We had a wonderful stay with Elizabeth and Gerard.
For us, this stay was the perfect location as it was only about an hour out of Dublin, less than 10 mins to Dundalk and 15 mins to Newbry.
We have an active 6 year old boy and there was so much for us to do.
One of the highlights of our trip was the farm tour with Gerard. It was a fantastic glimpse into a working dairy farm in the scenic Irish country side.
Castle Roche is a stones throw away (park on the roadside next to the gate and climb over) you can explore the ruins freely.
Stephenstown Pond Park is €2 entry per vehicle- it’s a lovely walk around the pond where you can feed the ducks and a Fantastic playground with a small coffee shop and bathrooms.
Slieve Gullion is a 10 minute drive away. We loved the Giants Liar and spent much of the morning exploring the trail looking at bugs and trees as well as following the story. The playground is phenomenal for all ages. We thoroughly enjoyed the scenic drive through the mountains from here (one way system and an easy drive with superb views).
Ravensdale Forest Loop is an easy Forest trail (approx 1.8km) to explore nearby the apartment with standing stones, bridges and streams.
Carlingford is also only a 15 minute drive away. We enjoyed walking along the seaside and folklore park. The fairy and leprechaun cavern only runs on Sunday afternoons (this was in October when we stayed). Check online for Carlingford Castle opening times. The Long Woman’s grave is a short but scenic drive from here.
We booked Randox for our PCR tests home (they were well priced, quick and easy as well as accepted by Emirates airline) at Dublin airport. We took the opportunity to explore on our drive back to Dundalk. We recommend New Bridge Farm. There is a free lovely playground outside the farm too. After this we continued out to Drogheda to the Bru Na Boine visitor centre to visit the Knowth and Newgrange monolithic tombs. The tombs pre date Stonehenge and the pyramids. Visiting these are completely free including the exhibition centre and complimentary shuttle services between tombs.
Elizabeth provides a continental breakfast supplies (cereals, milk, butter, bread, tea and coffee) in the apartment which was amazing (you’ve never had had milk like it!).
We packed picnic lunches during our stay and self catered some evenings (we found Tesco Extra in Newbry more cost effective and better stocked than Dundalk.)
We enjoyed dining at Killeavy Castle Bistro for a delicious dinner. The gardens and castle are wonderful to look around before your meal.
Fitzpatrick’s bar had a lovely welcoming fire place, traditional music and enormous menu with huge portions- the Carlingford oysters from here were out of this world.
We also enjoyed Callans pub (2 minute drive from the apartment) the portions are ENORMOUS. Gerard was kind enough to drop us off and pick us up after our meal so my husband could enjoy a wine or three.
I have cealiac disease and all the above mentioned venues had gluten free options available for me with helpful waitstaff.
The apartment is impeccably clean, comfortably furnished to a high standard. They were very knowledgeable on places to visit (maps and brochures are also supplied in the apartment). They are kind and generous Super Hosts who really do go the extra mile.