Minnie's Cottage, Killeavy, Newry, Northern Ireland

County Armagh. Sleeps up to 4

Minnie's Cottage, Killeavy is the original back gate lodge to the grounds of Killeavy Castle, a charming retreat backed by 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland, near the city of Newry. With views towards the castle in the distance and a superb interior in which to unwind after a day filled with adventure, this humble dwelling is perfect for families and groups of friends. You are enveloped by the natural beauty on the Ring of Gullion, which straddles the Northern Ireland border with the Republic of Ireland, the ideal location for a rejuvenating holiday. Feel welcomed into the property into a bright hallway, with two armchairs in which you can relax with a book and a glass of wine at the end of a long day. Choose to spend your leisure time in the well-appointed living room, where you can relax in front of the fire on a cold winter’s night and chat about your plans for your trip. Summer evenings will welcome a cool breeze through the French doors as you get the family together for dinner, and there is also a Smart TV for you to catch up on your favourite shows. The wood-effect kitchen presents a fine selection of fittings integrated with modern appliances, allowing you to cook up tasty meals for all to enjoy. An extra guest can make use of the sofa bed in the lounge if they wish, while the master and twin bedrooms rest just off the corridor, adjoined by a Jack-and-Jill shower suite. Well-presented to a quality standard, they each have ample storage space and matching bedside tables with lamps, the double also having its own wall-mounted TV. Lastly, the second shower room allows you plenty of time to get ready each morning before you venture out to explore the local area, while the garden to the rear, accessed via the French doors, offers a lovely spot to relax with a drink. Head to the city for a day out at one of Newry’s major shopping centres, followed by an evening at one of many pubs, bars or restaurants. Brush up on your history by visiting Bagenal’s Castle, admire the attractive canal buildings showcasing their original features down by the quays and discover the glorious views from the grounds of St Patrick’s Church. The Ring of Gullion offers numerous routes and trails ranging in length and difficulty for walkers, cyclists and lovers of the outdoors, while anglers and equestrian enthusiasts are also well-catered for. Climb to the summit of Slieve Gullion and uncover an abundance of wildlife at Hawthorn Forest Nature Reserve. Travel to the city of Belfast to sample some of its finest attractions and find many National Trust properties in the area, including Castle Ward, which overlooks the waters of Strangford Lough in County Down. A splendid retreat in peaceful countryside.