The Downshire Arms in Newry and Mourne

Delicious food, early bird every Thurs at very reasonable price. Service is excellent, one of my favourite places for a meal.

Food really good staff fantastic

Attempted to pay for my meal which was average at best. Was told that the voucher which I received at Christmas was out of date despite it being purchased less than a year ago. Really surprised, we left and soon after called to ask why I was refused to use it when vouchers are legally supposed to last for 5 years. Given that the voucher was only bought in December, I’d have assumed a gesture of ‘goodwill’ would have been given. Only thing I received down the phone was bad manners from the ‘manager’. Have never been spoken to as badly by someone who is supposed to be running a business. Zero people skills and passive aggressive. Will certainly not be back. Would advise against buying vouchers unless you’re happy with a 6 month expiry date - which is unheard of. Waste of money

What a gem of a place! We were a group of ten who were walking in the Mournes. The quality & service was very good. I had just started my meal when the manager came over asking me if I could move my car as it was blocking an entrance. One of my colleagues told me that as soon as I had left, my plate of food was lifted to be left in the oven until I returned. As soon as I reappeared, my food was brought out with a fresh bowl of mash & a new pastry crust for my pie. Top marks there! We all enjoyed our meal & would certainly eat there again. The place was really busy which was a good sign. It was a really good experience!

Been coming here for 20 hrs and always had an amazing meal with the best of service and staff until today. When I queried they charged me an extra cost for the sauce way very disappointed as should not of been charged full amount and when confronted the ignorance of the girl was so upsetting. I should of been explained the difference in cost of £4.95 or I would not of ordered this as normally you get a choice of sauce with a fillet steak. Please explain this to your customers and don't be so rude. I'm sorry I paid for this sauce as it was not taken and I know now this place has been taken over by new owners 😭

Good pub grub. Youll not go hungry hi

We were at the restaurant only. The food was excellent and the staff was helpful and friendly.

The Downshire Arms in this small town is a gem. The food is fancy and absolutely delicious, making it a standout dining experience. The staff were incredibly helpful, ensuring we had a pleasant visit. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a great meal in a cozy setting.

The place is impeccable clean friendly staff very attentive I had no question one of the best lunch turkey and ham That I have had in years

V disappointed with dinner, requested a carry out from an event I couldn’t attend, requested just turkey and veg, expected a generous portion of turkey and a good big serving of cooked veg, instead got a pathetic half slice of turkey (60g to be exact, couldn’t believe how scant it was so I needed to see what the actual amount was) and a tiny little box of raw ( literally uncooked), roughly chopped vegetables. Wound up binning the lot in frustration and having a pot of yogurt for dinner instead.

Was in this Hotel Thurs last with a party of around 50 we had the most fabulous day, from the lovely welcome by Staff to one of the best meals I have ever had There was 3 choices Beef Chicken, or Salmon every meal was served in a very short time which made the food hot, dessert was also very tasty. Will be back soon. Dancing afterwards was great to watch a really enjoyable time. Thanks to all.

Lovely place, had breakfast here, big portions and reasonably priced.

Sunday lunch with the family, food was great, service excellent atmosphere was cracker and it was incredible value for the quality of the food.

Fantastic Sunday lunch. Staff are friendly and can't do enough for you.

Had a meal here for my birthday first time in eight years swore I would never go back had a shocking meal the last time.Thankfully the service and food options where brilliant this time maybe a bit of time in-between courses but I didn't mind that at all staff where very helpful and nice their approach and how they dealt with customers from us to what I seen.

A lovely stop for lunch in Hilltown. The food and service was first class.

Friendly staff delicious food great atmosphere 👌

Maureen was just fabulous Beautiful lady 👏👏👏

Sunday lunch with family. Top value for money and at £4.40 pint of Guinness.

Tomato and basil soup was exceptional 🤤

Beautiful meal and very quick service.

Amazing food and great service!

Great food, ambience and service in the Downshire Arms. We all had different dishes and loved them. The beef stir fry was so tasty and the chicken supreme had the loveliest sauce. The sea bass and prawns was amazing. The waitress who served us went out of her way to accommodate us. All in all a fabulous meal but at a reasonable price. We will be back.

Nice place nicely decorated Friendly staff and very attentive Great food everyone in our party were well pleased with their meal Intending to be back soon

Some good meals here. Drink prices not too bad. Staff wk hard to keep up with ocassional big influxes of customers My picture shows a commercial turkey and ham dinner. Not the sort of Christmas dinner layout of a home.cooked dinner but tasty for one out by.

We went for Sunday lunch and waited ages for service both at the start and between the lunch. The staff organization looked a bit haphazard. Staff were pleasant. One staff member attempted to overcharge until questioned. The meal was just ok.

Food was outstanding. Will call again . 😁😁

Fantastic food and good hearty portions. Lovely interior and setting inside. They were great at catering for allergies and we had a great meal. On the Sunday evening we were there a live singer was performing.

Food was absolutely gorgeous, great spot after a good trek in the mournes. Staff were lovely

Loved it, great value for money, highly recommended 👍

Great food,staff,surroundings and prices. Very welcoming.

Busy restaurant food nice but ordered 12oz steak and was disappointed it looked more like a 10oz

Brilliant great and friendly staff

Great service, fitted 9 of us in last minute with no problems.

Was on a bus tour yesterday that briefly stopped here for drinks, however we were treated to fantastic complimentary bites, not your usual sandwiches etc. We were treated to chicken bites with curry sauce, breaded mushrooms with Aioli, onion rings and garlic bread. I'd have happily paid for it, will definitely go back and support this fantastic establishment 💯👏👏

Beautiful place staff really friendly and helpful

Excellent lunch which was toasted ham and cheese and all the trimmings wonderful and excellent value

Super, well-equipped two-storey apartment in a nice village. Would highly recommend and only wish we could have stayed longer.

The meal was amazing and staff was great. Portion size was excellent.

Excellent meal out with family! Service was amazing and food delicious! I cannot fault this place, we arrived on a busy Sunday and staff could not have been more accommodating. The man bringing out the meals was so lovely. Great dining experience even with a lively baby, nothing was a bother to them. Can’t wait to get back

Very nice food didn't stay overnight good service 👍

We have visited the Downshire Arms on a several occasions & the food & service is always great . They have a great varied menu with good portions & everything is very tasty especially the roast beef which is just so tender . We have been been with family groups & each time everyone is very impressed with the food & service. They have a special menu running on a Thursday for £9.95 for mains which is excellent.Looking forward to our next visit & would highly recommend. Thanks to all the staff .

We had a table booked for 3pm. All went to plan. Got seated in the restaurant, very comfortable. All tables full and staff very busy. Excellent food, cheerful service, lovely sauvignon blanc, great pint of Guinness. Don't pass the Downshire, if you would like top-class food when in,or near Hilltown. Thanks for a fine meal.

I have had many a drink in this place and always noticed good looking meals being carried to diners so i decided to treat myself to a turkey and ham dinner today I must say i really enjoyed it Was well cooked. Good portions. And very tasty. As good as i have had in other good places doing the exact meal. Same lay out and same vegetable sides. And my pint was in good order and all was served to me by pleasant staff. The price for it all was very reasonable. And i left very contented.

The staff are friendly and service was prompt. We managed to secure the last table during a busy lunch time. There was a good choice of dishes on the menu. The chicken burger was not the greatest, quite dry and there were very tough bits in it.

Unfortunately as I went back out to get my glasses from the car my foot slipped on the mat at the front door and I fell hurting my shoulder elbow and wrist. I spoke to a lovely male waiter who said he would deal with it. After 15 minutes I asked him if he had got it sorted as I was worried that an elderly person would fall in this area - he said he looked for another mat but there wasn’t any. Within another 10 minutes it looked as if something else had happened as the same waiter came out with a large roll of blue paper and a mop bucket and then new mats!! Our meal was great and the staff were friendly and helpful as always - and all working very hard!!

Last minute booking to this really well run restaurant. It was so busy and our last minute call was welcomed and a table ready for us. The menu is extensive and lots to choose to suit all tastes. On Thursday evening there is a special priced menu which is amazing value. The staff are super friendly abs nothing too much trouble. The meal most delicious and portion sizes very good. We will return.

Sister and I went for the Steak Night on Friday 18.06.2021 and the steaks and accompanying dishes were amazing. I had the fillet medium, and sister had sirloin medium - so so yummy. Service was exemplary, and staff so so friendly a credit to the wonderful owners and hosts Pauline and Harry who really do go beyond the extra mile in ensuring all their guests feel welcome and well fed in a lovely historic environment. Its like a home from home atmosphere. Thank you ALL

First time here...but wont be the last!! We both went for dinner , and the food was amazing, service wonderful and the staff and fantastic host pauline made the ambience unforgetable!!

This was to be a lunch treat but would say it was disappointing as it was busy so had to go upstairs and 8 of us had to sit at 2 tables not even at the same height and one was very badly damaged as you can see in the photo's I took food was OK but we should have never been allowed to sit there especially with the covid virus around the tables look like they were out a shed and not clean and no one said anything to us as money is more important if I worked for the health board then that would be closed upstairs never mind what downstairs was like. Would not recommend and will not go again and God help anyone who cuts themselves on that table.

Stopped for Sunday lunch. Just OK. Nothing special and dining room felt a bit like a school canteen. Wouldn't rush baxk

Staying for 2 nights in the apartments, my wife and I decided to try out the hotel. So glad we did, the food was superb, good honest tasty cooking, served by the most pleasant staff ever.

Food great - huge, tasty portions at good prices. Waitress extremely friendly and welcoming. Very enjoyable. Surroundings gorgeous with warming fire.

We were staying nearby and were recommended the Devonshire Arms, we arrived on a Tuesday evening to find it was"Treat Yourself Tuesday" this menu had a good selection for extremely reasonable prices. Both the fish and chips and the sausage and mash were well prepared and served nice and hot. A few days later we returned, we chose from the a la carte, the starters of seafood chowder and breaded brie were well presented and flavoursome. Our mains were seafood grill - again well cooked, and very tasty.

Couldn't recommend Pauline and the staff at Downshire Arms highly enough. Very friendly and far too generous, really lovely people. The food was brilliant too. ❤

Recently had a family lunch to celebrate our Golden Wedding Anniversary. Had arranged a party which we had to cancel because of a family bereavement. Staff were very obliging and understanding. Food was delicious and served by very friendly helpful staff. Would highly recommend for all occasions.

Just what we wanted, safe and secure. Staff are very nice, restaurant/ bar adjacent to apartments lovely warm atmosphere with great food. Family Friendly, we have 3 very noisey kids and made feel very welcome. Thank You

Can't say a bad word EVER when eating here! Had a fantastic meal again this evening with my parents for their wedding anniversary. Despite the restaurant and bar being completely full, the standard of food and service we received was second-to-none! Staff are very pleasant despite being so busy. The menu had a great selection to choose from and food was piping-hot when it arrived at the table.Well done Pauline and team. You should be very proud of yourselves x

After hiking in the mournes we needed food and stopped off here for a meal. We hadn't booked anything But the staff soon found us a table and soon after the food arrived. Great food and very friendly staff with a no stress atmosphere. 10 out 10 from us.

We visited with another couple. It was very busy and we had booked a table ahead. The service from all staff was 100% there was nothing you could fault. We all had different things starters we had Garlic Mushroom, Scallops and Black Pudding, Brie Wedges and Pil Pil Prawns and Crab claws there were heaven. Main course we had Seafood Grill, Sizzling Chicken, Surf and Turf and Rib Eye Steak. Both the steak eaters said it was one of the best steaks they had. The Seafood grill was divine. The portions were big, without a doubt we will be visiting more frequently.

Just passing by and my mobile needed charged.... had not got one on me so called in for a coffee and asked could they charge it for me. Before I even had bought anything, they so no problem. I bought a coffee and relaxed in a very lovely atmosphere. If I had more time I would have ordered some food as it all looked amazing. Credit to the staff......

We went here as a works party of 15 for our Christmas dinner. The meal was great, both plentiful and tasty. The staff were very attentive and provided a great service. Overall it was a great meal and enjoyed by everyone. Great value for money. Will definitely be back.

First time here and certainly won't be the last. Great atmosphere from when we arrived. Staff were excellent, everyone worked as a team. Food was great with a good selection to suit everyone, we'd scallops with black pudding fritters and battered mushrooms to start and chicken parmesan and seafood platter for mains, huge portions, but next time I think I'll have a steak as they looked amazing and I heard people compliment them. This place puts customer satisfaction first, even though they were very busy no one appeared stressed, orders were taken and food arrived promptly, this is a feel good family restaurant and I'll be returning with mine!

Had a beautiful meal here staff are friendly, portions are perfect and food is gorgeous. Also had awarnesss of allergies which I find helpful since I’ve one myself which is life threatening.

Visited here with my family 5 adults and one child recently and the food was absolutely fab however the service let them down. The server went to take our order and then ran off to do something else and all the way throughout our lunch servers reached over us and in one case almost hit my mother with the plate whilst lifting it. I have been here before and will probably go again to make sure they were just not having an off day. A little disappointing cause I had my family with me.

This was a family run restaurant and hotel. The food was excellent and the service faultless. There was local produce and traditional recipes and portions but with the availability of specialty dishes. Thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Called in without a booking and there wasn’t a problem getting a table. The restaurant was busy. The waitress who took our order was very pleasant and friendly. Food was excellent and served quite quickly.

We ate here on tues 31st july for my husbands birthday, from the initial phonecall to book the table right through to leaving the restaurant the service was first class! I spoke with jenna on the phone & then she looked after us throughout the evening - her customer service was brilliant! She was very pleasant & helpful as where the other girls working that evening. We went for the 3 course set menu, the food was amazing & the portion sizes were huge, plenty of choice on the menu & plenty of choice on kids menu too. After dinner jenna brought out chocolate brownie with a candle in it for my husband's birthday & they sang happy birthday to him & gave our son party poppers to pull.

We stopped off for lunch and found it was 'Treat Yourself Tuesday'. About 10 different mains all priced at £6.99. Lasagne, battered cod, chicken goujans, burgers etc all served with champ, chips or something else I've forgotten. Actually a wide variety to choose from. (Or you can order from the standard menu).

Dined here last night with four friends. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their meal - gorgeous food, great service, unbeatable prices and wonderful atmosphere - well done Downshire.

meal was very good as usual but service was very slow to enable us to complete our meal in a reasonable time. Had to chase a waitress to get our desert and ask for our bill to enable us to leave within one and half hours! We arrived at 12.30 am and were surprised to see a member of staff who started mopping the floor in two areas of the dinning room. The wet mop smelt awful in a dinning room and I noticed that there were no warning signs put up which I thought was very dangerous. I was not surprised when a little later a waitress entered the dinning room slipped to the ground and broken dishes and hot food was flying about the place between customers! She hurt her knees!!.

In the last 2 weeks we have popped in for lunch and dinner on a Friday night. Lunch was great as always and we didn't know it but Friday is burger night (in addition to the a la carte menu). Lots of different types of burgers and we both enjoyed the ones we had. The staff are always super friendly and you never have to wait more than a few minutes to order/get your food. Fab. We will be back very soon no doubt.

Chose the hotel for our christening meal and was not disappointed. Pauline and co as friendly and accommodating as ever. Everyone loved the food and even us awkward vegans were catered for. Very reasonable in terms of price too. Highly recommended.

Wife and I had a great meal at dinner time fish, chips and mushy pees with side salad.

Absolutely love the Downshire Arms. The food as always was first class. We both had the seafood grill was delicious and would highly recommend it. Was a bit noisy but what do you expect on a Saturday night. Good to see the restaurant so busy

Visited here recently on a Saturday with my family on the way home from Newry.

I visited the Downshire Arms with my family on my way through to Rostrevor. It was midweek and it was quiet but there were a few other diners present. We were given a choice of tables and the 3 children given crayons and colouring sheets. We received quick and pleasant service for food and drinks and nothing was any trouble for the staff. There was plenty of choice on the menu. Our food arrived promptly. It was well cooked and tasted great. We will return to try other dishes in the future. Nice dining experience at reasonable money. Thanks.

Recently stooped at the Downshire Arms Hilltown on the out side the Paint job looked good on the inside well first impressions awful could do with a good clean, seats,tables the iron work not good looks like no cleaning done. looking past that the food has alot to be desired ordered the fish for my wife i had a chicken burger fish was soggy batter not properly cooked the salad limp and lifeless the chips were not good the chicken burger was a bit rubbery topped with bacon which was not satisfactory the bun was soggy and the amount of dressing was too much.all in a terrible experience would,nt recommend it next time will drive on by.

Nous avons pris le 2-course menu. C est largement bien assez. Chaque entrée et plat choisis ont été très bons. Le service etait souriant, sympathique et rapide. À recommander!

Fantastic food! Fantastic service! Staff are friendly and the owners are social with the clientele. Great venue for food at any time of the day or evening. Great menu. Chalet accommodation is cheap and great facilities. Live entertainment at weekends. Cheap food. Cheap drinks. Chicken pita pocket

Called with a friend. Fast efficient service hard to choose as we loved so so much on menu. Settled for the lasagne....to die for and burger topped with bacon and cheese .. delicious with basket of delightful chips and salad. So full of flavour and freshly cooked.Great value and atmosphere.Will be back. Staff pleasant.

I have left a more comprehensive review. The menu is excellent and great value for money with helpful local staff,

We were taken here by family during our recent visit to NI.

Great meal and great atmosphere and friendly quick service. We were on our way to the Bronte Centre for a concert so our timing was important. Got to say it was one of the real highlights of our night out!

The food is good, but the service is very very slow. Been 3 times and everytime it's 3 hours for a 3 course meal from starter to desert.

A group of us called in for a quick snack. The lady serving us was very friendly. We had a mixture of sandwiches, toasted sandwiches and stew. Everyone enjoyed the food. Several pots of tea and coffee served and refilled.

As a family we have eaten here many times. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly. There is a good menu with plenty of choice. The food is tasty and the portions are generous. Downshire Arms is very reasonably priced.

Ci sono solo due locali nel paese, essendo l'altro chiuso, gioco forza abbiamo dovuto scegliere questo.

The food in the Downshire Arms is fantastic. I love eating here and can't wait to go back. Staff are friendly and the rates are more than fair. Everything about this place is excellent.

I love trying new places and this place did not disappoint. Good variety on the menu and reasonably prices. I hope to return soon. The atmosphere is is both welcoming and friendly.

This is a friendly restaurant that serves great food. The staff are 'on the ball' with respect to any requests made by us asking for extra lemon slices for the fish dishes etc.

Recommended by our B&B; landlady and we were not disappointed, fish was excellent and my wife said the same about the lamb shank, not to mention the deserts, oh and the Guinness.

Saturday evening meal here was excellent, worth going when they have the special weekend menu with great fish dishes. Was very busy and rather noisy when we visited.

Myself and family love eating out and have been in numerous restaurants,however I have never felt the need to write a review on any until now. Firstly from we walked through the door( 14 of us in total) the staff and manager went out of there way to accommodate us.The place was packed!! And they were completely rushed of their feet. The food was beautiful and there was no end to it, service was 1st class ,wasn't the first time being there and it has always been consistent. Definitely value for money.

Have been here several times before and the food, staff, portions, decor are all great - food is priced fairly and we have never had any complaints

We ate here three times in a week during a recent holiday in the area. It is very good value and excellent quality. The place was always buzzing and the service very good. On our last visit, we were forgotten about by one of the waitresses but that was quickly rectified and we were given the first round of drinks by way of apology which was a very nice touch. Definitely recommend.

Called for dinner after a cold visit to Santa's Cottage. Very warm and welcoming. Really busy as it was a Friday night in December. Staff were lovely and found us a table in the bar. Appeared very family friendly. Menu choices were amazing. Such an extensive variety. Didn't expect this at all. Food was tasty and portions were large. Very reasonably priced. Would be happy to return.

We eat in the Hotel on many occasions but at the end of November 2015 we had a family meal booked in one of the private rooms. The food was excellent and the service was first class.....you would not have thought that the staff were dealing with other parties being held elsewhere in the hotel as the service we received was truly brilliant. I can not recommend the Downshire Arms, Hilltown enough!!

We eat regularly here and did so again last week. The food is beautiful and very ample portions. Nothing is a bother to the staff who are always on hand to provide you with whatever you need. The food is always tasty and well presented and excellent value for money, whether you eat of the bar-snack or mid-week menu. Call in you definitely won't be disappointed. We're lucky to have this wee gem literally right on our doorstep!!

We were rather early for a trip to Santa's cottage and decided to stop and get something to eat and what a gem we found. Fabulous menu choice for adults and kids, really friendly staff, and delicious food! Highly recommend.