Hillyard House Hotel - Castlewellan

3-star boutique hotel at the gates of Castlewellan Forest Park with an award-winning restaurant and Himalayan salt meat aging chamber

Dining & Drink

Hillyard House Hotel houses the award-winning restaurant The Yard, which uses a Himalayan salt meat aging chamber to dry-age meats on site. Guests can order from a dinner menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, alongside a selection of wines and champagnes. The bar offers after-hours cocktail services with an impressive cocktail menu, including the signature Apple Drops cocktail.

Accommodations

The hotel offers family rooms that accommodate two adults and two children, as well as disability access rooms with emergency cords, lower bathroom sinks, raised toilets, and grab rails. Each room includes air conditioning, a private bathroom, and views of the Mourne Mountains from select rooms. Hillyard House Hotel Castlewellan also provides soundproof rooms and a lift for easy access.

Family & Adventure

Guests can rent bicycles onsite and book adventure packages that include bike tours, walking tours, and canoeing at nearby Castlewellan Forest Park, located a 12-minute walk from the hotel. The hotel runs family-oriented activities such as themed dinner nights, evening entertainment, and live music or performances. Hillyard House also offers cooking classes and tours or classes about local culture.

Location & Activities

Hillyard House Hotel Castlewellan sits at the entrance of Castlewellan Forest Park, giving guests immediate access to the Peace Maze and the Walled Garden. The Mourne Mountains and Newcastle Beach are within a short drive, and the hotel provides walking tours and golf course access nearby. Guests can also explore Tollymore Forest Park (6 km) and Down Cathedral (18 km) from this base.

Guest Services

The hotel offers after-hours cocktail services, special diet menus, and packed lunches for day trips. Hillyard House provides private check-in and check-out, luggage storage, and daily housekeeping, along with dry cleaning and laundry services. Additional amenities include a shared lounge/TV area, a minimarket on site, and grocery deliveries arranged by staff.

• Dining: Award-winning The Yard restaurant with Himalayan salt meat aging chamber
• Rooms: Family rooms and disability access rooms with Mourne Mountain views
• Activities: Onsite bike rental and adventure packages
• Location: 12-minute walk to Castlewellan Castle, steps from Forest Park
• Services: After-hours cocktail services and special diet menus