Derelict Mourne Cottage Transformed into 4-Star Retreat

A beautifully restored 200-year-old cottage near the Mourne Mountains has been certified by Tourism NI, marking the successful transformation of a derelict building that stood largely forgotten for more than a century.

Jackdaw Cottage, located close to Castlewellan, was at risk of demolition before it was bought and transformed by owner Chris Murphy into a stunning four-bedroom property that now welcomes guests from all over the world. The cottage, named after the flocks of jackdaws that had made the derelict house their home for generations, can sleep eight people in comfort.

During the three-year restoration, the cottage was extensively converted with modern comforts introduced such as a wood-burning stove and solar-powered energy, but with its heritage and character carefully preserved. The property recently achieved a 4-star self-catering grading award from Tourism NI and enjoys panoramic views, hand-built charm and total privacy.

With rich local heritage on its doorstep, the cottage is perfectly placed for visitors to hike the nearby mountains, stroll on the beaches, explore the forest parks or simply relax and unwind by the fire. It's regarded as a perfect retreat for families, adventurers and anyone seeking peace in nature.

Suzi McIlhatton, Accommodation Certification Manager at Tourism NI, said Chris Murphy "saw the potential in an old derelict building, bringing it back to life in a spectacular way." She noted that he engaged with Tourism NI early on in the project and was able to benefit from crucial start-up advice and support through the certification process.

Ms McIlhatton said it has been "a real pleasure for the team at Tourism NI to watch the evolution of Jackdaw Cottage during its restoration and opening phase" and that Chris' commitment, time and hard work must be commended. She added that the property's sustainability credentials are also notable and "it is heartening to see how they have incorporated this in a practical yet aesthetically pleasing way."

Owner Chris Murphy said the Tourism NI certification process has been "invaluable in setting up my business" and that from initial contact to inspecting the house through to grading, "the whole process was swift, smooth and highly insightful." He added that the knowledge and advice given was extremely helpful and that the team at Tourism NI have been "so friendly and warm from the very beginning, they really want to help you and see you succeed in bringing more tourists to Northern Ireland."

Tourism legislation requires that all visitor accommodation in Northern Ireland is certified by Tourism NI, even if only let on an ad-hoc basis, with certificates valid for four years. The certification process involves a physical inspection of the property and its facilities by a member of the Tourism NI team, with a statutory inspection undertaken every four years for renewal. Proprietors can also avail of operating and marketing advice during the certification process. Further information about certification is available at tourismni.com or by emailing qa@tourismni.com or calling 028 90 441545.