EXPERIENCE THE FAMOUS OLD LADY OF NEWCASTLE
The iconic Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle is adjacent to Royal County Down, the number one golf course in the world (Photo: Courtesy Tourism NI)
STAY & PLAY: HOTEL REVIEW
April 2025
The commanding old lady adorned in red brick by the shores of Newcastle and just over a pitch away from the famed links of Royal County Down makes the Slieve Donard Hotel one of the world’s most iconic golf hotels.
This former railway hotel has a storied history, and the grand old Victorian style building has stood the test of time as golfers from all over the world arrive at this Marine & Lawn hotel as part of their golfing odyssey to play some of the best courses in Ireland.
The Slieve Donard is an integral part of the golfing story at Newcastle, it is the perfect golfing partner to Royal County Down where the walkway from the hotel is just metres from the pedestrian entrance into the grounds of Royal County Down. The great and the good have stayed at Slieve Donard, including some of golf’s Gram Slam champions and countless others over the years.
Iconic Building
As a resident of Newcastle, the Slieve Donard has always been a landmark on the skyline. From one end of Newcastle to the other, the famous red brick structure is usually visible, even from the far end of the town at Newcastle harbour where the Slieve Donard is clearly visible when looking across the bay.
There could hardly be a better location for a hotel as the immaculate hotel grounds spill out in front of the property and lead to the sandy beach that runs along the opening holes at Royal County Down and beyond to Murlough. Back in the day prominent businessmen and their families from Belfast and further afield would alight at the nearby railway station to stay in opulent surroundings at the Slieve Donard. To this day, the hotel has retained much of that Victorian style and charm yet has moved with the times to meet the demands of modern day and the hotel’s discerning visitors.
Luxury Accommodation
The luxury rooms enjoyed a full upgrade after the new owners bought the hotel from the Hastings family in recent years. Each room was completely refurbished and now ‘evokes Victorian splendour’ with dark hues and distinct design to help complement the hotel’s rich history. When staying at the Slieve Donard, it is always advisable to request a room with a sea view to ensure a most magical stay. A view across Dundrum Bay while staying in complete luxury is a treat that simply must be experienced.
Drinks & Dining
It will come as no surprise that the Slieve Donard provides a range of dining options or stylish lounge areas to kick back and relax during your stay. JJ Farrall’s (named after the hotel’s architect) is the signature restaurant where fine dining is the choice of the day. Large bay windows let the morning light spill in as breakfast service also takes place here.
Other options include the more casual Lighthouse Lounge at the hotel’s spa and leisure area, or why not enjoy a great cocktail at The Wolf Bar in the heart of the hotel. This is a great place to sink into the large seats and let time slide by. Don’t forget the Percy French, a standalone restaurant and bar at the entrance of the hotel, which is a great alternative for hotel guests looking for a bit of variety.
Spa & Wellness
The Spa at Slieve Donard is a welcoming space with floor to ceiling panoramic views where guests can lie on a lounger by the pool while looking out to the bay. It really doesn’t matter what the weather is doing outside, this is a place to cherish come rain or shine.
A full range of treatments are available at the Slieve Donard, and a well-earned golfers’ massage could be the order of the day after a round at the famous RCD links.
Summary
The Slieve Donard is both iconic in name and reputation. It remains one of Northern Ireland’s standout venues in one of the most sought-after locations anywhere in the country. Visitors immerse themselves in a place where time not only stands still but has somehow moved with the times. For visiting golfers, it is simply the place to stay when preparing to play at round on the Championship Links at Royal County Down. Such proximity means guests could literally view opening tee shots or putts on the ninth green from certain vantage points at the hotel. The Slieve Donard is the perfect accommodation provider to golf at the number one golf course in the world.
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Slieve Donard Hotel
Downs Road, Newcastle, Co. Down, BT33 0AH, Northern Ireland
W: https://marineandlawn.com/slievedonard
T: +44 (0)284 372 1066
E: info@slievedonard.co.uk