Dunamoy Cottage and spa...

24 hours of dog friendly indulgent bliss

Nestled 13 miles outside of Belfast, just beyond Ballyclare, lies Dunamoy, a hidden rustic gem waiting to be discovered. This charming retreat features beautifully restored 18th-century stone buildings that house multiple 4-star cottages, an award-winning Elemis spa, and a wedding/function room. Here, you arrive as a guest and leave as a friend, embodying their heartwarming company ethos.

Stacey, Jamie, and their dedicated staff create a welcoming atmosphere that makes you feel like family from the moment you set foot on the property. Special mentions go to their four Sharpai dogs, along with horses, donkeys, ducks, hens, and peacocks, all of which enhance the authentic country cottage experience.

An inspiring touch is the availability of a dog-friendly cottage, allowing us to bring our two dogs, Maisie and Rita, along on our memorable break.

Accommodation - We arrived at lunchtime, just in time for an early check-in that allowed us to explore our cottage, the serene spa, and the elegant function room. It was clear that immense effort had gone into creating this exceptional 4* Self-Catering accommodation. The girls eagerly sniffed around, discovering their cosy retreat for the next 24 hours. Each two-bedroom cottage is adorned in charming rustic style, featuring solid wood furniture and doors, a bathroom, and an open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area equipped with everything needed, including a smart TV and Wi-Fi for those Netflix and Chill moments. Though self-catering, we were greeted with a thoughtful welcome pack of pancakes, butter, jam, milk, tea/coffee, and biscuits. To top it all off, the onsite Jamison Tea Room welcomes guests seven days a week, offering breakfasts, brunches, lunches, and the most delightful afternoon tea we’ve enjoyed in ages. There are also an array of local restaurants and takeaways within a short drive some of which actually deliver to the cottages.

Jamison Tea Room - Debbie, Sarah and the team in the tea room radiate warmth and attentiveness, showcasing a remarkable knowledge of their locally sourced produce from Fairy Tree Cakes, Slice of Heaven, and Cogry House Preserves. The presence of regulars—locals who feel right at home—speaks volumes about this place. Debbie, Sarah and the team recognise each patron by name, recalling their favourite drinks and food choices, and even their preferred seats. Visitors to the tea room, accommodation guests, and spa users alike can indulge in the delightful afternoon tea experience. The exceptional day spa deal of £100 per person includes afternoon tea, spa access, and two rejuvenating 30-minute mini Elemis treatments, making it a perfect escape for the soul.

Afternoon Tea - I don’t even know where to begin to describe this experience, as each piece on every layer was exceptionally fresh, delicious, and satisfying. Forget dainty bite-sized sandwiches or scones at typical fancy afternoon teas; here, you are treated to generous portions of delightful goodness. You start with a sparkling juice adorned with a fresh raspberry, followed by a mini pot of soul-warming potato and leek soup, and a slice of the most meltin-your-mouth locally made wheaten bread. Next comes your choice of tea or coffee, accompanied by a three-tiered display of mains and desserts: the bottom layer features sandwiches, rolls, and wraps; the middle tier boasts enormous scones, cream, and jam; and the top tier, my favourite, is filled with an array of sweet baked goods. Debbie instantly connected with our two girls, who each received towards Wolf Bog with views of Slemish, just five minutes down the road. The views on a clear sunny day promise to be breathtaking, and the gentle walk is accessible for everyone, regardless of fitness level. After feeling revitalised from our afternoon tea, we returned the girls to the cottage and prepared to indulge in our spa experience.

Spa Facilities - The award-winning spa invites you to a serene experience, complete with a swimming pool, steam room, outdoor woodfired hot tub, and an invigorating cold water bucket drop for the daring. Inside the spa, you’ll find beauty rooms offering the finest products from Elemis. I was especially captivated by the hot tub at sunset, surrounded by breathtaking views of greenery, hills, and trees. We chose a duos/couples hot stone massage, a first for Michael. To describe the therapists as having perfect touch, oil, and synchronised movements would be an understatement; they truly had magic hands! Remarkably, I even drifted off to sleep—a rare feat, as I usually find it hard to relax and often engage in conversation, asking countless questions.

Breakfast/Brunch - Just like the delightful afternoon tea, breakfast and brunch offer a vast array of choices, from lighter delights like pancakes, drizzled with syrup and adorned with fresh fruit to a hearty, satisfying country fry. Accompanied by an assortment of teas, coffees, and refreshing beverages, each meal becomes an inspiring journey for the senses.

Reflecting on our time at Dunamoy, it’s clear that this place is so much more than just a spot to sleep. It embodies comfort, community, and little luxuries that come together harmoniously.

In just one day’s stay, this rustic haven in Northern Ireland helped us find relaxation for our minds, restoration for our bodies, and delight for our taste buds. At Dunamoy, enjoying life isn’t just an option; it’s a delightful promise.

Whether you’re journeying with your beloved dog or seeking an inclusive space as an LGBT+ traveller, Dunamoy genuinely celebrates diversity and comfort. It beautifully illustrates how a getaway can transform into meaningful memories that we eagerly look forward to sharing with others. As we departed, the enchanting vibe of Dunamoy lingered in our hearts, leaving us with an excited anticipation to return to this countryside treasure once again in the not-too-distant future.

Elemis Treatments with day spa access range from £60

Afternoon Tea £25pp

Overnight stay from £80 pp/pn

Top Tip: if you are an emergency worker, Dunamoy offers a 15% Blue Light workers discount on MidWeek direct bookings.

Dunamoy Cottages & Spa, 40 Collin Road, Ballyclare. BT39 9JS

Tel: 028 9334 9676

Website: www.dunamoy.com

Email: spa@dunamoy.com

Instagram: spa_dunamoy

Facebook: Dunamoy Twitter: Dunamoycottages

By Gary Campion