Rocklea Seaside Cottage

21/08/2026

Sunrise over the sea - always a peaceful start to the morning. 🌅

The St. John’s Wort and Montbretia are looking brilliant in full bloom down at the bottom of the garden today. 🌼

🔗 Check availability using the link in the comments below, or send me a private message here anytime to chat or enquire!

Mary 💙

19/08/2026

Looking across Dundrum Bay from Newcastle, watching the light from St John’s Point sweep across to the bottom of our garden is a constant reminder of County Down’s rich maritime history. CIL’s updated plans do keep the historic rotating lens, but replacing its warm traditional loom with cool-white LEDs and cutting the beam's range from 29 to 18 nautical miles would still fundamentally change our coast's visual heritage.

18/08/2026

Love this! 🎨⛵️
Newcastle Harbour Heritage Association Craft Fair - Aug 22nd, let's make it a brilliant turnout for our artisans!

16/08/2026

Weekend slow-down at Rocklea 🌊

A little look back at the coast this week - from garden views to rock pools.

1️⃣ Calm seas
2️⃣ Night lights
3️⃣ Garden moths
4️⃣ Tidal pools

Which slide is most you this week: 1, 2, 3, or 4? 👇

Mary 💙

14/08/2026

At Rocklea, the garden ends at the sea! 🌊✨

There are only a few remaining weeks left to stay at this unique coastal haven before the season winds down:

🗓 22nd – 29th August
🗓 5th – 12th September
🗓 19th – 26th September

Whether you're looking for crisp coastal walks, spectacular sea views, or just a peaceful late-summer escape, we'd love to welcome you.

🔗 Book your week directly on Sykes: https://bit.ly/4zd0iIR

💬 Have a question or want to chat first? Send us a message on WhatsApp: 07809 228229

13/08/2026

If you've ever sat in the garden at dusk, you'll know how much I love that comforting beam of St. John's Point blinking across the bay to our rocky shore! 🌊✨

Just had to share this - Down County Museum in Downpatrick is celebrating our favourite landmark with a special exhibition, 18th Aug - 3rd Oct 2026 (Tue-Sat, 10am-4.30pm).

And one for the diary - the Lightkeepers' Houses are hosting a free European Heritage Open Day on Sun 13th Sept (booking essential via Irish Landmark Trust).
A lovely double-header for lighthouse lovers this autumn!

Mary 💛🖤

Discover the fascinating history of Ireland’s tallest onshore lighthouse through photographs, artefacts, archive material and personal stories. Co curated by Lecale Lightkeepers and Down County Museum, this exhibition celebrates the lighthouse’s role in maritime safety, local communities and the Lecale coastline.

📍 Down County Museum, The Mall, English Street, Downpatrick, County Down, BT30 6AH
📆 18 Aug 2026 - 3 Oct 2026 Tuesday - Saturday
🕙10am- 4.30pm

Come and uncover the stories behind this iconic coastal landmark! Read more👇
www.visitmournegullionstrangford.com/whats-on/under-the-sweeping-beam-celebrating-st-johns-point-lighthouse-p1089991

NMD Museums Down County Museum

12/08/2026

❤️🖤 A flutter from the past!

One from a previous summer that never got its moment on here...
Spotting the Six-Spot Burnet moth at Maggie’s Leap is always a treat. With red & black wings, they’re proper Down fans! ❤️🖤

Do you get these at home too?

11/08/2026

350 lovers of the coast - thank you! 🌊🌿

Whether you’ve stayed with us at Rocklea before, have a visit booked, or just enjoy a wee daily dose of the Mourne coast from afar, I’m so glad you’re here.

Your likes and comments on our sea views and garden wildlife posts always put a smile on my face.

Tell me - what brings you the most calm when you pop on for a wee look?
✨ Coastal sunrises
✨ Garden and sea wildlife
✨ Cosy cottage corners

Drop a note in the comments below and let me know what to capture next! 👇

Mary 💙

10/08/2026

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A wonderful month by the sea! 🌊✨
We’ve been blown away by the lovely feedback from our guests over the past four weeks. Here is a look at what they’ve been enjoying most about their stays:

🌿 "A stunning location right on the water... You won't want to leave the back garden."
🐬 "We were lucky enough to see dolphins and seals! A good base for exploring the Mourne Mountains..."
🏡 "View was amazing from every room. All mod cons like home from home... welcome basket so thoughtful."
🦭 "The views over the sea were great and we watched seals fishing and enjoying themselves."

A huge thank you to all our wonderful guests for taking the time to share their thoughts! 💙

🗓️ Looking to plan your next seaside getaway? Send us a message or click the link below to check current availability:

https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/property/1085282?rfx=14307