Golfkeel keeps the tourists returning

Owners Oonagh and John O’Neill were delighted to collect the award, stressing again their commitment to customer service.

“We were so pleased to pick up the award” said Oonagh.

“I was pushed up to go and collect it - I thought John had stood up to go up with me, but when I looked round I saw I was on my own!”

The rejuvenated barns which date back over 200 years, are set in the heart of tranquil countryside and offer views of the Mourne Mountains.

While they attract many Irish visitors they have also brought tourists from as far as Australia, New Zealand, Canada, America and parts of Europe.

“Many of our customers come back again, so it shows we must be doing something right”, said Oonagh.

“Some of our visitors are locals who have once lived in the area and are coming back to visit it again too.”

Great attention has been paid to restoring the original stonework of the three cottages, but Oonagh and John have also continued to modernise so visitors will still have all their home comforts.

Oonagh said: “We have a small team of part-time staff. I feel first impressions count, so there’s a lot of work put in by them, to make a good impression. Because of this I was really pleased to be able to tell them that we had won the award and give them the recognition they deserve.

“Our customers were also pleased for us. One of the first people to know was a girl who was staying in the cottages at the time and we were able to celebrate and share some champagne with her.”

“We have given the cottages a lot of commitment and hard work, so I hope we will continue to keep up our standards and continue to pick up awards.”

Oonagh and John feel the Cottages, which have been open for around 13 years now, are the ideal self-catering accommodation for both business and holiday travellers and ensure a stress free, relaxing break where you can unwind.

Located just one mile from Banbridge town centre and adjacent to Banbridge Golf Club and driving range, Golfkeel’s central location offers a wealth of outdoor activities right on it’s doorstep.

Horse riding, fishing, walking, and golf are just some of the activities found locally.