A prime site near Newry city centre has gone on the market with full planning permission for the development of a new three-storey “boutique” hotel… that’s also eligible for up to £300,000 in Council funding.
The almost eight acre plot is situated on Dublin Road, one of Newry’s busiest arterial routes just three miles from the city centre and just over one mile to Dundalk, at the “midpoint of the island’s most important economic and tourism axis”.
Listing Agent, Simon Brien Bradley is inviting offers of over £680,000 for the land with full planning permission granted in May 2022 for the 29-bedroom hotel.
Known as ‘Killeen Bridge Hotel’, the development was to consist of a bar, restaurant, conference and function suite, meeting rooms and landscaped terraces across 1.6 acres of the 7.9 acre plot.
Detailing the opportunity, the agent said: “Strategically located 0.6 miles from the A1 dual carriageway and three miles south of Newry City, the site enjoys direct access to both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland markets.
“The setting—framed by the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty—combines rural tranquillity with exceptional connectivity, creating a destination that is equally suited to leisure, events and corporate guests.”
It adds that the area has a “proven demand” for high-quality accommodation across the Mourne–Carlingford region, explaining that Tourism NI recorded “1.5 million overnight visitors to the district in 2024, reflecting year-on-year growth”.
The £110 million Southern Relief Road and the new Narrow Water Bridge are also set to “strengthen” transport links and open a new “coastal tourism circuit”.
The purchase is also eligible for public-sector support within the Newry Mourne & Down District Council Hotel Development Grant Scheme 2025 – offering up to £300,000 or 30% of eligible build costs.
Key features of the hotel for which approval was granted include a granite-clad entrance gable with full-height glazing and a recessed canopy; landscaped front terrace for dining and events, overlooking the Ring of Gullion; dedicated parking and service areas to the rear and an approved Gross Internal Area (GIA) of approximately 30,690 sq ft.
The agent adds: “The property is being offered For Sale by Private Treaty. However, the vendor reserves the right to conclude the sale via auction or ‘Best and Final’ bids at a date and time to be confirmed.”
