Hygge-lovers Andrew & Lauren celebrate their big day at Dufferin Hall

“I completely fell in love with Dufferin as soon as I stepped foot in it and knew it was the perfect venue for the cosy wedding I had envisaged,” says bride Lauren.

Newlyweds Andrew and Lauren Blair had a cosy and very personal wedding at Dufferin Hall last September after getting engaged on a romantic break in Iceland. The couple had been dating for two years before tying the knot and chose Dufferin Hall to gather together their nearest and dearest after a ceremony at a nearby church.

A Fairy-tale wedding with personal touches for Grace and Matt Evans

Grace & Matt Evans got married in a lovely autumn wedding on Saturday 19th November and chose to have their special reception among their closest friends and family in Dufferin Hall. Their romance budded while working in Tesco during university nearly 14 years ago, and they have since lived together in London and now Dublin.

Beat the January Blues

It’s January and that time of year when many of us may feel a need to have those cobwebs blown away after Christmas and New Year celebrations. For some, January might even be a “dry” month and, although the darker and colder nights may make this decision a bit challenging at times, there is still lots of potential for it to be a fulfilling month. We promise!

Wishing you a Very Local Christmas

Walk before the leaves fall

With winter just around the corner and autumn foliage at its peak, a walk down the wondrous greenways and paths dotting County Down is the perfect way to enjoy autumn in its splendour while the leaves are still above you. Here are some of our favourite places to enjoy nature’s displays this autumn.

Guest UserNovember 17, 2016autumn, walks, outdoors, northern ireland, attractions, things to do, exploring, foliage, sightseeing, landscapesComment

Top 5 things we’re thankful for

Local treats just the trick for Halloween fun

Bobbing for Apples, Trick-or-Treating, and scary stories may be some of the memories that come to mind at Halloween time, and whatever you love about All Hallow’s Eve, there’s plenty on offer in our local area to help you and the family make the most of this magical holiday. These top activities and attractions all taking place in Dufferin Coaching Inn’s neighbouring towns and villages are a must for the family during the Halloween season.

Guest UserOctober 20, 2016Halloween, autumn, Things to do, county down, Events, Attractions, All Hallow's Eve, family, Killyleagh, Dufferin Coaching InnComment

Dufferin talks food with Johnny McDowell of Indie Fude!

Dufferin Hall recently teamed up with Indie Fude and the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival to host ‘An Irish Cheeseboard’ - an event which included a pairing menu featuring local cheeses accompanied by chutney, oatcakes, and - of course - complementing locally-sourced drink. The sold-out event packed Dufferin Hall’s event space and acted as a boost to the popular Chocolate & Fine Food Festival in Killyleagh.

Chocoholics get set for the Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival!

Killyleagh plays host to some pretty fabulous events throughout the year but we’re really excited about the Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival taking place from September 23rd to 25th.

Anything and everything to do with chocolate will be happening that weekend but don’t miss out on our top five things to do!

The Great Ulster Fry

Dufferin Coaching Inn’s owner and operator Leontine Haines has become well-known over the past decade for her outstanding cooked breakfasts, served up fresh each morning to guests of the award-winning County Down guesthouse.

We asked Leontine why her fry-ups have become so popular. Here’s what she had to say:

Guest UserAugust 23, 2016breakfast, ulster fry, eggs, bacon, sausages, soda bread, potato breadComment

Best boutiques for a County Down wedding!

We love seeing wedding guests dressed their best for special days and nights of celebration spent at Dufferin Hall. Although high-street stores stock the most on-trend fashions, we prefer visiting some of the small independent boutiques located across County Down to browse their exclusive collections of occasion wear!

Guest UserJuly 28, 2016bridal, weddings, shopping, boutiques, shop local, buy local, retailers, wedding guests, weddings northern ireland, fashion, styleComment

Skiffie Worlds to set sail in Killyleagh!

The Skiffie Worlds Festival 2016 is to set sail on Strangford Lough, Co. Down, later this month - just a stone’s throw away from Dufferin Coaching Inn! The festival, which will take place from 24th – 30th July, is a colourful celebration of coastal rowing and will bring with it the St Ayle’s World Championship races which will be held at the stunning Delamont Country Park over five days.

Guest UserJuly 13, 2016events, whats on, strangford lough, strangford, boats, skiffie, rowing, things to do, attractions, event, tourism NI, tourismComment

Chocolate & Fine Food Festival will offer something ‘sweet’ for all ages

Thousands of chocoholics and enthusiastic foodies from Northern Ireland and beyond are set to descend again this year on Killyleagh town centre to celebrate the 2016 Finnebrogue Artisan Hans Sloane Chocolate & Fine Food Festival, 23rd – 25th September. Sponsored by artisan producer Finnebrogue, based in nearby Downpatrick and famous for their outstanding quality venison and sausages, among other favourites, this year’s festival will be the largest one yet, with over 15 chocolatiers and nearly 40 local artisan food producers scheduled to set up camp at the historic Killyleagh Castle for the weekend-long festival.

Rainy day delights in County Down

When the showers hit, head inside to these County Down attractions which offer plenty of things to do in the local area and prepare to beat the boredom of a rainy day. And the best part? These must-visit sites are all within a short drive from Dufferin Coaching Inn!

Guest UserJune 24, 2016things to do, days out, rainy days, county down, attraction, Northern Ireland, Dufferin Coaching Inn, museumsComment

2016 Wedding Flower Trends: Dufferin Asks the Expert

Seen on centre pieces, in the bridal party’s hair, atop wedding cakes, and on the lapels of grooms and fathers of the bride, wedding flowers are an essential element to the big day. But what about the hands behind those fabulous floral arrangements? We caught up with leading County Down florist Gillian Mee from Flowers by Mee in Killyleagh to discover this season’s biggest floral trends, tips, and blossom inspirations.

County Down's BBQ Hot Spots

With so many stunning backdrops to dine outdoors near Dufferin Coaching Inn, we recommend grabbing a picnic hamper and hitting the Great Outdoors to enjoy some dining al fresco whilst visiting. Here’s a round-up of our favourite local BBQ and picnic spots in Killyleagh and surrounding areas where you can relax and enjoy a taste of summer in Northern Ireland.

Dufferin Coaching Inn celebrates McKennas Guide recognition

Dufferin Coaching Inn is delighted to have been included yet again this year in the prestigious McKennas Guide of 100 Best Places to Stay in Ireland!

Guest UserMay 19, 2016mckennas guide, mckennas, awards, tourism, tourism ni, Dufferin Coaching Inn, guesthouse, b&b, places to visit, accoladesComment

Where to say 'I do' - Quirky wedding venues in County Down

County Down is home to a selection of very special venues to host your wedding ceremony, whether you and your other half are looking to the more traditional side or want to take a modern approach to your wedding. Take a look at our list of the top wedding venues in County Down to tie the knot before spending your evening do with us at Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall.

Meet Leontine Haines, Owner & Operator, Dufferin Coaching Inn & Hall

Say hello to Leontine Haines, the lady who has been welcoming guests to the Dufferin Coaching Inn and Hall for over 10 years. Over a cup of tea in her cosy front room, Leontine shared her stories, inspirations, and secrets to the perfect Ulster Fry.

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