Andy, Kyra, Ava, Holly & Tabby – Belfast, N. Ireland
Stayed: 10.08.24 – 17.08.24
“We all really enjoyed our stay in your lovely cottage.
Darren was so helpful & friendly.
The cats & girls loved the ducks.
Had a fantastic break!! Thanks for sharing your home.
Can’t wait to come back ”
Favourite places and things to do:
Cranfield Beach
Newcastle
Castlewellan
Silent Valley
Mourne Mountains
Ideal for families with kids and pets—great walks, beaches, and friendly farm animals.
Marta & Krzysztof Cierniak + Ally – Lucan, Co. Dublin, Ireland
Stayed: 1.08.24 – 5.08.24
“Lovely place. We enjoyed every minute here. Best sleep after adventures with our dog.
The cottage has everything you dream about.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Slieve Binnian
Mourne Mountains
Rostrevor Parkrun
Murlough Nature Reserve
(So many lovely places!)
A peaceful dog-friendly retreat in the Mournes, perfect for nature lovers and restful nights.
Phil, Jane & Snoop 🐾 Baird – Near Preston, Lancashire
Stayed: 1st – 8th June 2024
“We’ve stayed in cottages all over the UK and Ireland and this is one of the best! Excellent location with lots of dog-friendly walks nearby.
The cottage is very well-equipped, comfortable and quiet. We have had a fabulous break. Thank you!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Mourne Park
Silent Valley
Murlough Beach
Cranfield
Carlingford ferry
Newry
(Cunningham butchers are great!)
One of the best-rated stays for dog lovers, foodies, and walkers alike.
Elizabeth O’Keeffe & Chappie (my dog) – Navan, Co. Meath, Southern Ireland
Stayed: 22nd June 2024
“Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful cottage in a great location.
Rooms are so comfortable and very nicely decorated. Darren next door very helpful + good information and stories. So lovely to meet him.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Silent Valley
Warrenpoint
Newcastle
Newry
(My dog loved it all! A place that welcomes dogs is very dear.)
A heartfelt thank you from a dog owner who found a warm welcome and beautiful walks.
Bernadette & Phil West – North Northamptonshire, England
Stayed: 28th June 2024 onwards
“Comfortable, lovely cottage in a great location + panoramic views.
Well equipped, clean, uncluttered, & tastefully updated.
A simple but well-reported escape.
Only managed to cross paths with Darren as he was on holiday but the ducks kept us company.”
Favourite places and things to do:
All five walks in previous guests’ suggestions
Woods beautiful
Especially enjoyed Slieve Binnian
South very active pair (highlights for us!)
Quinn’s in Newcastle – well worth a visit
(Chocolate eclairs = a win!)
Michele & Chris Turner – Warrington, Cheshire
Stayed: 7th – 14th Sept 2024
“Yet another lovely week here. Darren explained once again about the eggs we nabbed + slept lots!
The walk Knockchree is worth it—walk for the view of all things Mournes + Red Squirrel somewhere at Slievemartin.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Knockchree
Slievemartin
Red squirrel sightings
“The lost shop” in Newcastle
Camphill pick-your-own
Game the Irish Green Souk
Returning guests enjoying hidden hikes, wildlife, and restful routines—plus excellent food and quirky shopping.
Johnny & David – Milton Keynes & Burnley, Lancs
Stayed: 20th to 27th Sept 2024
“A well presented cottage – nicely equipped.
We have been blessed with good weather.
Darren really is an asset to the place.
The geese are a treat, and a good base.
Yes, a peaceful, quiet stay.
For a great holiday.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Cranfield beach
Newcastle
Climbing Slieve Donard
Silent Valley
Castlewellan (for music & learning – very good!)
Carlingford ferry
(Cranfield bar – high light! Good view.)
A great base for walkers, climbers, and peaceful coastal escapes—plus geese and local pubs!
Barry & Vanessa – New Forest, nr Salisbury, England
Stayed: 22nd – 29th April 2023
“Beautiful setting, everything provided – and more! Very comfortable and relaxing after a busy day exploring.
Enjoyed sitting on the patio in the sunshine with the cats and ducks.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Castle Ward
Silent Valley
Murlough Nature Reserve
Mourne Mountains
Perfect spot for nature lovers wanting a mix of coastal reserves, mountain trails, and animal watching.
Michelle & Chris – Warrington, Cheshire
Stayed: 7th – 14th May 2023
“We had a great time. Caught walked (when the tips’ weather too unpredictable – most well!).
Paddled in the sun on Shanlough & generally had a relaxing visit.
Damien a perfect gentleman! Ducks & cats behaved themselves.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Paddling Shanlough
Murlough Bay
Nature reserve
A relaxed and pet-friendly escape with paddle spots and local characters adding to the charm.
Helen, Anne Marie, Katherine, Pippa & Rosie the chocolate lab – The other end of Co. Down
Stayed: 27th – 30th May 2023
“The cottage is perfect – we had everything we needed for a relaxing break. Wee Pippa really loved the ducks, sheep & donkeys.
The games room is a lovely idea – playing snooker & pool took us back to our teens!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Sitting in the courtyard
Looking at the animals
Glass of wine in the evening – bliss!
Pet-friendly short break with nostalgic family fun, local animals, and peaceful evenings.
Brian, Áine & Robert (Rob!) – Dublin, Ireland
Stayed: 15th – 22nd July 2023
“We came during new names Max and Lily – we had fun. Felt the private part of the place is nice.
We like the game house, good games, pool, etc.”
Favourite places and things to do:
The game house
Go swimming!
A great option for families with children who enjoy games, privacy, and pool time.
Sisi, Andy, Andrew, Bradley & Finn (the pooches) – Dunoon, Argyll, Scotland
Stayed: 16th – 23rd Sept 2023
“Many thanks! Great cottage in a lovely spot. Planning to return next year. 😊”
Favourite places and things to do:
Chatting to Damien & the donkeys!
A dog-friendly getaway with returning guests who loved the people, pets, and peace.
Antje & David – North Yorkshire
Stayed: 30th Sept – 7th Oct 2023
“A real home-from-home. Comfy beds & pillows too! Great internet service – thanks.
Ideal location to explore what the Mourne Mountains & County Down have to offer.
Darren = a treasure & so knowledgeable.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Too many to list! Plus of course great beachcombing!
Perfect base for exploring the Mournes, with great comfort and insider local tips.
Sarah, Celine & Tyler – Norfolk, England
Stayed: 7th Oct – 14th Oct 2023
“Lovely cottage – everything we needed and more. Great to visit family and Celine is originally from Newry. Jason & Rob had a fantastic time.
Loved the games room and hot tub.
Cuddling them in the mornings and the animals. Thank you for a lovely stay 😊🐾🐾”
Favourite places and things to do:
Mable Alan Caves
Mourne Mountains (fantastic!)
A lovely autumn family trip filled with nostalgia, nature, and relaxing mornings.
Chris, Elaine, Tomas & Oliver – Newtownards, Co. Down
Stayed: 30th March – 6th April 2023
“An absolutely fantastic break! Darren and his ducks & bees just made our stay even better!
Loved the donkeys, loved the lambs, sheep and ponies. Boys had a fantastic time – looking forward to coming back. Our Heaven! 😊”
Favourite places and things to do:
Rostrevor Fairy Glen
Mourne Park Woods
Kilkeel Harbour
Cranfield Beach
Ark Newcastle
An Easter break to remember – great for kids, animals, and nature-filled family fun.
Liz & Richard – Altrincham, Cheshire
Stayed: 28th May – 4th June 2022
“A lovely cottage with a homely feeling, gorgeous location with great neighbours. The ducks are a treat to watch, and there’s one very friendly black and white one! A great place to unwind and relax. Thank you.”
Favourite places and things to do:
We enjoyed exploring the town of Bessbrook
We visited the Silent Valley and Kilbroney Park (great café!)
Murlough Nature Reserve is a lovely spot to walk
This peaceful Mourne Mountains holiday cottage was the perfect base for walking, nature reserves, and local towns.
B & J Scott – Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Stayed: 16th – 21st May 2022
“Thank you for the use of this well-equipped cottage. We enjoyed sitting in the mini-conservatory in the sunshine. We have stayed in many self-catering cottages, and Carol Cottage is one of the best. The WiFi is an extra bonus.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Walking to the top of Binnian Hill – great views!
Visit to the Chocolate Brownie Box on Ballynahinch Road (nearby)
Guests loved the mountain views and local treats while staying in this Mourne self-catering cottage.
Jas & Gavin – Worcestershire, England
Stayed: 20th June – 25th June 2022
“A lovely cottage in a great location! Fantastic to have the ‘big map’ as we forgot ours!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Murlough beach & nature reserve are lovely, very near, and surrounded by the friendly donkeys!
Getting into the mountains is fantastic. We started with Slieve Martin (quick & easy), then more daring into Slieve Binnian – the views are worth it!
We went off-piste at Silent Valley for a bit of an adventure but didn’t make it down!
Driving route to Ben Crom Dam is stunning.
A great review from guests who loved hiking in the Mourne Mountains and relaxing at nearby nature spots.
Colin, Laura, Molly & Amelia – Glasgow, Scotland
Stayed: 2nd – 9th July 2022
“You have a little slice of paradise here! The cottage is so charming and comfortable & the beds were excellent. The location, the views, the garden, the ducks and the cats were heavenly. It was a perfect place to relax and unwind. It’s got a lovely family feel – thank you for sharing it all. Fantastic!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Slieve Binnian – challenging but stunning!
Silent Valley – nice café, lovely woods
Titanic Museum, Belfast – outstanding
Crawfordsburn Beach – get fish & chips then to the beach
Newcastle – charming town with great food
Don’t miss the Kilkeel fish market for fresh seafood!
These guests from Scotland found Carol Cottage the perfect family-friendly base for exploring the Mourne Mountains and local attractions.
Magda, Miko, Louis and Harley 🐾 – Durham, UK & Adelaide, ROI
Stayed: July Short Break 2022
“Beautiful cottage in a wonderful, peaceful location. Very well equipped and decorated. We really enjoyed our stay here and wish we could stay longer 😊 Thank you!”
Favourite places and things to do:
The forest walk – great for dogs!
Ideal dog-friendly cottage in the Mournes – peaceful, cosy, and close to woodland walks.
Ben & Amanda (and kids & dog) – Dublin
Stayed: Aug 2022
“We really enjoyed our stay in the cottage. The cottage itself was lovely with all amenities present. Loved the seclusion and the animals close by. We would love to return next year.
Thank you – Ben & Amanda”
Favourite places and things to do:
Mourne Mountains
Newcastle beaches
Towns – everything!
Perfect for families with pets looking for seclusion, scenery, and access to the Mourne Mountains and Newcastle.
The Grossmans – South of Germany
Stayed: 20th – 27th August 2022
“Thank you very much – we felt absolutely at home in your lovely cottage. Loved the view out of the door, the animals next door, the quietness, the comfortable beds etc.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Newcastle
Belfast
The beaches
Mourne Mountains
Guests from abroad praised Carol Cottage for its homely feel, tranquil surroundings, and access to both coastal towns and mountain hikes.
Maurie & Chris – Warrington, Cheshire, UK
Stayed: 17th – 24th September 2022
“We have had a great time. Warm & comfortable. Enjoyed James' artwork & books. Damien next door too – but the ducks next door – wow! We have never seen a hound duck family!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Everything!
Peddledaddy in Castlewellan (exhausting but fun)
Too much to list! XX
Guests loved the quirky wildlife and relaxed vibe—great for those who enjoy art, books, and outdoor fun.
- & J. Scott – Lisburn, Co. Antrim
Stayed: 24th – 30th Sept 2022
“This was our second visit! It’s rare for us to pay second visits to any holiday accommodation.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Walks in Mourne Park Wood (Woodland Trust) and Rostrevor Forest
Morning coffee and tea at Nearlynags on Ballymadeery Road (very close to this cottage!)
Bought chocolate there – which they make!
A returning couple praising local woodland walks, homemade chocolate, and easy access to local gems.
Ruth Shand (with Helen) – Lark-Cotswolds, England
Stayed: 1st – 8th October 2022
“Well-appointed holiday ‘home’. More than a ‘cottage’ as it had everything we needed, all week. Fabulous hot water, warm, quiet, the view – such a good place to calmly potter. Lovely friendly local people – so welcoming!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Calmness, nearness to dear visits
Slieve Binnian – lovely easy walks, stunning views
Woodland Trust, Kilbroney
This was a quiet and relaxing base for a walking holiday in the Mournes with welcoming locals and easy nature trails.
Helen Elkington & son Philip (and Cassie the black lab) – Welsh/English border, NW Herefordshire
Stayed: 1st – 8th Oct 2022
“Thank you for letting out Carol Cottage – perfect for our purposes. Feels like home.
A very beautiful and busy area.”
Favourite places and things to do:
Mourne Park Woodland Trust
Whitewater walk
Silent Valley – breathtaking
Great for walking dogs
Another dog-friendly review, praising the beauty and practicality of Carol Cottage for a hiking and dog-walking holiday.
Ted & Shirley – Cookstown, N. Ireland
Stayed: 18/7/22 – 22/7/22
“A lovely well-equipped cottage with excellent views of Mourne and Lough. A perfect place to relax and unwind, as it was so quiet. We had a great time in a lovely place. Thank you!!”
Favourite places and things to do:
Ferry to Carlingford (never been before)
My husband enjoyed the safe cycle path to Cranfield
Beach + plenty of walks
A peaceful retreat for guests looking to cycle, stroll along Cranfield beach, and enjoy views of the Mourne Mountains.
