More and more families are choosing staycations in Northern Ireland to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and spend some quality time together. With Newry, Mourne and Down getting 450,000 trips each year, it’s clear that visitors are voting with their feet.
Conveniently nestled along Strangford Lough and just a short driving distance from Belfast, Comber and Downpatrick, the sleepy village of Killyleagh is quickly becoming a popular destination for Northern Irish families and couples seeking a tranquil escape to the country for a long weekend of rest and relaxation, and the iconic Dufferin Coaching Inn is growing in popularity among young families hoping to get away in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere.
Featuring some of Northern Ireland’s best up-and-coming restaurants and eateries including The Smuggler’s Table, The Poacher’s Pocket, Picnic Delicatessen and popular go-to restaurant for ‘pub grub’ the, Dufferin Arms, a number of local and exciting restaurants fall within a short distance from Killyleagh town centre, making the small town a quickly growing foodie paradise.
In addition to a number of well-known places to grab a bite to eat featuring local seafood and farm-grown produce, Killyleagh also acts as a stepping stone for some of Northern Ireland’s well-loved outdoor attractions including the Mourne Mountains and is highlighted by the majestic Killyleagh Castle which sits at the top of the High Street and looks over Strangford Lough.
Golf enthusiasts will enjoy nearby courses including Ardglass Golf Club and Royal County Down, while families love taking advantage of nearby National Trust properties like Castle Ward, Rowellane Gardens, and Murlough National Nature Reserve and other outdoor pursuits including kayaking, horse-riding and mountain biking.
Currently listed as one of only five Northern Ireland accommodations in the 2016 McKenna’s Guide to the 100 Best Places to stay in Ireland, visitors to the Dufferin Coaching Inn can expect a warm welcome from proprietor Leontine Haines who has owned and run the business for the last 10 years, building it up to one of the leading guesthouses in Northern Ireland. The iconic yellow inn is perfectly situated in Killyleagh for a fun-filled family trip to experience the very best of County Down.
After a good night’s sleep in one of the Dufferin Coaching Inn’s uniquely decorated luxury bedrooms, families can then tuck into one of Leontine’s home-cooked hot breakfasts – made using only the finest, locally sourced ingredients.
For more information on Dufferin Coaching Inn’s unique guesthouse accommodation and what the surrounding area has to offer visit www.dufferincoachinginn.com
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