadleaf woodlands expanding and linking the woods in Killeavy Castle Estate with the woods at the adjacent Slieve Gullion Forest Park. A wonderful ambition.
All round, Killeavy Castle is bringing a completely new dimension to this lovely and largely undiscovered area - it's a must-visit destination for the culturally curious traveller and a great day out for local people.
