Willowtree Glamping: a Romantic, Rural Retreat in the Mournes
Would you like to sponsor this article?
Kribben Cottages are a cluster of 5 luxury self-catering cottages nestled against the magnificent backdrop of the Mourne Mountains in a rural picturesque setting close to the bustling seaside town of Newcastle, County Down, and only 1 hour from Belfast and 2 hours from Dublin.
Back in 2012, we started with a green field and in June 2014, we opened Kribben Cottages to our very first guests. Growing up and living in the area and having a passion for the Mournes, we wanted to promote our surroundings and create a haven where guests can relax in luxurious accommodation, whilst experiencing this area of outstanding natural beauty.
Our name “Kribben Cottages” is derived from the once thriving granite industry in the Mourne area. Each cottage has been individually named to reflect this period of history. We are a family business with mother/daughter team, Myrtle and Paula, managing the everyday running of the cottages.
We can accommodate up to 24 guests and we find extended families come together to spend quality family time whilst having their own personal space. Our guests range from those who want to spend their time in the Mournes throughout the day and have somewhere comfortable to rest and relax in the evening, to those who come to get away from their busy lives and completely switch off.
Surrounded by traditional stone ditches and with a large central green area, our spacious and cosy cottages offer guests a space to relax, with a wood-burning stove and a deep free-standing bath to indulge in a long soak. The quaint interiors are finished to a very high standard and provide all the modern facilities expected whilst retaining the old traditional charm.
All our cottages have Wifi, Netflix, picnic table/area with firepit and BBQ, and a playpark area for kids to enjoy. We welcome well-behaved dogs as we have dogs of our own and know how important it is to include them as part of your holiday plans.
Nestled in the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, Kribben Cottages are situated in an area of outstanding natural beauty, offering countless walks and adventures for you and your family to enjoy during your stay. There are many walks from the cottages, from a gentle stroll to hiking the highest peak in the Mournes, Slieve Donard.
The Silent Valley is a 5-minute drive and is the perfect place to venture on your vacation: there are numerous walks and trails on offer, with lots of amenities on site including a children’s play park, duck feeding facilities, a café and a small history museum – oh and let’s not forget the spectacular views from the overflow. Trails are clearly marked and you can learn about the history of the Valley via VR technology (virtual reality) by scanning signage along the trails with your smart phone! It really is a great day out whatever the weather.
It is almost impossible to visit Kribben Cottages without a visit to Annalong Harbour and a venture round the village and its rugged coastline. A small tidal port used by local fishing boats, Annalong Harbour has historically been the heart of the community in Annalong. The picturesque fishing village is only a short walk from Kribben Cottages, and with stunning coastal and mountainous scenery it offers itself as an idyllic and peaceful haven… plus we are open 365 days of the year!
My favourite thing about Kribben Cottages is, without a doubt, our guests – we get to meet some really lovely people and, of course, their dogs. Over the years we have made lots of great friends with many guests returning year on year!
We have limited availability for the rest of the year but we have released our 2022 dates – check out our website to book www.kribbencottages.com or contact Paula on 07724727283 or stay@kribbencottgaes.com.
Find out more about Kribben Cottages here.
Interested in having your business featured on Trek NI? Contact us to find out how.
5 scenic walks around Lisburn
Bearnagh: Chased the sunset, caught the rain
Camping in the High Mournes
Cuilcagh: Stairway to Heaven
Every Game of Thrones Location in Northern Ireland
Hen and Cock Mountains
Leganabrachan, Millstone and Thomas: Donard’s Seaside Bodyguards
Percy Bysshe and Cove Caves