STAY & PLAY SLIEVE DONARD

Jeremy Ellwood savours the delights of The Slieve Donard Resort and Spa right next to the fabled links at Royal County Down

The Golf – Royal County Down Championship: par 71, 6,878 yards Annesley: par 66, 4,548 yards For many, Royal County Down represents the very pinnacle of golf within these shores with its rollercoaster fairways, blind shots, beautifully natural bunkering and majestic views of the Mourne Mountains. It’s certainly an exhilarating, and at times testing, place to play, as I rediscovered on my fourth visit to the tight County Down turf. There’s always an added frisson of excitement coming over the crest on the 9th and 11th to find out if your seemingly well-directed shots are, indeed, okay. Don’t neglect the short Annesley course either, as it’s now the proud owner of three quite stunning new holes in the dunes. Also play… the clifftop links at Ardglass (ardglassgolfclub.com) 20 miles from Newcastle offers great views of the rugged coastline. Accommodation – Slieve Donard On my latest trip I finally got to stay in the elegant, turreted red-brick building that dominates the Newcastle skyline. Slieve Donard Resort and Spa, right by the beach, started life as a railway hotel back in 1898 before becoming part of the Hastings Hotel group in 1972. Its Victorian grandeur and feel is now complemented by first-rate facilities that include a comprehensive portfolio of spa treatments. Dining options range from the elegance of the Oak Restaurant to the informality of the Lighthouse Lounge by the spa or the famous Percy French Inn, named after the composer of the song The Mountains of Mourne. My only regret was that I only stayed for one night! Where else… switch your golf spikes for your walking boots and immerse yourself in the ruggedly spectacular Mourne Mountains (visitmournemountains.co.uk). The elegant Slieve Donard Resort and Spa