Spectacular Views
Ballydorn Stay's primary accommodation is a Shepherd Hut that sits atop of the hill overlooking Whiterock Bay offering spectacular views of Strangford Lough. We have added a fabulous bell tent for during the warmer months to sleep an additional 4 guests - this can be added at check out as an Add-on and is only bookable alongside the hut. As well as the Shepherds Hut we offer Ballydorn Lodge for Easter, Summer and Christmas dates- please email me at stephanie@ballydornstay.com to enquire about dates if you cant find something that fits in your calendar. The Lodge sleeps up to 8 in 3 bedrooms.
We have such a unique location to be in close proximity to Belfast that you can easily visit the city for the many sightseeing opportunities available and yet be right where all the water sports and other outdoor activities are on your doorstep. Strangford Lough offers e-foiling, sailing, paddle-boarding, kayaking, boat tours, swimming, birdwatching as well as more traditional activities such as soda bread making it's on the route to the Mourne Mountains for fantastic walking and biking trails.
The Shepherd Hut interior has a bespoke design. As a family there are few places that offer glamping accommodation to this standard - many are aimed at couples. I wanted to fill that gap- particularly as our location is perfect for families with all the outdoor activities available as well as a great restaurant- Daft Eddys and Little Eddys café right on our doorstep.
The Shepherd hut
Ballydorn Stay Shepherd Hut is a traditional hut with a bespoke high end finish offering accommodation for a family of four with a king size bed, bunk beds, a kitchenette and a bathroom. It has central heating and on demand hot water. The Hut has its own private area at the rear of the property with the most spectacular views of Whiterock Bay & Strangford Lough, stone firepit, overhanging firepit grill, picnic table and comfortable Muskoka chairs all the way from Canada.
The Bell Tent bookable only alongside the Shepherd Hut sleeps four with a king bed and two super comfy pullout beds. Guests in the bell tent have their own bathroom in the adjacent building.
Location
The outside area for the shepherd hut has a picnic table as well as comfortable Muskoka chairs settled around the firepit where you can relax and enjoy the fantastic view. The property offers free onsite parking and is a stones throw from the famous Daft Eddy's restaurant and Little Eddy's Café as well as a short drive from Balloo House, Poachers Pocket, Old Post Office Lisbane, Picnic & The Dufferin Arms in Killyleagh and Fodder of Finnebrogue Woods.
Many local operators provide the chance to get out on the waters of Strangford Lough offering kayaking, paddle boarding, e-foiling, boat tours and the area is renowned for cycling. The Mourne Mountains are a mere 45 minute drive and the spectacular beaches and Giant's Causeway of the North Coast are 90 minutes drive.
There are also many beautiful wedding venues in the area: Finnebrogue Woods, Tullyveery House, Dufferin Coaching Inn & Hall & The Mill at Ballydugan
Extras
We provide marshmallows and biscuits for your firepit experience as well as tea and coffee.See below for extra add-ons.
You will also have one load of firewood waiting for you however if you need any more there is plenty available for a small charge of £8 a load to be paid in cash or from the local shops at Balloo.
Dogs are welcome for an additional fee to be added at checkout . Please be aware they must be kept on a leash at all times and are not to be left unattended in any of the accommodations. We have our own dog who is very sociable and I have young kids but there may be guests in the other accommodation who are not canine lovers so please respect this!
Kathryn Callaghan Prints (NEW!!), Millbank Farm Food Baskets, Rachel Bakes Baked Goods & Were Wolf Food Dog Food and Treats
We offer a variety of high quality add-ons at checkout from local suppliers Millbank Farm Shop, Rachel Bakes & Were Wolf Food (our furry friends can't be left out). New to Add-ons are various Kathryn Callaghan prints.
Kathryn is an award-winning artist from County Down, Northern Ireland.
Her work is stocked and exhibited across the UK and Ireland; you may have seen it in several luxury hotels and even some film and television sets.
Well-known for her energetic depictions of wildlife, nature and the human form, Kathryn’s distinctive poured artwork has proven to have broad appeal and a particular resonance with many collectors. When creating her work, Kathryn says “It’s about capturing the moment as a feeling or a memory more than an exact visual representation.”
To this end, Kathryn works from the heart in a very fluid and organic way. She pours custom-made inky mixes from mid-air onto a canvas on the floor. This allows her to work fast and gesturally and frees her from the constraints of any sub-sketch.
Orders need to be placed 48 hours before arrival in order to be prepared and delivered to Ballydorn Stay in time- contents will vary according to availability. Should you book last minute we can take an order over the phone - please call directly to see if they are available:
Sit back and relax at Ballydorn Stay
