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4- and 5-star hotels in Newcastle
A shortlist of the 4- and 5-star hotels and apartments in Newcastle, County Down, for couples, families, golfers and walkers who want to sleep well in the town at the foot of the Mourne Mountains.
Staying in Newcastle
Newcastle is a compact seaside resort in County Down, Northern Ireland, where the Mourne Mountains meet a long sandy beach. The town has a year-round population and a busy summer season, when visitors arrive for the beach, the golf and the mountain trails, and it also works as a stop on the scenic route along the County Down coast. Slieve Donard rises behind the town, and the Royal County Down Golf Club is nearby.
The hotels on this shortlist sit on both sides of the centre. The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, Grey Heron Townhouse, Blue Door Apartments, Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment, Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment and Patio Bliss are all within 0.4 km of the centre, on addresses such as Castlebridge Court, Shimna Road, Main Street, Park Avenue and Railway Street. Coastguard Cottage, Seafront Apartment and Widows Row Cottage face the sea side of town, while The Briers Country House, Donard Shadow Lodge and Gorse Hill Farm lie on the quieter southern and western edges. It suits couples, families with children, golfers and walkers on a short break, with apartments for longer stays.
The shortlist
Ranked by hotel class, then guest rating and number of reviews.
The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat with Mourne Mountain Views
10 Castlebridge Court, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 5-star retreat 0.1 km from the centre, with sea, river and lake all within reach, plus a garden and patio for slow mornings. Mourne Mountain views are the draw, and the kitchen, fireplace and family rooms suit walkers, anglers and anyone settling in for a few days. Pets are allowed, and free car parking makes it easy to explore further afield.
See The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat with Mourne Mountain ViewsThe Briers Country House
39 Middle Tollymore Road, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Bar/Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereSet 2.0 km from the centre on Middle Tollymore Road, this 4-star country house pairs a bar and lounge with a garden and picnic area, so days end comfortably indoors or out. A fireplace, kitchen and family rooms give it a homely feel, while luggage storage and a shuttle service help guests heading onward. Fishing and golf are close at hand for those who came for the outdoors.
See The Briers Country HouseGorse Hill Farm
37 Slievenaman Road, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star farm stay 7.6 km from the centre, where guests get a garden, patio and terrace along with river frontage and a golf course nearby. The kitchen and kitchenette, plus a fireplace, make longer stays easy, and horse back riding is on offer for riders. High chairs and cots keep it practical for families, and parking is free.
See Gorse Hill FarmBlue Door Apartments
4A Main Street, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 0.2 km from the centre on Main Street, putting shops and the waterfront within a short stroll. Each stay comes with a kitchen, washing facilities and free wifi, and housekeeping, dry cleaning and luggage storage are on hand. The sofa bed and family-friendly setup suit couples and small groups who want central, self-catering comfort.
See Blue Door ApartmentsCoastguard Cottage
5 Coastguard Villas Newcastle, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
Why stay hereA 4-star cottage 1.9 km from the centre, with a sea view, beach nearby and a garden to sit in after a day on the coast. The fireplace, kitchen and family rooms make it a comfortable base, and guests can try surfing, fishing or golf without going far. Free car parking and laundry service round out a stay built for active households.
See Coastguard CottageDonard Shadow Lodge
17 Slieve Shannagh Park, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star lodge 1.0 km from the centre, with gardens, a patio and easy access to fishing and golf. Canoeing, mini golf and tennis are all available nearby, so days can be as busy as you like. Inside, a fireplace, kitchenette and washing machine keep longer visits simple, and free parking is included.
See Donard Shadow LodgeGrey Heron Townhouse
38 Shimna Road Newcastle Co Down, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereRight in the centre, this 4-star townhouse sits on Shimna Road with a river nearby and the beach within easy reach. A terrace and lounge give space to relax, while bathrobes and toiletries add a touch of comfort. Fishing, golf and horse back riding are close by, and free parking and laundry service make it a straightforward base for exploring.
See Grey Heron TownhouseCentral Apartment Newcastle
58B Main Street, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families
- Family rooms
- Kitchen
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 0.2 km from the centre on Main Street, ideal for families wanting self-catering space in the middle of town. A full kitchen, washing machine and family rooms cover the practical side, and cots and high chairs are available. Free wifi and a sofa bed add flexibility for small groups.
See Central Apartment NewcastleSeafront Apartment
81 85 South Promenade, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 1.4 km from the centre on South Promenade, with a balcony looking out to the sea and a beach nearby. Lifts, a kitchen and laundry service make it easy to settle in, and the dishwasher, safe and toiletries add comfort. Golf and fishing are within reach, and parking is free.
See Seafront ApartmentB2 Waterfoot Apartment
Main Street 106 Main Street, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 0.2 km from the centre on Main Street, with a balcony, patio and terrace plus river and sea views. Canoeing, golf and horse back riding are nearby, and lifts and free parking add convenience.
See B2 Waterfoot ApartmentPark Avenue
6 Park Avenue Newcastle Co. Down, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Families · Drivers
- Free car parking
- Pets allowed
- Family rooms
Why stay hereA 4-star house 0.4 km from the centre on Park Avenue, with a garden, patio and terrace for outdoor downtime. Air conditioning and a fireplace handle any season, and the kitchen, dishwasher and family rooms make it work for groups. Guests can play badminton, tennis or mini golf, and pets are welcome.
See Park AvenueApt 7A Waterfoot Apartment
106 Main Street 7A, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Step-free access
- Free car parking
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 0.2 km from the centre on Main Street, with a 24-hour front desk and lifts for easy arrivals. The kitchen, washing machine and sofa-style setup suit longer stays, while canoeing, surfing, tennis and mini golf keep the days full. Toiletries and a safe add the finishing touches, and parking is free.
See Apt 7A Waterfoot ApartmentPatio Bliss
Railway Street 2E Iveagh Court, Newcastle, United Kingdom
- Kitchen
- Beach nearby
- Free Wifi
Why stay hereA 4-star apartment 0.4 km from the centre on Railway Street, with a patio and terrace plus sea views and a beach nearby. A kitchen, dishwasher and washing machine make self-catering simple, and the sofa bed helps when extra guests join. Golf, surfing and mini golf are close, and toiletries are provided.
See Patio BlissWidows Row Cottage
165 South Promenade, Newcastle, United Kingdom
Best for: Drivers · Travelling with pets
- Free car parking
- Lounge
- Pets allowed
Why stay hereA 4-star cottage 2.0 km from the centre on South Promenade, facing the sea with a beach nearby and a garden for quiet afternoons. The fireplace, kitchen and lounge give it a homely feel, and cots and high chairs suit families. Guests can surf, canoe or fish, and pets are allowed with free parking on site.
See Widows Row Cottage
The shortlist side by side
| Hotel | Class | Parking | Pets | To the centre |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat with Mourne Mountain Views | ★★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.1 km |
| The Briers Country House | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 2.0 km |
| Gorse Hill Farm | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 7.6 km |
| Blue Door Apartments | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Coastguard Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.9 km |
| Donard Shadow Lodge | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.0 km |
| Grey Heron Townhouse | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.0 km |
| Central Apartment Newcastle | ★★★★ | – | – | 0.2 km |
| Seafront Apartment | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 1.4 km |
| B2 Waterfoot Apartment | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Park Avenue | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 0.4 km |
| Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment | ★★★★ | Yes | – | 0.2 km |
| Patio Bliss | ★★★★ | – | – | 0.4 km |
| Widows Row Cottage | ★★★★ | Yes | Yes | 2.0 km |
From each hotel's own listing on this site; a dash means it is not listed.
How to choose
For sea views
Coastguard Cottage, Seafront Apartment and Widows Row Cottage all list the sea among their facilities, and each sits on the promenade or the coast side of town.
Coastguard Cottage · Seafront Apartment · Widows Row Cottage
For families
Central Apartment Newcastle and Coastguard Cottage both list family rooms, and cots appear at Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment and Widows Row Cottage. Central Apartment Newcastle and Widows Row Cottage add high chairs, and Widows Row Cottage also allows pets, which helps families travelling with a dog.
Central Apartment Newcastle · Coastguard Cottage · Widows Row Cottage
For pets
Four properties accept pets: The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, The Briers Country House, Park Avenue and Widows Row Cottage. The Hikers House is the closest to the centre at 0.1 km, while The Briers Country House and Park Avenue give you a garden and free car parking for the dog to stretch out after a day out.
The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat with Mourne Mountain Views · The Briers Country House · Park Avenue · Widows Row Cottage
For the centre
Grey Heron Townhouse is 0.0 km from the centre, The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat 0.1 km, and Blue Door Apartments, Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment, Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment and Patio Bliss all sit 0.2 to 0.4 km out, on Main Street, Park Avenue and Railway Street. You can leave the car and walk to the promenade and restaurants.
Grey Heron Townhouse · The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat with Mourne Mountain Views · Blue Door Apartments · Central Apartment Newcastle · B2 Waterfoot Apartment · Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment
Plan your stay
Getting there and around
Newcastle is in County Down, Northern Ireland, about 30 miles south of Belfast and roughly 70 miles north of Dublin. By car, the main routes are the A24 from Belfast and the A2 coast road from Newry and Warrenpoint. Bus services connect Newcastle with Belfast, Newry and other towns in County Down. The nearest major airports are Belfast International and Dublin; ferries arrive at Belfast and Larne. Within the town, most hotels, guesthouses and restaurants are within walking distance of the seafront, and local buses serve the surrounding area.
When to go
Summer, June to August, is the busiest period, when the beach and promenade are at their liveliest and the weather is mildest. Spring and autumn are quieter and still suitable for walking in the Mournes, though rain is possible at any time of year. Winter is quiet, with shorter days and fewer events. To avoid crowds, choose a weekday outside the main school holidays.
Questions, answered
Which of these hotels is closest to the centre of Newcastle?
Grey Heron Townhouse on Shimna Road is 0.0 km from the centre, and The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat on Castlebridge Court is 0.1 km. Blue Door Apartments, Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment and Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment are 0.2 km away.
Do any of these hotels have free parking?
Yes. The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, The Briers Country House, Gorse Hill Farm, Coastguard Cottage, Donard Shadow Lodge and Grey Heron Townhouse all list free car parking. Blue Door Apartments, Seafront Apartment and several other apartments in the town list parking as well.
Which hotels allow pets?
The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, The Briers Country House, Park Avenue and Widows Row Cottage all list pets allowed. Widows Row Cottage and Park Avenue also have a garden, and all four offer free car parking.
Are there family rooms in Newcastle?
The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, The Briers Country House, Coastguard Cottage and Central Apartment Newcastle all list family rooms. Cots are available at The Hikers House, The Briers Country House, Gorse Hill Farm, Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment, Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment, Park Avenue and Widows Row Cottage.
Is there a pool or spa at any of these properties?
No. None of the properties on this shortlist lists a pool or a spa among its facilities. What they do offer is a mix of coastal and countryside settings, with gardens, terraces and patios at several of them.
Which Newcastle hotels are near the beach?
Seafront Apartment on South Promenade, Widows Row Cottage on South Promenade and Coastguard Cottage on Coastguard Villas all list the sea and a beach nearby. Several other properties in the centre of town are a short walk from the shore.
Which is the highest-rated hotel on this shortlist?
The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat is the only 5-star property here, and it is 0.1 km from the centre. The remaining properties are 4-star, among them The Briers Country House, Gorse Hill Farm, Blue Door Apartments and Grey Heron Townhouse.
Can I stay in Newcastle without a car?
Yes. Grey Heron Townhouse, The Hikers House Coastal & Riverside Retreat, Blue Door Apartments, Central Apartment Newcastle, B2 Waterfoot Apartment and Apt 7A Waterfoot Apartment are all within 0.4 km of the centre, and most hotels, guesthouses and restaurants in town are within walking distance of the seafront.