The Vibe
For a cosy getaway that combines luxury, history and exceptional Irish hospitality, 5-star Lough Eske Castle in Donegal ticks all the boxes. This beautifully restored 17th-century castle is perfect for a romantic break, with a thermal spa and swimming pool, roaring fireplaces throughout the hotel and delicious food offerings featuring local produce.
Rooms feature classic oak furniture, spacious marble bathrooms, and Irish artwork. The new Donegal Suites (which is where we stayed) feature a plush four-poster bed, separate living room with a fire and coffee table books and literature on Donegal’s history, natural surroundings, and culture. The bathroom has a spacious marble soaking tub and a rainforest shower – the perfect match for VOYA toiletries.
The Location
Lough Eske Castle is set within a 43-acre forest estate hugging the shores of Lough Eske, just 10 minutes drive from Donegal Town. It’s tempting to stay put within the castle grounds for your entire stay – whether it’s reading by the fire or relaxing in the thermal spa – but there’s endless things to do and see nearby.
Sliabh Leag (the highest sea cliffs in Europe with a 600m drop into the Atlantic waves!) is about a 45 minute car drive from Lough Eske Castle. Take the scenic route via Muckross Head for views of beaches and mountains along the way.
The Tastes
The food is a highlight here, with several dining options. We had dinner in Cedars Restaurant, which serves local Irish produce.
Standout dishes included the Donegal Bay Silkie Whiskey-smoked salmon with lumpfish caviar and a salt baked beetroot terrine. The salmon was one of the best starters I’ve had all year – flaky and full of flavour. The Silverhill duck pithivier with confit duck leg and Durrus cheese – all beautifully encased in crisp pastry – is a must-order. The local trout for main was also incredible, with a dill cream sauce.
For casual eats or snacks, the Gallery Bar serves classic comfort cuisine (such as creamy seafood chowder) with views of the castle grounds from the windows. There’s also a Whiskey Tasting room, where you can try Donegal whiskeys from Crolly Distillery and Silkie Whiskey (Sliabh Liag Distillery).
Late night room service snacks are simple but delicious – a late night order of ham and cheese toasties with soup was the perfect nibble whilst watching a Christmas movie by the fire in our suite.
The Standouts
Where to begin? Lough Eske Castle’s CARA Organic Spa is in the original Victorian glass house, with a thermal suite (ice fountain, sauna, steam room, infinity pool), outdoor hot tubs and ESPA treatments.
It’s a stunning setting for spending a couple of hours relaxing, finishing up with some herbal tea and reading in the relaxation area that looks out onto the gardens.
The hotel’s multiple drawing rooms are lovely to lounge in front of the fireplace with a nightcap of a hot whiskey. There’s a chess board if you fancy playing, plus a library room with plenty of books to flick through.
The real standout here is the team, from front of house to bar staff and managers. This is the exact sort of warm Irish welcome that you would hope to find in every hospitality business across the country – Lough Eske Castle’s friendly and helpful staff are really setting the bar high.
The Takeaway
For a memorable break that will leave you feeling like royalty, Lough Eske Castle is well worth the trip. I left feeling utterly relaxed and ready to face the Christmas madness – the dream outcome!
TheTaste was a guest of Lough Eske Castle on this visit.
