Meelmore lodge

[suspectmonkey]

More stalking turns out that Desmond Patterson is "chairman for the Mourne Heritage Trust." (source)

You would think that might mean he is more sympathetic to the needs of hikers etc. who want to use Meelmore Lodge as a base in the Mournes?  That said, I've no idea what the Mourne Heritage Trust's stance is on people actually making use of the mountains

[warninglight]

I must agree with the OP's sentiments on Meelmor, probably the same weekend a few of you seemed to be there I showed up with 5 friends for just a night.

I was driving a little Austin 1100, the other lad a VW Polo, all respectably dressed, not a 'yob' amongst us. I pulled in and immediately some bloke came over on his quadbike  and just told us to leave. He was plain rude about it and I have no intention of being back.

If you turn left out of Meelmor and turn right onto the Newcastle Rd. there's a campsite maybe a mile down on the left called 'The Rock'

Is it any good, welcoming to groups etc? I ended up in Castlewellan that night.

[DryBag]

I've seen all the negative feedback in the past, so I was pleasantly surprised when I stayed a couple of weeks ago. 

The site was tidy and well kept, facilities were clean, the staff were reasonably friendly and it was quiet.  It was a Thursday night though, so that probably makes a difference.

[ChuckMcB]

....It was a Thursday night though....

I think that's the trick for a lot of establishments that 'entertain' the public...catch them off peak and you catch them at their best?

[LandyLiam]

I've stayed at Meelmore quite a few times and have had nothing but a very friendly response from the owners (although i'm usually trailing a few kids with me and i've a few grey hairs now  ). Yes i've experienced the noisy musical youth there and have seen the owner sorting it out, although it doesn't really bother me too much as the drink numbs the eardrums a bit and i'm usually one of the last ones to hit the sack anyway    , the toilets have been messy at times when they are busy but i have noticed improvements lately, especially when the 2nd toilet block went in, really they could do with another though. I understand peoples grievances at the owners attitude to non-families but again i have to commend the owners on trying to implement the family policy. Do love it when Des brings round the fire logs on his quad though and glad to see he hasn't resort to strapping the shotgun on yet (i know another site where the owner likes to walk around firing a few rounds off in the evening!) . I would go as far as saying its my favourite campsite, i'm sure you'll appreciate it more when your older