Ten out of ten
Lough Eske Castle Hotel is still in birthday mode... and is happy to share with its guests
IT’S hard to imagine as we drive up the winding tree-lined driveway and set our eyes on the majestic Lough Eske Castle just outside Donegal town, that 12 years ago trees were growing up through its foundations.
For 30 years it had lain abandoned after a turbulent history and a series of owners.
Its fortunes changed when Buncrana-born Pat Doherty bought the site and refurbished it in 2007. He ploughed millions into it and built what is one of the finest five-star hotels in the north-west today.
The first thing you notice when you walk into the hotel is the smell of peat from the fires that burn in every room. It’s a deliciously welcoming smell that will warm you of a cold winter evening. The porters who are dressed head to toe in Donegal tweed had our bags whisked away before I even noticed and a glass of hot cider was thrust into our hands.
The second thing you will notice is the staff. Before you can apply for a job here you have to undergo a personality test. It’s the only hotel in the country I know of that uses this particular test which highlights what your talents are and how committed you are to service so everyone is exceptionally friendly and cannot do enough for you.
Nigel in the bar served us both nights and couldn’t have been nicer, filling us in on the history of the castle or explaining the hotel’s massive whiskey menu or getting crayons and colouring books for the children.
We were staying in a courtyard room opposite the pool as there are only four bedrooms in the actual castle itself, all of which have been converted to huge suites (for the American golfing market or brides and grooms).
There are 92 non-castle rooms and several of these are petfriendly so if you can’t bear to be separated from your pooch for the weekend they are welcome with open arms. In fact furry friends are treated to their very own welcome bed, plus a food and water tray and a blanket and toy, and they will even arrange to have your dog groomed while you are a guest!
We had no doggie with us but we had three children in tow and they were thrilled when they saw three campbeds set up in our room with cookies, marshmallows and chocolate strawberries waiting for them on arrival! While around the corner in the huge room was a four-poster bed that could have slept five.
Lough Eske Hotel has something for every type of guest. If you want to sit by the fire and read the papers, there are multiple rooms you can relax in while enjoying Afternoon Tea.
IF you are into the Outdoors there are 43 acres of woodland overlooking beautiful Lough Eske and the Bluestack mountains. The hotel has a number of trails for walkers or bikers. We brought down bikes (though the hotel has some on site) and we cycled the trails and took in the beauty of the lake.
If you’re a foodie then breakfast at the castle will impress. There is a dedicated omelette and pancake station where you can tailor make whatever takes your fancy (the kids loved this).
And in the evening the unique gold velvet circular booths in the Cedars restaurant are perfect for an intimate dinner.
The food here is excellent with lots of local suppliers on the menu and if you are a steak lover then you will be in heaven. If a Rib Eye or a T-Bone doesn’t take your fancy then on the menu is a 2LB Tomahawk Steak served with triple cooked potato wedges (health warning needed)!
But it is the spa that has really upped its game in recent times.
Last month along with its usual offerings it launched bespoke spa treatments for cancer patients using touch therapy, one of only a few spas in the country to do so.
These treatments are aimed at people who are undergoing radiation or chemotherapy or who have recently had surgery. Therapists have been trained to address the specific skincare needs of cancer clients which can include radiation dermatitis, rashes and sensitivity from breast removal.
With massage the therapists are trained to be mindful of medical devices such as Hickman lines and recognising Lymphoedema and its risk factors.
The 90-minute treatments which cost €110 have been rolled out to coincide with the hotels tenth anniversary last year which also sees a refurbishment within the castle.