Helen’s Tower

From £330 for 2 nights
Open Fire
Sleeps 2

About the Property

From £330 for 2 nights
Open Fire
Sleeps 2

Helen’s Tower, Co. Down

Helen’s Tower is an enchanting three-storey stone tower nestled deep in the woods of the Clandeboye Estate. Built in 1848 by Frederick Lord Dufferin in honour of his Mother, Helen’s Tower has since been immortalized by Tennyson in the poem of the same name.

Spend your time lounging by the fireside, surrounded by a luxuriously decorated and panelled sitting room, with poetry by Tennyson, Kipling and Robert Browning lining the walls. If you want to experience a truly lovely piece of history and have an unforgettable escape, then this is the ideal retreat for you.

We think you’ll love

  • You can see  as far as distant Scottish shores, the Isle of Man and mountains in Wales from the top of Helen’s Tower.
  • Visitors to the area can enjoy walking routes, known locally as Clandeboye Way (Helen’s Bay to Whitespots Country Park).

Facilities

  • 1 Double Bedroom – adults only
  • Electric Storage Heating.  Portable heaters available.
  • Open Fire in Sitting Room
  • Beautiful Reading Room
  • Roof Terrace with spectacular views
  • Electric Oven
  • Microwave
  • Fridge/Freezer
  • Towels and Linens provided
  • Hair dryer
  • Iron and Ironing Board
  • Cooking Utensils and Equipment
  • Shower over half-hip bath
  • Separate W/C
  • Narrow stone staircase
  • Radio
  • Car Parking

Things you should know:

The Tower is an adults-only property.

Please note that the Tower is closed at the moment for essential maintenance. Please keep an eye on the website as dates will be made available to book as they are released to Irish Landmark Trust.

This property has a narrow spiral stone staircase and may not be accessible for those with mobility issues.

Although in an isolated location, please note that this property is close to a very popular walking/hiking track and guests may encounter people on outdoor pursuits during their stay.

WiFi Free Zone:  Irish Landmark believes that digital detox is good for the mind, body and soul.  This is why Irish Landmark properties advocate the properties in our care as WiFi and television free zones. Reconnecting with our lives, nature, our surroundings, books, as well as family and friends, is vital for a happy life. This continues to make us very proud and happy to be a WiFi Free Zone.

Special Notes: This property had a narrow spiral stone staircase.  Although in an isolated location, please note that this property is close to a very popular walking/hiking track and guests may encounter people on outdoor pursuits during their stay.

A contribution towards energy fees is applied to all bookings.   As a not for profit organisation, this fee makes a significant contribution to energy costs.   It is our aim to reduce our energy consumption at all self catering properties and encourage guests to reuse, reduce, recycle.

Helen's Tower perched high above the rolling hills of Co Down, is an enchanting three storey stone tower nestled deep in the woods of the Clandeboye Estate.  Standing on top of the world with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, one can see as far as distant Scottish shores from the top of Helen's Tower.

Built in 1848 by Frederick Lord Dufferin, 5th Baron of Dufferin and Ava in honour of his mother Helen Selina Blackwood, Helen's Tower has since been immortalized by Tennyson in the poem of the same name.  Designed by architect William Burn and constructed in 1848-1850 as a famine relief project, Helen's Tower helped relieve unemployment at this time.

The tower has taken on an unforeseen poignancy, as an almost exact replica of it, the Ulster Tower, was built at Thiepval in 1921 to honour the men of the 36th (Ulster) Division who fell at the Battle of the Somme. Clandeboye Estate was used for army training during the First World War, and the 36th (Ulster) Division trained beside Helen's Tower before leaving for France.

A Game Keepers Tower, the interiors and fittings of this building were unique to this period.  An octagonal room on the third floor with its paneling throughout with poems engraved on metal plates are set into the walls.

Helen's Tower is equipped with 1 double bedroom, shower room, separate bathroom, kitchen, living room, dining room and rooftop reading room.

Visitors to the area can enjoy walking routes, known locally as Cladeboye Way (Helen's Bay to Whitespots Country Park).  Other places of interest include Ava Gallery, Ireland Off Road Experience, Andrew Jackson Cottage and US Rangers and Clandeboye Estate.

Two well known poems by Tennyson and Browning about Helen's Tower

HELENS TOWER by ALFRED TENNYSON

HELEN'S TOWER, here I stand,
Dominant over sea and land.
Son's love built me, and I hold
Mother's love in letter'd gold.Love is in and out of time,
I am mortal stone and lime.
Would my granite girth were strong
As either love, to last as long
I should wear my crown entire
To and thro' the Doomsday fire,
And be found of angel eyes
In earth's recurring Paradise.

----------

HELENS TOWER by ROBERT BROWNING

Who hears of Helens Tower,
may dream perchance
How the Greek Beauty from the Scaean Gate
Gazed on old friends unanimous in hate,
Death-doomd because of her fair countenance.

Hearts would leap otherwise, at thy advance,
Lady, to whom this Tower is consecrate!
Like hers, thy face once made all eyes elate,
Yet, unlike hers, was blessd by every glance.

The Tower of Hate is outworn, far and strange:
A transitory shame of long ago,
It dies into the sand from which it sprang;
But thine, Loves rock-built Tower, shall fear no change:
Gods self laid stable earths foundations so,
When all the morning-stars together sang.

  • HEALTH AND SAFETY:

    Our buildings were made to the standards of earlier times – and sometimes without the intention that they should be lived in. Consequently, you may encounter features that reflect their particular character but that deserve due care and attention, particularly by the young, elderly, less mobile or visually impaired. Examples of these are steps worn with age, uneven surfaces, low ceilings and beams, unexpected drops or changes in level, and by modern standards low or absent lighting. In all cases we have sought to make a sensible compromise between due regard for safety and the careful retention of the fabric of each building, which makes it an interesting place to stay. We ask you to appreciate and use the building with this understanding. If you have any queries about the property you are interested in and would like more clarification please contact Irish Landmark at bookings@irishlandmark.com.

  • Arrival and Departure Time?

    Unless otherwise agreed with the House Manager the earliest time at which you can check in is 4.00p.m. Guests may NOT take over the property any time later then 9.00pm. Guests are requested to vacate the property by 10.00am at the latest on the day of departure.

  • Is there a TV?

    No, but there is a radio, board games, cards and plenty of books.

  • Is there WiFi?

    No, at our properties you have an opportunity to experience the best of a former way of life: beautiful architecture, fascinating history and a peaceful relaxed ambiance, without modern electronic distractions, where you decide the pace of your holiday.

  • Can I bring a dog?

    No, this property is not suitable for dogs.

  • Do you supply towels and bed linen?

    Yes. The bed will be made up on your arrival and you will be provided with a bath towel and guest towel according to the number of beds in the property.

  • Is there an open fire?

    Yes. There is an open fire in the sitting room.

  • Can I light a fire?

    Yes. You can light the open fire in the sitting room. There is a limited amount of fuel left for the fire (where applicable) so guests may want to bring more for the duration of their stay. Please contact the local House Manager for more information on what type of fuel is used at your chosen property.

  • Do you supply fuel for the fire?

    Irish Landmark Trust supply enough fuel for one night only. Guests will be advised where to purchase fuel for the fire locally.

  • Do I need a car to get here?

    It would be preferable to have a car otherwise it will be difficult to get to shops etc as the Tower is situated within the Clandeboye Estate.

  • How do I get the keys?

    When you complete your booking, you will receive an email giving you information about arranging access for your arrival date.

  • Can I arrive early?

    Only by special arrangement with the bookings office and agreement of the local House Manager. A charge is made if you are requesting a morning arrival, as this means we cannot take a booking for the night before your arrival date.

  • What is the latest departure time?

    10.00am. The House Manager will discuss arrangements for your departure on the day you arrive.

  • How far to the nearest town?

    From the front door of Helen's Tower it can take about 30 minutes to Bangor.

  • Where can I find information about the local area?

    Each of our properties contains a Green Book catered to that specific property. In this book, we have compiled all of the necessary information important local amenities such as medical centres and taxi services, including locations and phone numbers. You will also find tips for recommended restaurants, bars, and things to see and do for all ages.

  • Is there a caterer who will come in to cook meals?

    We do not know of anyone who can go in to cook meals at this property.

  • Is it suitable for children?

    No. This is a small property that only sleeps 2 adults only. There is a winding stone staircase which would not be suitable for young children.

  • Is it suitable for older people?

    This property does not suit anyone with mobility issues. There is a narrow stone winding staircase up to all the floors.

  • Does it have facilities for disabled people?

    No.

  • Is it suitable for a wheelchair?

    No

  • Is there central heating?

    There is electric central heating at Helen’s Tower. There are storage heaters throughout the building. There are also portable heaters available.

  • Is the cooker electric or gas?

    There is an electric cooker.

  • Is there a shower?

    Yes – there is an electric shower over bath in the bathroom.

  • How many bathrooms?

    1

  • Can I get to the house by public transport?

    Yes. You would get a train or bus to Belfast and then a local train to Bangor. A local taxi could take you onwards from there to the tower. However, you would need a car to get to local shops, etc.

  • Where is the nearest train station?

    Bangor.

  • What type of heating is in the house?

    Electric storage heaters.

  • Can I book for just one night?

    No

  • What is your minimum booking period?

    Irish Landmark Trust have a 2 night stay minimum at all of our properties. Some Special Dates will have restrictions on arrival and departure date which will effect the minimum number of nights.

  • Is there a garden at the house?

    No. However there is a roof terrace with outdoor furniture.

  • How many cars can I bring to the house?

    1

  • Is there parking on site?

    Yes, there is parking for 1 car in front of the lodge.

  • What condiments and products do you supply?

    We supply teabags, coffee granules, sugar, salt & pepper, cooking oil, tin foil & kitchen roll, handwash, washing up liquid, dishwashing cloths, and dishwasher tablets if there is a dishwasher. We do not supply any other cleaning products that contain chemicals, including laundry detergents – we suggest you bring your own.

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY :

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you.

CONTRACT OF HIRE:

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking.

 

Read Full Booking Conditions

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Reviews

Relaxing break

“Had a lovely & relaxing two days in Helens tower. Walter met us nearby to show us where to go and show us around the Tower. It’s in the a beautiful wooded area with stunning 360 views. If only staying a couple a of nights I would recommend bringing all your food so you don’t have to venture out. We lit the fire on both nights and had such a relaxing time. It really is a unique property and as surrounded by trees you have birds singing morning and evening….bliss.” (SBell)

A Fairytale Trip

“We stayed in Helen’s tower as part of our honeymoon and it was perfect from start to finish. Such a unique property, it felt such a privilege to be able to stay there. Walter was so helpful and communicative. We love staying in Landmark Trust properties.” (AJHaigh)

House Manager

Walter Corr

Walter Corr is the House Manager at Helens Tower. Walter loves to welcome guests and tell them about the best things to do in the local area. Walters local highlights include:

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Booking Conditions

HOW TO BOOK AN IRISH LANDMARK HOLIDAY : 

It is possible to reserve dates online at www.irishlandmark.com but bookings are not confirmed until a confirmation email is received from the bookings desk.     

BOOKING:  

Your booking must be for holiday purposes only.  Irish Landmark reserve the right to refuse hire for purposes other than holiday accommodation. When you make a booking, you accept full responsibility for all persons who will use or visit the property during the period booked.  When you book, you agree to indemnify us against all loss and damage arising directly or indirectly to the property and its contents from any deliberate or negligent act or omission by yourself, or any person accompanying you. 

CONTRACT OF HIRE:  

The hiring contract shall be between the Hirer and Irish Landmark and made subject to these Booking Conditions . The Contract of Hire is not effective until Irish Landmark dispatches to the Hirer written confirmation of a booking. 

PRICE OF YOUR HOLIDAY:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to increase or decrease the price of unsold holidays at any time. However, such amendments to price will not be applied to holidays already confirmed.   

V.A.T.:  

All prices quoted are based on current prices and rates of V.A.T. at the time of going to press. Irish Landmark is unable to absorb increases in Value Added Tax or any new forms of taxation which may be introduced. Any such increases will be charged as notified and will be payable. 

DEPOSIT AND BALANCE PAYMENTS:   

All bookings can be paid for in full at time of booking. All bookings made within 12 weeks of stay must be paid in full at time of booking. Bookings made more than 12 weeks in advance of stay require a 30% non-refundable deposit with the balance due 12 weeks before arrival.  Irish Landmark shall be entitled to treat any failure to pay by the due date as a cancellation of the booking and will notify the Hirer by email.  The maximum number of payments for a booking will be limited to two – the deposit and balance payment.   A separate payment may be due where an amendment has been made to the original booking.  

PAYMENT TYPES: 

Payments can be made by credit/debit card (Visa or Mastercard ONLY).    

Payments for properties in the Republic of Ireland are taken in Euros, payments for properties in Northern Ireland are taken in Great British Pounds. 

VOUCHERS:  

Please note that only one voucher can be used per booking.  Vouchers have a strict expiry date. 

CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING:    

Upon receipt of payment by our bookings office, you will receive a confirmation of your reservation.  All charges for the booking will be confirmed in this notification.  Once confirmation has been issued, the Hirer is responsible for the total advertised price of the property and any extras notified.   

AMENDMENTS TO BOOKINGS (excluding cancellations):    

Irish Landmark does not offer a transfer of dates option. A complete change of dates is treated as a cancellation 

CANCELLATION POLICY: We hope that you will not have to cancel your stay, or part of your reservation.  If for any reason this is unavoidable, cancellations must be notified by email to bookings@irishlandmark.com. In the event of cancellation (this includes a reduction in number of nights) your deposit is non-refundable and the following cancellation charges will apply:  

Date of Cancellation 

Cancellation Charge 

More than 12 weeks before start date 

The deposit of 30% 

84 – 28 days before start date 

50% of total rental 

Fewer than 28 days 

100% of total rental 

Irish Landmark does not operate a cancellation insurance scheme for any reason, including Covid-19, and strongly recommends that all guests take out full holiday insurance cover.    

PARTY SIZE AND COMPOSITION:  In no circumstances may more than the number of persons listed on the booking form occupy the property overnight.   Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse admission if this condition is not observed. Bookings can only be made by adults and cannot be accepted from anyone under the age of 21.  Irish Landmark only allows guest stays where the lead guest is aged 21 years or over.   

ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE:  

Upon receipt of final payment, you will receive Access Details and Important Information via email about your rental. This includes the contact information of the Local House Manager, directions to the property, arrival and departure time, etc. However, the specific arrival time must be agreed with the relevant local House Manager at least four days prior to holiday start date.  It is the responsibility of the Hirer to arrive at the property at the time agreed with the House Manager. Irish Landmark reserves the right to levy an additional charge if the property is not vacated in accordance with these terms on the day of departure.  

DAY VISITORS:  

The number of day visitors will be limited to the capacity of the property – i.e., a 2-person property may have 2 day visitors, etc.   Prior written consent must be obtained from Irish Landmark Trust for additional numbers of day visitors. 

PERSONAL BELONGINGS: Baggage and personal belongings are always at the Hirers risk. No responsibility can be accepted for loss or damage to any car or its contents. 

POLICY REGARDING DOGS:   

Only certain Irish Landmark Trust properties accept a dog.  ALWAYS check this before you book.  Hirers who have made a reservation and are taking a dog will be required to read and agree to special terms, which details the conditions of bringing a dog to one of these properties.  Failure to comply with these conditions could result in the guest being asked to leave a property.  The rental cost is non-refundable in such cases.   

ELECTRIC VEHICLES: 

Irish Landmark respectfully request that you charge your electric vehicle at the nearest charging point and not at the property.  

HIRER’S RESPONSIBILITY:   

The Hirer is responsible for the property and is expected to take all reasonable care of it. Our House Managers work hard to maintain and clean the buildings and aim to ensure that the property is in a satisfactory condition for your enjoyment.  We ask that you leave the property in a clean and tidy condition upon departure, including all equipment, utensils etc. If the property is left in an unsatisfactory condition and additional cleaning costs are incurred, Irish Landmark reserves the right to recover these costs from the Hirer.   All breakages and damage must be reported to the House Manager immediately so that they can be rectified. All breakages and damage are the legal responsibility of the Hirer and the cost of repair or replacement must be paid to Irish Landmark upon demand.   If there are problems relating to the functioning of the building, please let the House Manager know immediately. Please note that candles are NOT permitted at any Irish Landmark property. Smoking is not allowed inside any Irish Landmark property. 

WEBSITE / LITERATURE:   

While every effort has been made to ensure that the representations stated on our website, or any printed literature, are made in good faith, neither they nor any oral representations made by employees or representatives of Irish Landmark Trust will create liability on the part of Irish Landmark. 

GENERAL:   

There shall be no liability for any claim arising from the act, omission or neglect or default of Irish Landmark Trust, its employees or representatives unless proved to be done with intent to cause damage or recklessly and with knowledge that loss or danger would probably result. Irish Landmark’s agents, servants and employees or other representatives have no authority to waive or modify these Conditions other than in writing. 

RIGHT OF ENTRY:   

On rare occasions Irish Landmark may need access to the property for essential maintenance work, should it be necessary, Irish Landmark will give you as much notice as is possible.   There is no need for you to stay in the property since our House Manager can accompany any such visits. 

COMPLAINTS:  

If you have any complaint during your holiday, please contact the House Manager.  If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction, please email bookings@irishlandmark.com outlining details of your complaint.   

IRISH LANDMARK’S RIGHTS:   

Irish Landmark reserves the right to refuse any booking and cancel any booking already made, if in its absolute discretion it considers this to be necessary. Where a booking is cancelled by Irish Landmark, every effort will be made to offer an alternative holiday at no increase in cost.  If the Hirer does not accept the alternative holiday offered, Irish Landmark will return to the Hirer the deposit paid and any other sum paid to Irish Landmark by the Hirer.  Liability for all consequential loss, damage and disappointments is accordingly limited to such return. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SPECIFIC DOG – FRIENDLY PROPERTIES 

It is the hirer’s responsibility to ensure they book a specific dog-friendly property if they are bringing a dog.  There are specific terms and conditions that to which the hirer must adhere: 

We allow a dog, but only when they have been booked in and paid for. The “Taking a Dog” option must be selected at time of booking.  A charge will apply.  

Our policy is strictly ONE DOG. If you arrive at the property with more than one dog the House Manger is entitled to deny you access to the property.  If it becomes known during/after your stay that more than one dog is/was with you, you may be asked to vacate the property and a charge of €100/£100 per dog will apply. 

You must bring your own crate/bed in which your dog can sleep.  Please also bring bowls, towels, and waste bags for your dog. 

Your dog must be house-trained and kept under proper control.  Dogs are STRICTLY not permitted on beds, sofas, or any furniture.  There is no exception to this rule.  

Before departure, please thoroughly clean the property, paying particular attention to removing pet hair from rugs and soft furnishings.  A vacuum cleaner is available to you.   

If there is evidence that you have not cleaned up adequately after your stay, you will be charged a flat rate of €100/£100.   

You must double-check that the outside area around the property is free of any foul. Dog fouling inside the property is completely unacceptable.  Guests will be asked to vacate the premises immediately if this is discovered.  

Your dog must not be left unsupervised in the property.  We ask that you take your dog with you when you go out.  Please be mindful of any livestock nearby. 

 

By accepting a confirmation of a reservation from Irish Landmark the lead guest agrees: 

 

I have read and agree to be bound by the Booking Conditions. 

I agree to be held responsible for the balance of hire for the property due and payable in accordance with these terms. 

I understand that most Irish Landmark properties have no television or internet access; that some have no washing machines or dishwashers; and that many have limited mobile phone coverage. 

I understand that as the Lead Person, I am responsible, before their arrival, for informing all guests of Irish Landmark’s booking conditions, and for their observance of same. 

If I am bringing a pet or having day visitors, I have particularly noted the special conditions that apply in these situations 

 

Hirers making a reservation over the telephone are deemed to have read all Booking Conditions and agree to be bound by them.   

 

Availability Calendar

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Important Notes

1-night stays are not permitted.

Bank Holidays & Special Dates have a set minimum number of nights.

Deposits are strictly non-refundable & non-transferable.

Cancellation Fees will apply if you cancel your reservation.

Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings.

Special Offers and Discounts are not valid against existing bookings.

There are restrictions on arrival and departure dates over the Christmas and New Year periods.
Strictly no arrivals or departures on 24th, 25th and 31st of December.