Frequently Asked Questions
Section 1: Inside our accommodation – details on appliances, equipment, heating, and bed linen.
Section 4: Finally – reasons for staying with us at Rostrevor Holidays and external reviews.
Section 1: Inside our accommodation.
Which kitchen and laundry appliances can we expect to find in our accommodation?
Our cottages have fully equipped kitchens, which include a fridge-freezer, an oven and electric hob, and a microwave. (Please note that Crotlieve has a combined microwave/oven. All of our 3 star cottages now have a washing machine, (the 3-bedroom cottages have a washer/dryer, as well as a dishwasher) and both our 5-star houses all have a dishwasher, and a separate washing machine and tumble-dryer. There is also a free laundry room on-site.
Any other useful kitchen equipment?
We have stocked our kitchens with everything you need for a self-catering holiday. There is a large range of saucepans and cooking utensils, a toaster, kettle, and plenty of glasses, crockery, and cutlery. If you have taken a couple of the cottages and wish to eat together as a group, we will happily provide extra utensils to save you having to move items from cottage to cottage, so please ask us. The cottages also have a communal coal BBQs that are available for use.
And in the living area? Do you have a TV?
Yes, all of our cottages have freeview enabled TVs. If you require a DVD player, please contact us prior to arrival (or 24 hours notice whilst here). We leave a selection of books in each cottage, so you can sit back and relax in front of an open fire in the evening. There is a telephone on site, which allows free local calls. We also leave an information booklet in each house, with ideas on places to visit, and where to eat, along with all the useful information such as local doctor’s number, nearest ATM point, religious service times, and where to shop. You will also find plenty of information and leaflets in our communal telephone box.
And do you provide towels and bed linen? And tea towels?
Yes, so you don’t need to worry about packing any of these; they are all included in the rental. Beds are made up ready for your arrival, and towels await you. We know how useful it is to free up space in your car or suitcase and want you to feel at-home the moment you walk through the door, so we also leave useful items such as toilet paper, kitchen roll, hand wash, and cleaning products. In each cottage you will also find a hairdryer, iron and ironing board, clothes airers, and a vacuum.
Tell us more about the heating.
An oil-fired boiler in an outhouse provides both the central heating and hot water. Temperatures can be regulated and timings for the hot water adjusted to suit your lifestyle. Fuel and electricity are included in the price.
All but two of our cottages (Roosley and Crotlieve) have either an open fire or stoves, which are lovely to relax in front of during the cooler months of the year. Turf, wood, and firelighters are available in the local shops, just 2 miles from the cottages.
Is the water safe to drink?
Yes, the water is safe to drink.
Section 2: Policies
Is the accommodation child-friendly?
Yes, Rostrevor Holidays are perfect for family holidays, and many enjoy the chance for their children to safely explore nature. Please see our web-page on our Child-Friendly information. Our two houses, Owenabwee and Carnaclasha are particularly suited to 3-generational families on holiday together.
How about dogs?
We welcome well-behaved dogs (@ £25 per pet per week, £15 per weekend) in certain cottages, as long as they respect our furniture and fittings. The cottages do not have closed gardens, but are situated away from the main road, and all of our previous visitors with pets, have been happy with the arrangement. It is important to note that Rostrevor Holidays is set within farmland, so we ask that you do not let your pets into fields with livestock. There are plenty of great beaches, and forest parks for you to enjoy your holiday with your pet. Please enlighten yourselves with our page on Dog Friendly Accommodation.
And smoking?
Guests are requested to smoke outside so that we can provide smoke-free cottages to future occupants.
Is there ground-floor accommodation available for the less physically fit?
Yes, the majority of our accommodation is on one floor. Cnoc Si 3-bedroom cottage is specially adapted for the less-able. Please contact us to discuss any specific queries you have.
What about wi-fi? And is there a phone in the property?
The Ceili House is our hot-spot for wifi, and we are in the process of providing it to the rest of the cottages. There is a phone located on site for free local calls. Incoming calls can be accepted free of charge.
If we encounter a problem is there someone near at hand to help?
Almost always. We live 15 minutes from the cottages, but if you wish to speak with us our phone number is 028 417 38727. We can be contacted free of charge from the phone box, and our number is in all the cottages. Customer care is something we rate very highly, so if there is an issue, please let us know so that we can sort it out whilst you are staying with us.
How close can we park our cars?
Immediately adjacent to most of the accommodation. The cottages which you can not park directly outside of are Roosley, Leckan Mor, and Tievedockarragh. But even at this, the parking is less than 20 metres away.
Can we arrive and leave any time?
On your day of arrival your accommodation will be ready for you any time after 16.00 hrs. Occasionally, if you ask beforehand and it is possible, we can get it ready by 13.30 hrs. Don’t worry if you need to arrive very late at night. Everything will be ready, with the heating and lights on, with an information pack for any questions. On departure day, it is 11.00hrs unless by prior arrangement.
Do you take “any-day” bookings?
We will try and accommodate you depending on prior bookings. Many of our customers have found it useful to travel on a weekday for cheaper rates on ferries and places. During the high-season we usually only take full week bookings. You are welcome to book less than a week but in advance the rental will be the same as that for a full week. In the off-season, we do weekend and part week bookings. Our minimum booking is based on a 3-night stay.
Please tell us how we can book and can we pay by credit or debit card?
Contact us either by email at info@rostrevorholidays.com or by calling us at + 44 28 417 38727 to check availability. Our prices are online on the rates page. To secure a booking we require a £100 deposit per cottage, and £200 per 5-star house, with the full balance due 30 days prior to the arrival date. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Switch, or sterling cheques or drafts made out to “Rostrevor Holidays”. Unfortunately we can not accept Laser or American Express.
Section 3: Outside essentials
Where is Rostrevor located in relation to:
Belfast City Airport? 85 km or 70 minute drive
Belfast International Airport? 85 km or 90 minutes drive
Dublin Airport? 110 km or 90 minute drive
Larne Ferry? 110 km or 1 hr 50 minute drive
Belfast Ferry? 80 km or 80 minute drive
Dublin Ferry? 120 km or 90 minute drive
Main Cities
Belfast – 75 km – 1 hr
Dublin – 120 km – 1 hr 30 mins
Derry – 160 km – 1 hr 40 mins
Athlone – 175 km – 3 hrs
Waterford – 280 km – 3 hrs 45 mins
Cork – 375 km – 4 hrs 50 mins
Killarney – 425 km – 5 hrs 40 mins
Limerick – 320 km – 4 hrs
Galway – 270 km – 3 hrs 45 mins
Sligo – 190 km – 3 hrs
How close are the local food shops and when do they open/close?
Rostrevor village, 2 miles from Rostrevor Holidays, has several grocery shops, a pharmacy, a butchers, newsagents, and post office. Some of the food shops are open from 7am to 11pm, and they are open 7 days a week. For larger supermarkets, you have the choice of Eurospar in Warrenpoint (10 minutes drive), Asda in Kilkeel (20 minutes drive), Tesco & Lidl in Newcastle (25 minute drive), and Sainsburys and Marks and Spencers in Newry (20 minutes drive). Tesco and Sainsburys will deliver your shopping to the cottages when you are there if you wish to shop online prior to your stay.
Where is the nearest cash machine?
The nearest cash machine is in Rostrevor, beside the Spar Shop. There are also further ATMs outside the 3 banks in Warrenpoint. Bank opening times tend to be between 10am and 4pm weekdays, with some open later depending on the days.
What about local restaurants?
Rostrevor village has a small restaurant, The Kilbroney, which has received good reports from our guests, and is good for evening meals. During the day, The Old School House, Rostrevor, is open from 9am to 6pm and has a really good menu for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. Warrenpoint town (4 miles from Rostrevor Holidays) has a large range of choices, from Restaurant 23, and The Duke, more suited to adult groups, to Diamonds, which is very family friendly and very popular with locals. There is also a wide range of cafes and bars. There are several local taxi services (further details below).
Best ways of getting around from Rostrevor Holidays?
For rural excursions we recommend using your car. If you are to make best use of your time in Northern Ireland a car really is the best way.
For trips to the cities of Belfast and Dublin, it might be less stressful for yourselves if you take public transport. Buses for both leave the central bus station in Newry, with connecting buses from Rostrevor. (Rostrevor to Belfast £15 return) Newry Train Station, outside of Newry, has direct train links with Dublin and Belfast. (Newry to Belfast £15rtn adult, £7.50rtn child, Newry to Dublin, £20 day rtn adult, £50 family rtn)
What are the options if we are staying at Rostrevor Holidays without a car?
There is a phone on site to make free local calls, so if you wish to order a taxi to the local village of Rostrevor, there are several local options. As a guide, fares should not be more than £4 to Rostrevor, £6 to Warrenpoint, and £13 to Newry. AV taxis have 8-seater transporters, and buses available on request. The local bus service to Newry runs at least once an hour from 6.45am to 19.40 during the weekdays. The bus stop is situated on the main road beside the Corner House pub, beside the phone boxes. Timetable also located here.
Should we do a lot of advance planning of places to visit?
In each cottage and house we leave a guide with suggestions for what to do in the local area, along with suggested sports activities, and what to do on a rainy day. We also provide brochures and leaflets on the various places there are to visit, and things to do, in the communal phone box. However, we would recommend that you check in with the local tourist office, or research places of particular interest before you come, as there may be something in particular that would interest you. We are happy to provide suggestions and ideas, so please ask.
I want to golf/mountain-bike/road-bike/fish etc. Is there a secure place to leave my clubs/bikes/tackle?
The area around Rostrevor Holidays has some great places for sports enthusiasts. With world-class golf courses, great places for mountain biking and road cycling, and lots of places to fish, it is well worth your while to bring your own equipment if you prefer. If you don’t mind renting, or it makes travelling easier, we can provide you with some details of suppliers. There is a lockable shed on-site, if you wish to leave your equipment – please contact us in advance about this.
I want to go walking, but don’t have room to pack walking boots, do I need them?
Rostrevor, in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, is surrounded by many beautiful forest parks and national trust gardens. If you are coming on holidays, and want to get out walking but your luggage is restricted, it is possible to go walking in normal sports shoes along many of the paths and walk ways. If you wish to do proper hill-walking and climbing, we highly recommend that you bring specialised equipment.
What about the weather, is it going to rain?
We can get the four seasons in one day here in Northern Ireland, and just because it is summer time, doesn’t mean you are going to get sun! Saying that, we get mild winters, so there is the opportunity to get out and about exploring year-round. We would advise that you bring some good waterproofs, and for the kids bring rubber-boots if you have them. Then if you are unlucky with the weather, it won’t stop you from enjoying your holiday. We also have a good list of suggestions for rainy day activities in each cottage.
Rostrevor Holidays are set on a farm, what is there, and can we explore?
Rostrevor Holidays are surrounded by 24-acres of quiet farmland, usually inhabited by horses and ponies. There is a 1.5km nature trail along the river and around the farmland, a nice place to get out to stretch the legs. If you wish to walk through the fields, please pay attention to the livestock, and do not let children in by themselves. Please also note that dogs should not be allowed to run free as local farmers have sheep and cattle which may become distressed.
And finally….
Can you give us 3 good reasons why we should book a property at Rostrevor Holidays rather than elsewhere?
Rostrevor Holidays and Houses are inspected annually and individually under the Northern Ireland Tourist Board. Using a rating of 1-5 stars, this scheme provides a reassurance about what to expect from the accommodation before you arrive. All of our cottage have a 3-star rating, whilst our large houses both have 5-star ratings. You can find further information at www.discovernorthernireland.com
Located in the beautiful countryside of the Mourne Mountains, Rostrevor Holidays offer you the chance to relax and enjoy your holidays in peaceful settings. However, you are not cut-off from urban life, with a village close-by, great shopping and dining in the local towns of Newry and Warrenpoint, and only a 60 minute drive from Belfast, and 90 minute drive from Dublin.
Many of our visitors are return customers, or were referred to us by their friends and family who have previously stayed at Rostrevor Holidays. We welcome feedback, and use it as a tool to improve upon our service. You can also check out some comments left about us at www.tripadvisor.co.uk