Killeavy Castle Estate

Key Features

• Its careful choice of spa products to deliver uniquely beautiful treatments

This blissful setting creates a joyful tone for a relaxed break. Put the mobile phone away and enjoy the chatter of birds and the unique bliss of life on a working (if rather more elegant than standard) farm. All of this lays the groundwork for you to head to the on-site spa in the perfect frame of mind. Set against the majesty of the mountains and the sweeping beauty of the Ring of Gullion, the spa has been purposefully designed as the ultimate retreat. Hidden in the estate grounds, you start your spa experience in the water therapy area, complete with a hydro and exercise pool accompanied by views of the walled garden and farmland. Then move to the laconicum to stimulate circulation before cooling down in the aroma mist and drench showers. To top it off, you can spend time enjoying the view in the outdoor hot tub or the tylarium, which is a combination of a sauna and steam bath.

Treatments at the spa are equally carefully thought out. Using a combination of Elemis and Caudalie products, therapists offer a wide range of holistic face and body treatments. Inspired by nature, Elemis is a leading British luxury skincare brand, recognised the world over for its luxurious, indulgent approach. Meanwhile, Caudalie describes itself as ‘beauty from the vine’, beginning in a family vineyard in Bordeaux and offering effective skincare from natural ingredients derived from grapes and the grapevine.

Key Features

• It’s in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
• Much of the food is grown on-site
• It has its own castle and working farm

Set in 350 acres of mixed farm and woodland in County Armagh’s Slieve Gullion, Killeavy Castle Estate has a remarkable ability to slow down time and give you a sense of total tranquility as well as luxury. A combination of history, nature and style, the estate consists of the beautifully restored Killeavy Castle, which dates back to 1836; the main hotel, which has been transformed from the original mill and coach house; and The Gatelodge, offering contemporary self-catering accommodation. Each has its own style. The main hotel has 45 guestrooms, decorated in soft greys, burnt oranges and sage greens that echo the seasonal colours of the surrounding landscape. Killeavy Castle is a listed building that’s available for exclusive hire in all its glamorous gothic glory, and The Gatelodge is a modern addition with accommodation for up to six guests.

Dining at the estate is all about sustainability. Executive Chef Darragh Dooley and his team, are passionate about creating mouth-watering menus with the freshest, seasonal ingredients, sourced from the estate’s own working farm, walled garden and from carefully selected local suppliers. There’s a bar menu for lighter bites, a delectable afternoon tea, a cafe for that essential coffee and cake, and a sumptuous dinner menu.