Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is uniquely situated in a 700-acre estate of woodlands, lakes, rivers and gardens. It is also home to a huge population of flora and fauna, many of which are protected species, hence why much of this estate is within a designated Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
The estate is home to native red deer, pine martens, bats, badgers, foxes, a considerable range of bird species, native black honeybee and most famously wild Atlantic salmon, to mention but a few. With this in mind, we are constantly looking to improve the natural habitats through our invasive species removal programme.
Our Commitments
- Remove all non-native and invasive species
- Restore habitats and plant native trees across the estate
- Expand pollinator-friendly and organic gardens
- Support catchment-wide salmon conservation
- Provide opportunities for guests to carbon-neutral their stay
Examples in Action
- Removal of 3,400 m² of invasive rhododendron
- Installation of 7 bat boxes (2024)
- 1,800+ kg of organic produce grown onsite (2024)
- Organic herb & vegetable gardens and estate foraging
- For fishing: strict catch-and-release policy and ecological restoration projects with Inland Fisheries Ireland.
Before removal of invasive rhododendron:
After clearing:
At Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, protecting and enhancing our natural environment is central to how we operate. Through active conservation, habitat restoration, and responsible land management, we are committed to safeguarding the unique biodiversity of our estate for future generations. By combining measurable action with long-term environmental stewardship, we ensure that our guests can experience the beauty of this protected landscape while contributing to its preservation.