THE BEST OF NORTHERN IRELAND
Blackwell House is the perfect base for exploring Northern Ireland
In truth you’d need at least 3 days just to get a taste for all Northern Ireland has to offer, but whatever time you have we can help you plan your itinerary based on your schedule and interests .
Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Sightseeing, Titanic, scenic journeys, food, historic sites, politics, art, outdoors activities, nightlife or family fun, we can help tailor a trip to suit you.
ON OUR DOORSTEP
Take a stroll along the Newry Canal towpath, just a short walk from here. A peaceful flat stretch full of interesting places and stories. Follow the Canal as it winds through a natural trough in the countryside. Feeling energetic? Enjoy a 20 mile hike or cycle. The area boasts magnificent archeological sites such as the Dane's Cast and Lisnagade Fort. There are parklands and woodlands in abundance only a few miles away. Scarva Park is known to be a hidden gem.
Want a little refreshment while you're out? Holly Berries Tea room will tickle your taste buds with the best cake ever. Or relax by the fire at Sintons At The Bridge while enjoying a coffee, or step into the local pub for a Guinness.
EATING OUT NEARBY: You are spoilt for choice.
Sinton's At The Bridge is only 5 minutes by car or why not take a stroll along the canal path.
Babu's Indian Spice a quirky little restaurant is only 5 minutes away.
The Pot Belly, located 15 minutes away is very atmospheric located in a wonderful old linen mill.
Jinglers Steak on a stone, - nominated, The Vault Pizzeria in an old bank vault, "best pizza I have had outside Italy!" Alessio. Both are just 15 minutes by car.
GOLF
The famous Royal County Down is located in one of the world's most naturally beautiful links. Set within the Murlough Nature Reserve, against a backdrop of the Mourne Mountains, it spans the shores of Dundrum Bay, zigzagging back and forth to provide a different vista from virtually every hole, 50 mins.
Tandragee Golf Club, a formidable yet picturesque 18 hole parkland course. Set in the beautiful Armagh Countryside, few courses in Northern Ireland present golfers with such fine views. Parts of the course overlook the ancient Tandragee Castle, others are set astride the swift river Cusher, Pine trees line the fairways and the duck pond. Enjoyed by golfers and non-golfers! 10 mins.
Banbridge Golf Club, an 18 hole course in the heart of County Down countryside. A superb golf shop, luxurious clubhouse, restaurant and conference room. Challenging to all golfers without being intimidating. 10 mins.
BLACKWELL HOUSE IS PROUD TO WELCOME
THE GAME OF THRONES STUDIO TOUR TO BANBRIDGE
Only 8 miles away from Blackwell House
Book your tickets for your Game of Thrones Studio Tour experience, we promise you won't regret it.
Come to the authentic filming location of Linen Mill Studios in Banbridge, Northern Ireland The Game of Thrones Studio Tour invites you to step into the shoes of John Snow, Daenerys Targaryen, and the Lannisters.
If, like us at Blackwell House, you are a huge fan of Game of Thrones this new global experience will give you the opportunity to step into the world of Game of Thrones and explore how this global phenomenon was created and brought to life on our screens.
SIGHTSEEING
AN ENDLESS LIST
WITHIN 30 MINUTES DRIVE
Enjoy watching the potters at work, and maybe buy a unique souvenir or gift to take home, after a lovely cup of coffee at Ballydougan Pottery, 10 mins.
At Thomas Ferguson Irish Linen, you'll have the rare opportunity to see Irish Linen at its various stages of production, 10 mins.
Discover 100 years of rare animal breeds of Ulster Farms at Tannaghmore Gardens and Barn Museum or relax in the rose gardens, picnic areas and a children's play area, 20 mins.
Stroll around Hillsborough Castle, open each Saturday during May and June. Tours of the impressive late Georgian mansion and landscaped park are available, 30 mins.
Visit the Armagh Planetarium or Saint Patrick's Cathedral & Trail, 30 mins.
NORTH
If you like awesome scenery then we recommend the 2 hour drive up to the Antrim Coast.
A worthwhile trip, follow the coast to:
Ballycastle, where the famous Old Lammas Fair is still held to this day.
The Bushmills Distillery, taste our famous "wee dram".
The Giant's Causeway, the essential sight to see in Northern Ireland.
Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge, a fun test of your bravery.
50 minutes of easy motorway driving takes you to Belfast City:
Titanic Quarter, dry dock & pump house.
Belfast City Hall, Stormont Parliament Buildings or Belfast Castle Tours.
Stop at one of the many NI Museums or why not enjoy one of the many boat/bus/taxi/walking tours of the city.
WEST
Relax and cruise the Fermanagh Lakes, 1 1/2 hours drive away. Visit the heritage sites like Devinish Island and the Marble Arch Caves, and take tea at the Lough Erne Golf Resort.
SOUTH
Dublin, one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities is only an hour away.
WALKING, HIKING & CYCLING
The delightful walk by the banks of the river Cusher in Clare Glen is only a couple of miles away. Woods full of Hazel, Oak, Ash & Wych Elm, a stunning ground layer of Wood Anemone, Wild Garlic, Bluebells & several species of Orchid (when in season) are a treat for the senses.
At Gosford Forest Park, follow the marked trails through 240 hectares of woodland and parkland or relax in the walled garden beside the castle.
Castlewellen Park, Tollymore Forest Park and The Silent Valley are areas of natural beauty close to the Mourne Mountains*. A short climb takes you to the Cloghmore Stone (Chloch Mhór) a 30 tonne boulder, 300 metres above Rostrevor village on the slopes of Slieve Martin. Local folk tales suggest it was thrown by the giant Fionn Mac Cumhaill from the Cooley Mountains on the other side of Carlingford Lough.
*We can arrange for a local and fully accredited guide to take you on a trip over the peaks, or on a mountain cycle on well planned 110km track.
FISHING
You can enjoy coarse fishing all year round in Northern Ireland which has long been recognised as one of Europe's best regions for the coarse angler. Two notable venues for big matches are Lough Erne , Fermanagh and the Upper Bann River which flows into the vast inland sea of Lough Neagh. Both have held innumerable match fishing world records. 1 hour 30 mins.
Corbet Lough, which is only a few miles from Blackwell Country House, has much to offer keen anglers. Facilities include a boating dock and jetty, complete with six fishing boats and one disabled wheelie boat. As well as a fishing lodge with toilet provision and 3 fishing stands with wheelchair access. Corbet is a spinning/fly fishing only Lough, offering Rainbow Trout with a smaller amount of Brown Trout available.
SHOPPING
Blackwell Country House is:
15 minutes from:
- Designer bargains at The Boulevard, Banbridge.
- One of the UK's biggest Marks & Spencer's
30 minutes from:
- Old fashioned charm in Hillsborough village.
- Belfast City Centre, where you can shop til you drop around the town or at Victoria Square or Castle Court, for high street names and independents. St. George's Market, the oldest covered market in Ireland, full of local artisan products, speciality foods from around the world and live music.
1 hour from:
- Road or Rail, to take you into Dublin where you can shop in the famous Grafton Street, the Antique Quarter in Frances Street and not forgetting Auntie Nellie's Sweet Shop in the famous Temple Bar area.
OUR ROOMS
GET A FEEL FOR THE PLACE
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33 Mullabrack Road, Scarva, County Armagh, Northern Ireland. BT63 6BP
+44 (0) 2838 832 752, email us