Review: Rest and recharge in this luxury County Armagh hotel

Just an hour’s drive from Dublin, the modern four-star, award-winning Killeavy Castle Estate offers a tranquil escape into the heart of the Slieve Gullion, Co Armagh countryside. Once your journey is complete, you are greeted with a sweeping driveway where you can see the castle peaking above the hills, welcoming you to your stay. With two car parks, you have the option to stroll to reception or walk directly into the spa. In both, you’ll be greeted by a friendly face and a helpful atmosphere. 

From the moment you interact with the staff, their love and appreciation of this luxury Co Armagh hotel becomes abundantly clear with sustainability at the forefront of its mission. We were proudly shown the wall of photographs of the castle before renovations took place. It is here that the craftsmanship and devotion the area has been shown is on full display. The hallways are easily navigated, but we quickly realised that the hotel appears to be upside down with the reception on level three and the spa on the ground floor. This layout works quite well, however, as it allows the spa to take full advantage of the stunning views on offer. It also means you can sit back and relax in the embrace of nature. But more on that later…

The room

My home for the night was one of the hotel’s deluxe guest rooms which are filled with an abundance of natural light and possess a view of the hotel’s walled garden and vegetable patch. I was greeted with a delicious chocolate brownie as a welcome gift. Multiple amenities were on offer, including a Nespresso machine and Smart TV with Chromecast capabilities. It’s also worth noting that, due to the hotel’s conscious choice to manage its environmental impact and energy usage, the rooms don’t have AC or a fridge.

The bathroom is spacious and is stocked with beautiful Rituals products for a luxe experience. The drench shower was particularly indulgent, even if it took me slightly longer to figure out the settings than I’d like to admit. The bed was palatial, with an array of plush pillows and a light duvet which suited the humid weather of recent weeks. And with the blackout curtains in the room, I was delighted to have a fantastic night’s sleep.

The spa

Once settled, I was more than excited to head down the lift to the hotel’s spa. The space oozed luxury, with ELEMIS products lining the walls to build anticipation for your personalised treatments. 

Treatment forms complete, I changed into a fluffy robe and slippers (all without plastic packaging) and began exploring the thermal spa suite. I soaked up the atmosphere and tried out the hydro and exercise pools, the outdoor hot tub, the sauna, the aroma mist shower (my personal favourite), the drench shower, and the heated mosaic tile lounges. 

Then the time came for my treatment which was a 25-minute head, neck and shoulder massage followed by a personalised pro glow facial. The aroma of the masseuse’s oils and the heating pad on the table made me sink into complete bliss. Admittedly late to the game, I have never had a facial so I was keen to see what all the hype was about – and I was not disappointed. My skin had never felt so pampered, and I was in such a state of tranquillity that before I knew it my therapist had gently placed my slippers back on my feet before leading me to the relaxation room. Here, I enjoyed some apple juice and tea whilst taking in the view of the beautiful countryside.

Food and drink

Killeavy Castle Estate was named AA Hotel of the Year in Northern Ireland at the AA Hospitality Awards 2023, partly due to their two fantastic dining options: Gullion at Killeavy, which highlights the best of seasonal produce for an authentic farm-to-fork experience, and Calliagh Berra Bistro and Bar, offering a more relaxed, casual atmosphere. I opted for the Calliagh Berra Bistro and Bar, and as someone with multiple dietary requirements, I was impressed by their fully gluten-free and vegan menus. Both the cocktails and food were outstanding. I indulged in the garden salad, the sirloin steak (sourced from the hotel’s own Longhorn cattle), and the apple crumble. For some tipples, my top recommendations include the elderflower spritz and the ‘Irish Wolfhound’ cocktail (a must-try for all lovers of whiskey) – simply divine.

Experiences

The hotel grounds are surrounded by picturesque woodlands and farmland, offering an array of scenic walking trails. If you’re a hiking enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to know that the hotel is situated at the heart of Slieve Gullion, making it a perfect starting point for exploring the area. Be sure to pick up a map of all the available trails from reception. For a different way to explore, you can also rent bikes and enjoy the paths at your own pace. And if shopping is more your style, don’t miss the estate’s farm shop, where you’ll find a variety of products made with on-site produce, including jams and honey.

Pricing

The Superior Guestroom starts from £210 (approx €250) per night for two guests, with some fantastic seasonal packages available. This autumn, consider the ‘Crisp Days, Cosy Stays’ package, which includes an overnight stay, autumnal estate scones with tea or coffee on arrival, a two-course dinner in Calliagh Berra Bistro and Bar, a traditional Irish breakfast each morning, use of thermal spa facilities and onsite parking – all starting from £425 (approx €504).

They also offer exclusive use of the castle so you can truly feel like royalty for the night. Private hire of the castle starts from £2,045 (approx €2,422) per night for eight guests – it has a private bar, dining experiences and amazing views across the Ring of Gullion.

Conclusion

Killeavy Castle Estate embodies its connection with the land in every facet of its work, and if you’re like me and value sustainability then this is the hotel for you. Almost making it look easy, the hotel strives for excellence while maintaining its respect and appreciation for the environment. 

So, if you’re looking for an escape to nature where you can relax and recharge, I would highly recommend this luxury Co Armagh hotel. 

Escape to Killeavy Castle Estate for the ultimate girlie getaway, romantic escape, or tranquil retreat. Connect with nature and unwind in elegance in this four-star haven, nestled at the foot of Slieve Gullion, where comfort, luxury, and sustainability intersect. Book your perfect escape today online.