Write a comment
A hostel set in the heart of the Mourne Mountains has retained its four stars from Tourism NI's Quality Grading Scheme, with inspectors praising its inclusive facilities and breathtaking mountain views.
The Stay incredABLE Mourne Centre, located at 42 Ballinran Rd, Kilkeel, offers 27 bedspaces and boasts stunning views of Slieve Binnian and the surrounding countryside. The property is run by the accessible and inclusive charity incredABLE, which focuses on providing opportunities for people with additional support needs in the community.
The latest Quality Grading Assessment found the property to be great value accommodation for corporate, school, community and international groups, offering easy access for walking and exploring the Mournes and surrounding areas such as Kilkeel and Silent Valley. All bedrooms are ensuite and the facilities throughout the accommodation are to an excellent standard.
Phillipa Boyle, Senior Quality Advisor at Tourism NI, said the incredABLE Mourne Centre is an exclusive use facility and the perfect setting for large groups and residential trips. She said: "The property has been recently renovated and is sure to impress. Accessibility is a key priority at the incredABLE Mourne Centre and each of the nine bedrooms are equipped with a modern ensuite, offering privacy to individual guests whilst travelling as a group."
The entire ground floor is fully accessible and five of the bedrooms are located on this floor, with one of the ground floor ensuites also equipped with a ceiling track hoist. Guests can enjoy catering for their group in the spacious kitchen with adjacent dining area, whilst the large sitting room ensures that visitors can enjoy relaxing together after a day of activities or exploring the local area.
Ms Boyle added: "The incredABLE Mourne centre leads the way in terms of hostel facilities and are to be commended for the high standard achieved as well as the dedication to providing an inclusive space for everybody to enjoy. Fond memories are sure to be made by all who visit the property."
Nigel Hampton, CEO of incredABLE, said: "We are thrilled this four-star grading has been awarded to 'Stay incredABLE' The Mournes - our fully accessible, residential centre in the heart of Co Down. We offer high quality, value-for-money accommodation for groups wishing to explore the many local tourist attractions including the picturesque Mountains of Mourne, Silent Valley Reservoir and the ancient woodland of Mourne Park."
The centre, which operates a social enterprise, was built with accessibility in mind and is ideally suited to groups with disabilities and additional support needs. Mr Hampton said: "Social inclusion is hugely important to us at incredABLE and we want everyone to enjoy a holiday in comfort. Over the last few years, we've carried out significant work to the centre including refurbishing the kitchen and bathrooms, refreshing the interior decor and adding solar panels to the roof."
The venue is open all year round. The Tourism NI Quality Grading Scheme is a mark of distinction and gives visitors a clear idea of the standards of accommodation, service and cleanliness that they can expect during their stay, with businesses capable of achieving a grade of up to five stars.
