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Hotel review: Is this Co Down escape the peak of Irish nature tourism?

"Expensive but exemplary, this world-class Co. Down hideaway could be Ireland’s best nature escape for couples."

Thu, 16 Oct, 2025 - 11:47

Thom Breathnach

Enniskeen Estate

Our rating: 9/10

Location

Set within the glorious estate of a striking Scottish Baronial house hotel, Enniskeen wows nature-loving luxury seekers with a truly poetic setting at the foothills of the Mournes, just outside the popular seaside resort of Newcastle, Co Down.

That mountainside aspect adds an air of infinity to the property’s 12 acres of wilding woodlands and abandoned orchards, and with fallow deer, red squirrels, and darting kingfishers moonlighting as your on-site neighbours, it all brings a magical Beatrix Potter aesthetic to this very special setting.

As glamping getaways go in Ireland, this may well be the most impressive.

9.5/10

Style and design

The exterior of the Kingfisher's Residence

Enniskeen is the only five-star glamping accommodation graded by Tourism Northern Ireland so — while you will pay for the pleasure — you can expect an elevated level of style and service rarely seen within the sector.

And exclusivity. Rather than peppering a plethora of cabins across the estate (as can be prevalent at other glamping spots), there are just three “domes” at Enniskeen: Doe’s Den and the Kingfishers Residence nestled along the secluded riparian area with a third, Dreamer’s Drey, perched above a valley blessed with full frontal Slieve Donard views.

The curved Estonian-built spruce shingle cabins have become popular (and highly Instagrammable) glamping choices across the globe in recent years and similar options have since been launched by Mount Congreve, Galgorm Resort, and Ballygarry Estate, however Enniskeen prides itself as their OG location in Ireland.

A fourth property available to rent, is a gorgeously restored 19th century vernacular cottage, featuring the likes of a stainless steel bedside bath, yellow half-door framing the Mournes, and was the bolthole of choice for Hugh Jackman during recent filming of The Death of Robin Hood.

9/10

Service

Estate manager Andy Porter, who grew up on the property, is the face of the Enniskeen guest experience and provides check-in as well as tailoring other guest experiences to the level of personal concierge.

Upon arrival, luggage is transported by branded Range Rover to the cabins, while guests themselves access their base via a 10-minute wander through the woodlands to truly kickstart the air of an unplugged escape.

Beyond that, breakfast and spa arrangements are sorted with an invisible attentiveness.

9/10

Guest rooms

The bedroom of the Kingfisher's Residence cabin.

I was staying in the Kingfisher’s Residence which occupies a cinematic setting on the banks of the gurgling river Shimna, almost offering the air of a Wyoming angling haven.

It’s a compact off-grid cabin, with a nest-like double bed, armchair seating for two and a tidy en-suite shower.

Signature panoramic windows allow those views to spill indoors and are perfect for watching the steady influx of deer as they gorge on the left-to-nature apple and plum orchards.

Alongside a palette of forest green and rust, there are bolts of colour including kingfisher accent cushions as well as touches like binoculars, a tasty curation of books, and charging packs.

It’s an extremely captivating cocoon to soak in the company of nature and your plus one.

9/10

In-room perks

Nespresso and tea facilities are provided plus guests can look forward to welcome Prosecco in their cabin with ice chilling in a whopper of a Yeti cooler.

I’d mentioned I was off alcohol at check-in, so mine was intercepted with “Nosecco” by the time I’d walked to my cabin; impressive.

9/10

On the menu

A particularly delicious breakfast hamper is delivered to the door each morning with military timing, as per guests’ preference.

It’s the perfect local and largely organic bounty and features hot items like an egg and Finnebrogue bacon bap, brie, berries, grapes, pastries, and a number of local Armagh and Down producers with granola, yogurt, honey, and apple juice.

Certainly a surplus for a leftovers picnic.

9/10

Activities and amenities

Each cabin enjoys its own outdoor Swedish wood-fired bath, which is a glorious way to soak up the surrounding nature or the night stars.

The property’s “forest spa” also features a dreamy Mournes-view sauna, outdoor rain shower, plus a relaxation area where you can recline in Adirondack chairs while dipping into a river rock foot-spa.

It is charged at quite a zingy additional fee of €98 for two hours per couple but does feel like a must-add element.

9/10

Checking in

The bill? B&B for two from €330

Room to improve? It’s a shame the pods don’t feature a kitchenette element which would diminish the need to forage for restaurant reservations elsewhere. Check-in is so thorough that making it a sit-down affair with a welcome drink could set this luxurious experience off on a more fitting tone. Perhaps a shorter time window for the spa could offer a more accessible rate?

Accessibility? No.

Family-Friendly? Adults only.

Dog-Friendly? Service dogs only at the mountain cottage.

EV Chargers? No.