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!
Read MoreThe 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.
Read MoreThousands 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.
Read MoreWhen 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!
Read MoreSeen 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.
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreDufferin 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!
Read MoreCounty 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.
Read MoreSay 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.
Read MoreDufferin Coaching Inn is located just a stone's throw away from Downpatrick, a town famous for its Monastic heritage. Known as Saint Patrick’s town, the quiet area comes alive during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
We caught up with an expert on the area’s historic inheritance, Dr Thérèse Cullen from Irish Monastic Tours who told us the must-see attractions in County Down during St. Patrick’s Day.
Read MoreOnce engaged, it’s very easy to get swept away with the romance and ignore all logic, including sensible spending, in pursuit of your perfect wedding. At Dufferin Coaching Inn & Hall we believe that you don’t need to splurge to achieve sparkle on your big day.
Here are a few tips on how organise a frugal fairy-tale:
Read MoreIt’s the start of 2016, and a lot of people have resolved to be healthier this year. We believe one of the greatest ways to get in shape, both physically and spiritually is through walking - and with a stunning landscape in Northern Ireland, we're well positioned for some of the best walks in the world.
Read MoreThis month, as part of Northern Ireland’s Year of Food and Drink 2016, Tourism NI is celebrating the most important meal of the day: Breakfast.
Read MoreChristmas dinner is one of the most special meals of the year, but we spend most of the season rushing in a tizzy from supermarket to supermarket accumulating mass quantities of humdrum groceries to knock together the annual Christmas dinner.
Read MoreThis season the Curious Wedding Fair will return to the SS Nomadic – a venue almost as iconic as the Dufferin Hall itself – on Sunday, 21st February 2016. This is the perfect one-stop-shop for couples looking for something special for their big day. On the day the first 100 entrants will receive a complimentary goodie bag and entry on the day is free for everyone!
Read MoreThe perfect way to top off a long walk through the stunning autumn countryside around Killyleagh is by curling up with a steaming mug of hot chocolate. The Old Post Office Tea Rooms at Lisbane or Killyleagh’s own Picnic Delicatessen are two of the best places close by to sample a frothy cup of liquid deliciousness complete with whipped cream and marshmallows – but did you know just how closely connected Killyleagh is with hot chocolate? One of the nation’s favourite winter beverages was brought to the world by one of Killyleagh’s most famous sons!
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For Northern Irish brides it is very normal to want to get married in summer due to the slight possibility that the sun might actually shine! However, taking our unpredictable weather into consideration, it’s no surprise that Autumn weddings are on the rise and wedding venues are filling up fast in the months of October and November.
Read MoreSome are sad to say goodbye to summer, but in County Down the area really comes to life in autumn. Over the years, the local area has harvested a pile of unmissable annual events that highlight fall’s quintessential charm.
Here are Dufferin Coaching Inn’s top five must-see and-do autumn activities for you to pencil into your diaries:
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