Located on the St John’s Point Lighthouse station in gorgeous County Down, Ketch offers holiday accommodation with all of the spectacular appeal of the rugged coastline. St John’s Point Lighthouse's strikingly tall tower beside Ketch is marked with vibrant bands of yellow and black. (The colours which distinguish it from other lighthouses are known as its daymark).
About the property
Child Friendly
From £326 for 2 nights
Sleeps 4
St John’s Point Ketch is one of two properties on the Lighthouse station at St. John’s Point in gorgeous County Down. JP Ketch offers holiday accommodation with all of the spectacular appeal of the rugged coastline. Each cottage oozes character and guests can enjoy exploring all of the nooks and crannies and getting back to basics with board games, card games or a good book in this wonderful cosy retreat.
The strikingly tall tower beside Ketch is marked with vibrant bands of yellow and black (once painted by Brendan Behan!). There are views out to the Isle of Man on one side and the Mourne Mountains to the other.
We think you’ll love
- A complete break from the 21st Century.
- Walking through the wild, rugged surrounding landscape.
Facilities
- Standalone property
- 1 Double Bedroom
- 1 Twin Bedroom
- Gas Fired Central Heating
- Kitchen/Dining Area
- Electric Oven
- Microwave
- Dishwasher
- Washing Machine
- Fridge/Freezer
- Sitting Room
- 1 bathroom with bathtub and separate
- Separate WC
- Towels and Linens Provided
- Travel cot/crib for infants (under 2 years), on request
- Hair Dryer
- Iron and Ironing Board
- Cooking utensils and equipment provided
- Sea Views
- Outdoor patio with furniture
- Radio
- Car Parking
- Shower
Seven Days Stay At A Lighthouse
An itinerary for a seven-day trip at St. John’s Point Lighthouse.
Things you should know
The stairway is steep and would not suit someone with mobility issues as the bedrooms are located upstairs.
Children must be supervised at all times.
There is no direct access to the sea for the Houses.
There are two cats and two ponies living at the Lighthouse station.
There are low height doorways and low height ceilings throughout the property.
Strictly no pets permitted.
The gateway and entrance to the car park is very narrow.
Please note that occasional outdoor events take place at lighthouse properties from time to time throughout the year.
Irish Landmark Trust has teamed up with Co. Down based food company Hara at Home to offer guests the option to pre-order a premium meal delivery service at St. John’s Point Ketch. Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home.
Please see FAQ for further details.
Click arrival date for cost of stay
Reviews
Peace & Tranquility
“Second visit in less than a year. We enjoyed it from start to finish. We were met at the cottage by Susan who was so friendly and gave us a tour. Went walking and I fished for a while. Then we had the force eight storm. It was wonderful watching the waves crash unto the rocks while relaxing in the warm cosy cottage. The Isle of Man was to my left and the Mourne mountains were to my right. We had wonderful views. We will be back .”
Awesome
“It is an experience you never will forget in your life! Everything is perfectly organized. The facility is perfect. The view is unbelievable. To stay for 2 nights here is a MUST DO in your life!”
St. John’s Point Lighthouse was designed by George Halpin Senior, one of the most famous civil engineers of the time, the light was first exhibited in 1844. The original lighthouse was painted white. In 1902 three black bands were added. Its current markings of black with two yellow bands have been in place since 1954.
The colour of the light was changed from white to red on 1st July 1860. The tower was originally only 14m tall. It was extended to its current dizzying height of 40m in the 1880s and is now the tallest onshore lighthouse on the Irish coast. (Fastnet is the tallest offshore lighthouse).
The lighthouse was automated in 1981.
St John’s Point has a curious connection to Irish playwright Brendan Behan. Behan’s father was contracted to paint a number of lighthouses across Ireland and enlisted Brendan to paint St John’s Point in 1950. However, Brendan’s efforts were reported to be less than impressive!
St John’s Point is one of the places mentioned in Van Morrison’s song ‘Coney Island’.
The Commissioners of Irish Lights operate 70 lighthouses around the coast of Ireland, all of which continue to provide a vital role in maritime safety today.
The Carnegie Library Bookcase
In the early years of the 20th century, before the coming of radio and television, the lighthouse and lightship keepers lived relatively lonely lives, serving, in many cases, six-week periods of duty at a time. Consequently, in coastal towns, the Carnegie Libraries granted a special concession to the light keepers by providing each station with a well made oak bookcase which was replenished with a change of books on a regular basis. The public library services of the various county councils eventually took over the function of the Carnegie Libraries but the regular supply of books to the light keepers continued well into the second half of the 20th century. Now that all the lighthouses are automated and no longer manned, the fine oak bookcases that remain in the keepers’ dwellings continue to bear silent witness to the great generosity of Andrew Carnegie, philanthropist extraordinaire.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY
Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.
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Arrival and Departure Time?
Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.
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Is there a TV?
No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.
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Is there WiFi?
No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.
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Can I bring a dog?
No. As the properties at St, John's Point are adjacent to one another, they are not suitable for dogs as not all guests are comfortable around animals.
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Do you supply towels and bed linen?
Yes. The beds will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.
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Is there an open fire?
No.
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Do I need a car to get here?
Yes.
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How do I get the keys?
When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access on your arrival date.
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Can I arrive early?
Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.
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What is the latest departure time?
10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.
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How far to the nearest town?
5 mins drive to Killough 10 mins drive to Ardglass. 20 mins drive to Downpatrick, Strangford, Dundrum 30 minute drive to Newcastle
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Where can I find information about the local area?
Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.
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Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?
We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.
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Is it suitable for children?
Yes but please note there are animals on site, some that have free access to the entire location.
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Is the property suitable for disabled or people with mobility issues?
No. Please note that the stairwell is steep and would not suit someone with mobility issues as the bedrooms are located upstairs.
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Is it suitable for a wheelchair?
No
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Is there central heating?
Oil fired central heating.
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Is the cooker electric or gas?
Electric Cooker
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Is there a shower?
Shower in the bathroom.
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How many bathrooms?
One with a bathtub.
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Can I get to the house by public transport?
No. You definately will need a car to get to this property.
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What is your minimum booking period?
Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.
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Is there parking on site?
Yes there is parking onsite for 2 cars.
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What condiments and products do you supply?
We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.
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How do I order the premium meal delivery service from Hara at Home
Visit www.shophara-food.com to have a look at the menus and make your selection for the date required. Order and make payment directly with Hara at Home. Your House Manager will receive your delivery and have it for you at the property on arrival. Please note this service is available for Friday arrivals only.
HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :
It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.
BOOKING:
Your booking must be for holiday purposes only. Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked. When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.
CONTRACT OF HIRE:
The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.
House Manager
Suzan Smyth
Suzan Smyth is the House Manager at St Johns Point. Suzan loves to meet guests and tell them about the best things to do in the local area.