Loughbrickland village is located 11 miles north of Newry and 1.5 miles south of Banbridge, Co. Down, just off the main A1 route which links Belfast (27 miles) and Dublin (73 miles). It is beside a large spectacular circular lake whose focal point is a 'crannóg' or artificial island originating as a place of refuge and retreat from potential invaders in Celtic times. Its position has been strategic since earliest times on this main north-south route which ran originally from Tara, Co. Meath, site of the court of the High Kings of Ireland, to the north coast.
Its situation ensures that the village enjoys the best of both worlds - a sense of rural calm and tranquillity, but also easy access not only to major centres of commerce and employment ( for example, Banbridge and Newry) but also to places of major interest to the visitor as diverse as the cathedral city of Armagh and the Mourne Mountains.
Access:
Google coordinates: 54.3222 Lat. N; 6.3102 Long. W.
Access by car from Dublin takes about 2 hours at present but with the completion of the cross-border dual carriageway envisaged for 2010 this time should be reduced. Belfast and Armagh are 40 - 45 minutes away by car.
Belfast International Airport and Dublin International Airport are both about 1.5 hours by car.
Ulsterbus /Iarnrod Eireann service Banbridge from Belfast and Dublin (approx. 12 pounds) and the hourly Aircoach from Dublin airport stops in Banbridge (approx. 12 euros/ 7 pounds). There are a number of taxi services in Banbridge which can be reserved in advance. Taxi service from Banbridge to the Courtyard costs about 4 pounds. From Dublin airport the taxi fare is around 90 pounds.
Directions to the Coach House
From Belfast and points north:
Leave the A1 at the Loughbrickland exit. Turn sharp right at traffic bollard into Scarva St.. Church on left, then a church on right. Continue up hill, past houses on left, demesne wall on R. Follow wall and take a R. at next house ( Coolnacran Rd).
Entrance to Coach House is next gateway on R. Drive up avenue. Parking is just outside big archway. Entrance to apartments through gates to left.
From Dublin and points south
Leave the A1 at the Loughbrickland exit. Take left side of traffic bollard into Scarva St. . Church on left, then a church on right. Continue straight up hill, past houses on left, demesne wall on R. Follow wall and take a R. at next house (Coolnacran Rd).
Entrance to Coach House is next gateway on R. Drive up avenue. Parking is just outside big archway. Entrance to apartments through gates to left.
