Topic: Meelmore Lodge (Read 8926 times)

eventadmin · « **on:** May 05, 2009 »

Meelmore Lodge began as a solution to the growing problem of car crime in the existing car park on the Trassey Road, which not only lacked amenities but also gave tourists an unpleasant sight of broken windscreens and flat tires on the return from a long walk.

In the year 2000, the Patterson family decided to diversify and create a secure car park, which would provide 24 hour CCTV surveillance, and basic facilities, which the local area was deprived off before hand.

Meelmore Lodge was opened to the public in June 2001 with the project being officially opening being delayed two years later due to the foot and mouth crisis. The official opening was held on 27th March 2003 and was opened by the then minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, The Right Honourable Ian Pearson MP. The Mourne Heritage Trust provided financial assistance to Meelmore Lodge, through their area based strategy program.

Being the first of its kind in the whole of the Mournes, Meelmore Lodge has given walkers, tourists and even day-trippers something that was always hoped would be seen in the area. It has also given those tourists new to the Mournes a chance to see the beauty of the mountains first hand. The spectacular views make Meelmore Lodge an idyllic location for photographs and those wishing to capture the beauty on canvas.

With an average 3200+ people passing through the Coffee Shop each year, and even more through the Car Park, this makes the project a huge success. Due to the lack of camping facilities in the area, Meelmore Lodge has had to extend its current camping ground to accommodate all those wising stay in the Mournes.

It has been appointed a Focus Farm by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development in Tourism and Leisure section. This means that other farmers will be able to come and visit the project to see how the family have diversified into tourism.

In May 2006, building/renovation work began for new hostel-type accommodation on site. Completed in March 2007, the hostel comprises of two dormitories (one with five bunk beds and one with four), four en-suite rooms with television in each, laundry/drying room with two washing machines and two drying machines, an area to dry clothes, a fully fitted kitchen with eating area, quiet room/conference room available for meetings, seminars, etc and a communal room for guest use with soft chairs, TV/DVD and an open fire. In addition, the main en-suite room provides stunning views of the Hare's Gap.

Contact:
52 Trassey Road
NEWCASTLE
Co. Down
BT33 0QB
Northern Ireland

Telephone
+44(0)28 4372 5949
+44(0)28 4372 6657
+44(0)79 3466 6842

http://www meelmorelodge com

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Author Topic: Meelmore Lodge (Read 8926 times)

eventadmin

Meelmore Lodge

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