Northern Ireland

Glamping retreat at foot of Mourne Mountains awarded five stars by Tourism NI

Visitors can wake up to a stunning view of the Mourne Mountains from the glamping pods in the Enniskeen estate.

Enniskeen Estate in Newcastle is made up of a number of glamping cabins in the woods, including the Dreamer’s Drey (pictured), Kingfisher’s Residence and Doe's Den. PICTURE: TOURISM NI
Enniskeen Estate in Newcastle is made up of a number of glamping cabins in the woods, including the Dreamer’s Drey (pictured), Kingfisher’s Residence and Doe's Den. PICTURE: TOURISM NI
By Allan Preston

A glamping retreat at the foot of the Mourne Mountains in Newcastle has been awarded a five-star accommodation grade by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Located close in the Enniskeen Estate on the Bryansford Road, several luxurious camping pods are available by the names of Dreamer’s Drey, Kingfisher’s Residence and Doe’s Den.

A quality grading inspection by Tourism NI found the accommodation was “designed to a high standard with well-considered furniture and fittings of exceptional quality.”

The addition of a spa was also found to enhance the guest experience, with a wood-fired sauna cabin surrounded by “towering fir trees with panoramic windows” overlooking Tollymore Valley and Slieve Donard was found to be “outstanding.”

John McGrillen (right), CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, pictured with Esme Porter and Andrew Porter, owners of Enniskeen Estate in Newcastle, which has been awarded a five-star accommodation grading by Tourism NI. PICTURE: TOURISM NI
John McGrillen (right), CEO of Tourism Northern Ireland, pictured with Esme Porter and Andrew Porter, owners of Enniskeen Estate in Newcastle, which has been awarded a five-star accommodation grading by Tourism NI. PICTURE: TOURISM NI

Tourism NI’s CEO, John McGrillen, said the five-star rating was “thoroughly well-deserved” and guests could enjoy “exceptionally high-quality facilities.”

“The accommodation at Enniskeen Estate further boosts the already amazing tourism and hospitality offering we have in Co Down and I wish Andrew and his team every success,” he said.

Andrew Porter, owner of Enniskeen Estate, said: “The Tourism NI grading scheme has helped us fine tune our luxury glamping offer so it genuinely is a next level overnight experience for discerning guests.

“Our five-star grading award now shines a brighter light on our business, showing guests how they really can sleep in spectacular and peaceful nature locations sustainably, yet still enjoy little luxuries and a discreet personal service.”

The Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme offers a mark of distinction that gives guests a clear idea of the standards they can expect during their stay, and is open to hotels, guest houses, B&Bs, self-catering, hostels and guest accommodation.