In the world of weddings, more and more traditions are being left behind, but the wedding cake is here to stay! After all, who doesn’t like cake? Whilst some couples are opting for a more traditional tiered cake, others are choosing something a little more quirky for their big day. More fashion-forward designs and flavours are becoming on-trend including the marble look, floral designs, a ruffle effect and possibly the most popular type of design - personalised cakes.
Read MoreStuck for ideas on keeping the family busy this summer? We’re spoilt for choice this year with a wide range of events and attractions open to enjoy with the whole family this summer, whether you’re visiting our neck of the woods for a long weekend stay at Dufferin Coaching Inn, or if you’re lucky to call Northern Ireland home! Here are our top six must-visit attractions to add to your summer bucket list…
Read MoreThe National Trust invites you to step into the world of the Stark family at Castle Ward on Sunday 24 September 2017 for Northern Ireland’s very own Winterfell Festival.
Read MoreIt’s June and summertime has officially begun! Time for school holidays, day trips and spending every moment possible outdoors as we soak up our few months of Northern Ireland’s sunny summer weather!
Northern Ireland has miles and miles of coastline featuring some outstanding beaches, stunning scenery and fascinating wildlife, and whether you’re a long-time resident or a weekend visitor to Northern Ireland, our beaches are popular among everyone on beautiful summer days.
Read MoreDescribing the weather in Ireland as ‘unpredictable’ is a huge understatement! There really can be up to four seasons in the one day, so it is important to be prepared, whatever the weather.
If you are lucky enough to be visiting our wee island or if you are venturing off on a ‘staycation’ weekend, it is essential to pack properly for the occasion to avoid any weather mishaps or wardrobe malfunctions.
Read MoreFor many couples, planning a wedding can be a stressful time. From menus to photographers to cars, wedding planning is a job in itself. Opting for a simpler wedding with fewer guests can help alleviate the stress and allows couples to have more time for one another in the lead up to the big celebration.
A more selective guest list does not mean less fun will be had. Fewer people can mean a more personal celebration. The intimate wedding can also come across as much more romantic and spontaneous! Here are a few ideas on how to make a big deal out of a small wedding...
Read MoreIn need of more shut eye? Are you longing for a morning when you can wake up feeling rested and ready for the day?
Seven to nine hours is often cited as the recommended daily dose of sleep for adults but, for some, the bare minimum can even prove difficult. This might be down to an overactive mind, hectic work schedule, busy household, a spate of insomnia… or all the above!
Read More“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.
Read MoreGrace & 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.
Read MoreIt’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!
Read MoreWith 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.
Read MoreTop 5 things we’re thankful for
Read MoreBobbing 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.
Read MoreDufferin 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.
Read MoreKillyleagh 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!
Read MoreDufferin 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:
Read MoreWe 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.
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