Drumgooland Mill Cottages, Co Down
posted in Down, Indoors, Weekends |A fantastic kid-friendly self-catering cottage
From Ballynahinch, it is only a 6 mile drive south on the A24 towards Newcastle. It is signposted just after the Brennan Garage by a brown tourism sign. It was an easy drive once I got started (Having overcome a couple of minor delays; I managed to leave my Cheque book in the house and had to turn back after traveling for half an hour. Once on the way again we had to have an emergency toilet stop for my son. Best not to ask :() I managed to keep the stress levels down because I was so excited about getting away for a few days.
We arrived later than expected and having phoned the owner of the cottage to find out exactly where they were, we parked up and took possession of the keys. We were greeted by the owner and two of her children. The welcome we got was exceptional. Bread, milk, biscuits, butter, coffee, tea, firelighters, kindling and coal to name but a few items left to help settle us in. This is self-catering accommodation and I had expected to have to bring it all with you. The children offered my kids a number of DVDs to watch and we had a quick chat about what there was to do for children in the area. Very helpful warm welcome. I honestly can’t thank them enough.
The cottage itself was very very well equipped with washing machine, tumble-dryer, dishwasher, iron and ironing board. All bedding, towels and dishcloth are provided, as was cleaning materials, soap powder, washing up liquid etc.
Once settled in we unpacked and settled down with a cosy fire. The cottage comes with an assortment of books and board games. It even had colouring pens and spare remote control batteries available!! We played monopoly for a few hours 
… the kids choice and they enjoyed it!
The accommodation was exactly what we needed and it was a very central base for what we needed to do. I would put this down as a “highly recommended”! There is an outside area with picnic table and barbeque facilities, a washing line and wonderful views. Oh yes, and it has underfloor heating 
:) That rocks !
I believe it is pet-friendly but if you don’t have one of your own you can always borrow Waltie. He is an old collie that arrives every morning for his stick-throwing half hour. He was very cute and friendly and the kids really enjoyed the rent-a-pet situation.
WOW Overview
Kids Say
6 year old: The cottage was really nice. There was lots of things for us to do there. There was games and pens and we were given some DVDs from the children who lived in the big house. We had a pet dog when we were there and his name was Waltie.
5 year old: I liked the cottage and the real fire. The dog was very good at catching pine cones if you threw them in the air. He was nice and he came around every day.
Stress Level: 2 (This score is because when you have two children in someone else’s house it is always a bit stressful. I do think however on the whole it is very child friendly.)
Fun Level: 4 (This is a good friendly house and we did enjoy our stay)
Cost Level: 4 (I think for what you get in this accommodation it is excellent value. It is well equipped and well worth the money we paid for the three nights.)
