Captivated by a magical castle
LizWalsh is enchanted by a five-star getaway set among the lakes and hills of Donegal
Ihave always loved Donegal, a county that moves to its own tune and dances to its own beat. Donegal has some of the most spectacular scenery and beaches in the world and it also has its fair share of castles. Nestled on the shores of a lake a few kilometres outside Donegal Town against the backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, Lough Eske Castle and Spa is Donegal’s only five-star hotel and the jewel in Donegal’s tourist industry.
The day after we arrived, we set off on one of the many walks around Lough Eske and strolled down to Harvey’s Point.
After our exertions, we took advantage of the Espa Spa where guests can spend an hour in the thermal suite and pool and avail of a range of treatments.
Sorbet, tea and fresh fruit are supplied and guests can laze around on loungers to read before heading back to the main part of the hotel.
Lough Eske Castle and Spa wraps itself around you and you never want to leave. Like most castle hotels it blends old-world elegance with the new but the atmosphere is more relaxed here.
The castle has a history that dates back to the 1600s. It was carved from local stone which was carried by Clydesdale horses along a specially constructed road.
The new Lough Eske Castle was built in 1861 but was destroyed by fire in 1939 and fell into ruin before it was bought in recent years by Donegal man Pat Doherty of Harcourt Developments.
Doherty, a Buncrana native, left Ireland aged 14 and made his fortune as a builder in the UK. One day he was flying over the burnedout shell and recognised its potential as a hotel destination.
Doherty invested €50m into restoring the castle to its former glory. It is now recognised as one of the best hotel and spa destinations in the world and even made it into Condé Nast’s Top Ten Luxury Hotels in 2018.
Lough Eske has just been named Ireland’s Castle Wedding Venue of the Year for 2020 and Ulster Spa of the Year 2019.
The hotel, with its dark panelled walls, sweeping staircases, huge log fires and libraries, is stunning. Guests can choose from courtyard or dog-friendly garden suites through to deluxe superior castle rooms with four-poster or canopy beds overlooking the grounds.
Lough Eske employs mostly local staff, although there is a fair sprinkling of French workers too. In what is a nice touch, they all wear Magee tweed pieces, a nod to one of Donegal’s most enduring industries.
Breakfast is an elaborate affair with a chef manning an omelette and pancake station making breakfast to order for those who prefer such an option to the full Irish, fish or cold buffet choices.
Lough Eske Castle is a well-known conference venue and when we were there the Donegal Businesswomen’s organisation had booked in. We spotted some well-known faces in attendance.
Of course, no castle would be complete without a helipad, and the hotel has one at the front of the castle which is used regularly.
Rosapenna offers world-class surfing, Glenveagh National Park with its salmon weirs, red deer and golden eagles is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts while Donegal Town has plenty of lively pubs and good restaurants.
Part of the Wild Atlantic Way also stretches through here, from Bundoran through Donegal Town and Glencolmcille. Donegal may be renowned for its long sandy beaches but there is nothing to compare with Rathmullen when the sun is shining.
For music lovers, Ballyshannon, birthplace of legendary blues guitarist Rory Gallagher, is worth a visit as it hosts several festivals throughout the year.
Lough Eske Castle has a great Christmas package, but gift vouchers for a new year’s stay at the venue would make a cracking Christmas present.