Killeavy Castle Estate: The future of luxury
Set within 30 acres of woodland and working farmland, in the foothills of Slieve Gullion in County Armagh, the luxurious Killeavy Castle Estate is the perfect base to experience historic, beautiful and vibrant Ireland.
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Just one hour from both Dublin and Belfast, Killeavy Castle Estate has the beautifully refurbished castle as its centrepiece – a Grade A-listed, 19th-century gem that lay derelict for many years, before being restored.
The castle is joined by an award-winning 45-bedroom luxury boutique-style hotel, with spa, restaurant and bar, and a picturesque self-catering Gatelodge.
The estate opened in 2019 following a £12m investment, and sits within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. While the history and majesty of Killeavy Castle embodies the luxury experience, Killeavy is grounded in an ethos of sustainability, with a working farm and walled gardens providing 90 per cent of the food served in the award-winning restaurant.
The estate is also leading the way in sustainable tourism, with the aim of creating a legacy of sustainability. A new Farm Store and Estate Garden will open in March 2022. Guests can visit the farm animals, walk the walled gardens and see how the meat that features on the menus is cured, smoked and preserved.
The estate has also introduced zero plastics and energy reduction policies, and plans to restore the 19th-century water wheel for renewable energy production. Working towards achieving net zero by 2027, the estate has embarked upon a reforestation initiative that will see the replanting of Slieve Gullion forest with broadleaf trees.
From the hotel, guests can enjoy the magnificent countryside surrounding Killeavy, with miles of scenic walking and cycling trails accessible directly from the estate. Foraging, forest bathing, mindfulness experiences and ebike hire are also on offer.
Killeavy Castle Estate’s central location makes it the perfect base to explore the east coast of Ireland. Take a day trip north to visit Belfast, with its vibrant shopping and entertainment scene. The world-leading Titanic Belfast museum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year and the Cathedral Quarter, Ulster Museum, Botanic Gardens and St. George’s Market are all worth a visit.
Just one hour south of Killeavy is Ireland’s capital city, Dublin, with its many attractions, including the Guinness Storehouse, Book of Kells, Trinity College and the historic Dublin Castle. Closer to home, in County Armagh, guests can explore the historic cathedral city of Armagh, tour some of the many orchards that pepper the countryside, and visit the 250-year-old Robinson Library and the Armagh Planetarium.
Game of Thrones fans should visit the world’s first ever Game of Thrones tour at the Linen Mill Studios, Banbridge.
For the adventurous, a short drive east takes you to County Down, where you can climb the Mountains of Mourne and master Slieve Donard, or take in some Irish history at St. Patrick’s grave and visitor centre in Downpatrick.
To find out more about Killeavy Castle Estate and make a reservation, visit KilleavyCastle.com
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