With the February half term break just around the corner, I wanted to share our little staycation break from last year. Having worked with Avoca Hotel previously, I was thrilled to be invited back again!

We booked to stay over Valentines for a special treat for Phoebs and I.

Coffee pit stop on route at Birch - a must visit when in Newcastle or Castlewellan!

Then a wee play in the park and a dander on the beach before check in.

Phoebs was delighted to have her own bunk bed - a new experience for her! This is one of the sea view family rooms at the hotel.

Time for some hair curling and getting ready for a ‘fancy Valentines meal’!

We’d booked a table at Brunels Restaurant. Neither of us had been before and I was excited as the reviews were great.

Ooh! Let me just tell you, the food and cocktails were absolutely incredible. I enjoyed a beautiful whiskey sour and my salmon dish was one of the nicest I’ve ever had.

There were clean plates all round! A thoroughly enjoyable evening and we can’t wait to go back again.

With full tummies, we headed back to the hotel for a nightcap. I’d highly recommend the Avoca bar and cocktails also. See this previous post for more.

After a good night’s sleep, we woke to a gorgeous morning. Originally we’d planned to hike on previous day but thick fog covered the hills, so we held off, hoping for a better day today.

After checking out, we popped into Railway St for breakfast. Perfect pre-hike fuel!

On this day we were hoping to tick off another new peak for Phoebe in the Mournes - Slieve Meelmore.

The hike began at Happy Valley car park. Follow the path up to the crossing at the river. Cross here and go over the style. Staying left of the wall, follow the path up and through the intersection of the wall, right up to the style between Meelmore and Meelbeg. Depending on wind direction, you can ascend Meelmore on either side of the wall. We stayed left as it was windy on the right that day.

After summiting, we descended via the same route. Another brilliant hike and memories made together!

If you’re looking for a staycation this half term or over the Easter break, I’d highly recommend a stay at Avoca Hotel, Newcastle. With Newcastle, Murlough beach and the Mournes on your doorstep, adventure awaits! Next time we visit we’ll be a family of four and I just cant wait!

*Not a paid ad - written after a gifted stay. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.