PHOTO: the lounge stove lit, mismatched chairs, maps on the low table

Basecamp

The room the day gets planned in

We've been the meeting point for walkers, climbers and clubs heading into the Mournes for years.

Kitchen

Cook for two or twenty

Hob space and fridge room a group actually needs. Catering by arrangement.

Drying room

Best room in the house in February

Large drying room and laundry, so a soaked party starts tomorrow in dry boots.

Bikes

Lock-up and hire

Secure off-street storage. Hire arranged locally for the Castlewellan trails.

Lounge

Stove, pool, no hurry

Log fire, games room, TV lounge at the quiet end. Free WiFi throughout.

Local pulse

What the desk would tell you today

Weather updates live. Trail notes and what's on in town are still set by hand at the desk.

Weather · Newcastle

Loading live conditions…

On the Mournes · Donard 850m

Loading live conditions…

Trail note

Placeholder: Glen River path clear, upper section loose after rain. Check for forestry work at Tollymore.

This week in town

Placeholder: live music at the weekend, market on the promenade, low tide mid-afternoon.

Who we send you to

Local, tested, not sponsored

Partner placeholder

Bike hire

Hire and repairs for the Castlewellan and Rostrevor trail centres.

Partner placeholder

Guided walks

Qualified mountain leaders for groups going high.

Partner placeholder

Seaweed baths

The old Newcastle cure for a hard day. Book ahead at weekends.

Partner placeholder

Pubs & food

Ask at the desk — we know who's doing food late and who has the session on.

"Came for one night on the Mourne Way, stayed three."

Example guest copy — replace with a real review

"Twenty-six pupils, fed, dried out and back up the hill by nine."

Example guest copy — replace with a real review

"You can hear the sea from the door and see the mountain from the corner."

Example guest copy — replace with a real review