Ketch

Make memories on the wild shores of the Irish Sea at Ketch, tucked away in the shadow of Ireland's tallest onshore lighthouse.

This truly delightful lighthouse keeper's cottage is the perfect escape for a family of four, who can live the life of a lighthouse keeper in some of Northern Ireland's most dramatic surroundings.

Set on the coast of County Down, Ketch is found at St John's Point Lighthouse, a ten-minute drive from the village of Killough. No less than 40 metres high, you can hardly miss this remarkable lighthouse - certainly not with its bumble-bee-esque yellow-and-black stripes! And there, tucked away at the foot of it all, is Ketch - comfy, cosy and brimming with character for a family holiday with a difference.

As you drive towards this remote yet stunning spot, you'll begin to feel the sense of calm that comes from a break surrounded by nature. With verdant clifftops behind you and the ever-changing Irish Sea ahead, those worries will be left behind the moment you turn into the drive. And then you'll spot Ketch - a pretty, period detached cottage, where a warm welcome waits behind the gorgeous green front door.

Thanks to a loving restoration by Irish Lights, you'll soon notice the exquisite detail that has gone into making Ketch a wonderfully cosy home. Stunning wooden floors throughout, light and airy décor with calming green accents, and snug furnishings in every room create a sense of period charm without compromising on comfort. And, as you step from room to room, you can't help but marvel at those spectacular sea views in every direction.

Ketch sleeps four in total between two peaceful bedrooms - a double bedroom and a twin bedroom. With classic furniture, soft mattresses and beautiful bedspreads, everyone is sure of a restful night's sleep and a wonderful wake-up in the morning.

Downstairs, you'll find the country-style kitchen, complete with wooden worktops, blue-green cupboards, and every mod-con for easy self-catering - including an electric oven, microwave and dishwasher. The washing machine is a handy addition, making light work of muddy clothes after days spent walking the cliffs of Killough.

The adjacent dining area features a classic wooden table with four chairs, providing room everyone and enough space for plenty of dishes too. What's more, thanks to the large sash window beside you, you can enjoy the perfect accompaniment at every meal - unbeatable views out to sea!

Leading through, you'll come to the cosy sitting room, complete with an inviting sofa and armchairs for nights cuddled up together. Read a book, enjoy a game of draughts, or keep a keen eye for ships on the horizon.

Finally, the calming bathroom, with its nautical feel, comes complete with a full-size bath and a separate shower for your convenience. Guests also have use of a separate wet room - ideal for washing off your surfing or diving gear after a day's adventures at the beach.

When you're not walking the clifftops, combing the beach, or curling up in the comfort of Ketch, there's much more to see and do in this breath-taking area. Discover the wonders of Strangford Lough, just over half-an-hour to the north. An Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this peaceful loch features a variety of flora and fauna, and creates perfect photo opportunities any time of day. You're also just 31 miles from Belfast's attractions, including the Titanic Museum, while the early Christian church at Killough is also well worth a visit.

Ketch is one of those remarkable places where you feel miles from the rest of the world, but you're really not too far from anything at all - the ideal family escape. So whether you're after a quick break to refresh and revive with a blast of sea air, or a longer retreat to fully recharge those batteries, Ketch is the perfect place to do it.

Things to note

Cot for an infant can be provided on request, please note the lighthouse attendant and his wife live on the site and they have a dog that roams the site, no guest pets permitted.