The Sands B&B

Breakfast was freshly cooked, with local favourites like potato farls and soda bread. Our hosts were friendly and easy to get along with, just what Irish hospitality should be. The property is beautiful, in lovely Rostrevor, overlooking Carlingford Lough. I’d highly recommend it and would definitely return.

I felt welcome and right at home at this excellent B&B. Anne and John made it a wonderful stay, and breakfast in the morning was gorgeous. It’s close to local restaurants and pubs, as well as Kilbroney forest park, which makes for a wonderful day out.

We found the quiet we were hoping for here, with magnificent views across Carlingford Lough. The room was comfortable and the beds were excellent, and the hosts were professional while still being friendly and curious about the differences between Ireland and Italy. It was our first night in Ireland, and the B&B was also an easy walk from the restaurant we needed. We generally don't eat cooked breakfasts, so some homemade jam would have been appreciated.

John and Anne made us feel like family. Anne is a warm, spiritual person with many talents, and has travelled the world with the famous Sands Folk Band and as a painter. John, originally from Dublin, kept us entertained with stories from his journalism and historical tour guiding days. We loved spending time with them. Rostrevor has such a character of its own, with traditional music in the cosy pubs every night, plus gift shops, art boutiques, artists, writers, heritage trails, festivals and plenty of culture. Sands B&B sits among beautiful Victorian style town houses, looking over a well kept garden square, and its own gardens are exquisite. We had a cappuccino and home cooked Irish breakfast in the sunny conservatory, even in January, looking out at boats on the misty winter Lough. The balcony view of Carlingford Lough and Slieve Martin was like a fairytale, and the famous enchanting trails of Kilbroney Park are right nearby. The modern, bright rooms were immaculate, with comfortable beds and top quality homemade cooking. One of the most beautiful B&Bs we've had the pleasure of staying in. It feels like a home away from home, a gem of an escape into a fairytale lane of old. 5 stars!