Tom got the opportunity to visit some of the most beautiful properties in Northern Ireland during a recent trip to the Hastings Hotels properties – namely Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Stormont Hotel, Culloden Estate & Spa and The Europa Hotel.
A beautiful clear day gave us the chance to see Slieve Donard in all its glory on Friday 9th March, well worth the near 450km trip up from Killarney! The Slieve Donard Resort & Spa is located in a beautiful spot only a few hundred yards from the Royal County Down Golf Club which makes it an ideal base for golfers heading North to play RCD and also Royal Portrush, Portstewart and the other golfing gems in the North of Ireland. The hotel boasts 180 luxurious bedrooms, including 100 new Executive and Resort rooms and six magnificent Suites, many of which have stunning panoramic views over the Mountain of Mourne and County Down coastline.
Next up was the Stormont Hotel which is located in close proximity to Belfast City Centre, adjacent to Stormont Castle and overlooking the beautiful grounds of the Stormont Estate making it an ideal base for business or leisure. There is ample parking here making it a great base for your next golf or sightseeing tour in the North. The La Scala Bistro is a really cool restaurant providing a fine dining experience in a relaxed environment. The Hastings Hotels have a big focus on quality dining while also using local produce and the Stormont Hotel is no different!
Tom made the short trip across the City to Holywood to visit Culloden Estate & Spa, a fabulous spot standing high on the slopes of the Holywood Hills, overlooking Belfast Lough and the County Antrim Coastline. There seemed to be a wedding on at each of the Hastings Hotels properties visited on the day and it is easy to see why, Culloden is an amazing spot and has that wow factor that all brides-to-be would look for! Of course, it would also be an ideal spot to base a family getaway, a spa weekend or sightseeing trip taking in some of the amazing sights in the North of Ireland. It is also within easy reach of the finest golf courses in the region too. Along with the Hotel & Spa there is also the Cultra Inn which is a short walk from the front door of the hotel and boasts a very cosy fire along with a superb casual dining menu. If you fancy a lazier day around the Hotel you can enjoy Afternoon tea in the Drawing Room and of course there is Fine Dining available in the Mitre Restaurant.
Last stop of the day was The Europa Hotel in Belfast City Centre, a famous hotel over the years and a beautiful spot close top visitor attractions including the Ulster Museum, Grand Opera House, City Hall, Titanic Belfast, the Waterfront Hall and the SSE Arena. A stay at The Europa is superb, and those beds are so comfortable! Look out for the rubber ducky in the bathrooms as well, I’m sure many of them have found their way to the homes of many a resident over the years as a souvenir or present for the kids! The bars & restaurant offerings in The Europa are lovely as well – The Lobby Bar, Piano Lounge & Causerie Restaurant – ensuring there is something for everybody’s taste!
It was a great trip up North to see all these wonderful properties! We would thoroughly recommend them for your next golf or sightseeing tour in Northern Ireland! Drop us a line to enquire about your next trip to Ireland and let us put an amazing Irish Experience together for you.
