Seal Cabin: a Seaside Escape in Strangford

Seal Cabin is a compact seaside retreat overlooking Strangford Lough and the Irish Sea. Here, owner Sonya McAllister tells us why you should swing by next time you’re in the area…

Sonya, what is Seal Cabin and where is it located?

Seal Cabin overlooks Strangford lough just 1.5 miles outside of Strangford village in Co Down.

What’s the story behind it? How did it come about?

My husband Mark was raised in Strangford and I moved to the village when we were married. We moved to our current home 10 years ago which overlooks Strangford Lough just outside the village.

Since moving the combination of country life beside the shore has been great. We kayak, cycle, walk on the beach and decided we would share this with our guests, hence Seal Cabin.

We are now open over 8 years with NI Tourist Board approval and we continue to welcome guests to love our little cabin as much as we do and will return again.

It has changed our lives, working in the city knowing we come home to this just makes it all worth while.

How many people can stay in the cabin at a time? What amenities does it include?

The cabin is described as a compact seaside bedsit retreat for Glamping in style which can sleep up to 4 people (please see pictures of bed locations). Open plan living gives views from every room of Strangford Lough and out to the Irish Sea.

The cabin has 1 double bed, living space with comfortable sofa bed and cast iron gas stove, compact dining table/chairs, kitchenette and shower room.

The kitchenette is small but functional with a refrigerator, counter top microwave/oven, portable ceramic hob, sink, toaster, kettle and appropriate kitchenware. It has a small TV/dvd player, a retro radio with docking station for iphones/ipods.

Although the space is bijou it has all the home comforts our guests will need for a relaxing stay. Seal Cabin is located on the Shore Road just 1.5 miles outside of Strangford village made famous in recent years as one of the filming locations for Game of Thrones.

The cabin has clear views of Strangford Lough including non operational lighthouses and out to the Irish sea to the front and the Mourne Mountains to the rear

What’s the best way to book the cabin?

Directly via email, telephone, Whatsapp or text.

Can you recommend any nearby local attractions?

Strangford sea safari, Kilclief castle, Kilclief beach, Ballyhornan beach, Downpatrick is 10 miles away with St Patrick’s Cathedral, etc.

Castle Ward National Trust house and grounds is famous as a film location for Winterfell in the hit television series Game of Thrones. It also has fantastic walks, cycle trails, gardens, park and cafe.

Coneyisland is only 8.5 miles (18 minutes) from Seal Cabin, which is well known from Van Morrison’s song Coneyisland and was the location for the 2011 Oscar winning film “The Shore”.

The Quoile River is also a historic site, used as the location of the Twins in the Riverlands. Newcastle is also home to Tollymore Forest Park. Exploris Aquarium across in Portaferry. Strangford Bay Alpacas, Mountpanther deer farm, Downpatrick and County Down Railway.

Do you have any big plans for the future?

Over the years we have welcomed guests from across the world, the farthest being Australia, we hope to continue to do so for many years to come

What’s your favourite thing about Seal Cabin?

The views over Strangford lough, peace and tranqulity to relax but yet close enough to enjoy some of the best Award winning restaurants in the area. Walk to the bottom of the lane, approximately 100 yards to a cobble stoned beach were you can see the common and grey seals on Seal Island or partake in some bird watching at Cloghy Rocks Natural Nature Reserve.

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