Lough Eske Castle Donegal

Lough Eske Castle has a long history which is wrapped in the story of Co. Donegal and Ireland. It is a story of being carved piece by piece from local stone carried by Clydesdale horses along specially constructed roadways.

It is a tale of being won, lost, ruined and restored. Powerful 14th century clans of Donegal the O’Donnells had their seat here, wealthy landowners ruled from here and Edwardian glamour was played out.

In 1861 the new Lough Eske Castle, as we know it today, was built on the site of the old Brooke Mansion. Always a place for entertaining international guests since 1861, Lough Eske Castle remains full of warm Donegal hospitality today as it did over 150 years ago.

SIR BASIL BROOKE SUITE
The Sir Basil Brooke Suite is situated in the original 18th century wing of Lough Eske Castle and is named after one of the castle’s earliest custodians, Sir Basil Brooke from 1621. The Brooke family owned Lough Eske Castle until 1894, with Thomas Brooke building the castle as it stands today in 1861.

Facing out towards the front of the castle entrance, this suite truly does make you feel like you are the lord of the castle. Spread across 1100 sq ft and comprising of one en-suite bedroom with solid oak four poster bed, soft and sumptuous bed linen, upholstered bed seat and dedicated dressing table and a spacious separate living room with dining table by the tall bay window.

There is luxurious carpeting in the bedroom with timber bordering and a deep pile rug in the living area. Oak bespoke furniture decorates the room including a sofa, coffee table and traditional relaxing easy chairs with breakfast table.

The suites are decorated in soft neutral colour tones that gently blend with ambient lighting to give a truly opulent touch. Your every comfort has been thought of throughout as well as all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Donegal, Ireland.

Wi-Fi access is standard as well as a 40-inch flat screen TV and refreshment station. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

GARDEN SUITES
The Garden Suites at Lough Eske Castle are entranced directly from the castle gardens, bringing the views of the landscape and the exquisite grounds closer to you. As a result, they are light-filled and airy and boast floor spaces of between 950 sq ft.

The Garden Suites were created in 2007 during the restoration of the castle and still maintain the original castle walls. History and tradition combine with a standard of décor and comfort that is without parallel in accommodation in Donegal.

Stone-tiled floors are strewn with thick, soft rugs and earthy colours used throughout are at ease with the surrounding landscape in these castle lodgings in Ireland. Elegant pieces of oak furniture including the centrepiece of a king size bed will leave you in no doubt that you are staying in a castle.

The generous space includes a Spanish basket gas fire, built-in wardrobe and living area. Your every comfort has been thought of throughout as well as all modern conveniences that you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Donegal, Ireland.

Wi-Fi access is standard as well as a 40-inch flat screen TV and refreshment station. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

Located close to the Spa and with direct outdoor access, the Garden Suites are perfect County Donegal accommodations for a romantic break or for time out from your busy world.

Some of our larger Garden Suites boast a grand oak table and chairs, ideal for private dining occasions seating up to six guests in style. These are subject to availability and can be confirmed at the time of booking through reservations.

JUNIOR SUITES
The Junior Suites at Lough Eske Castle Hotel are large, open-plan luxury suites measuring 700 sq ft. As 5 star Ireland castle accommodation options go they are first choice for special occasions or simply as a well-deserved treat for yourself. A king size bed dominates the bedroom and added to this traditional bed seat and dressing table.

Stunning bespoke oak furniture decorates the room including a sofa, coffee table and traditional relaxing easy chairs with coffee table. The suites are decorated in soft earthy colour tones that gently blend with ambient lighting to give a truly opulent touch.

There is luxurious carpeting in the bedrooms with timber bordering and a deep pile rug in the living area. The living areas are generous and furnished to allow relation or for gathering to chat and plan your day ahead when staying at this luxury hotel in Donegal.

Your every comfort has been thought of throughout as well as all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Donegal, Ireland. Wi-Fi access is standard as well as two 40-inch flat screen TVs and refreshment station.

Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers. Some of our Junior Suites have sofa beds and can accommodate 2 children. Sofa beds need to be booked directly with the hotel and are subject to availability.

DELUXE ROOMS
Generously spacious at 500 sq ft, these magnificent guestrooms feature classic oak furniture and elegant bathrooms. Furnishings are opulent as expected of a 5 star hotel in Ireland and tranquil colours have been used throughout, a reflection of the surrounding landscape.

Thick deep pile carpets lie underfoot and gorgeous bed linen adorns the large beds. Your every comfort has been thought of throughout as well as all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Donegal, Ireland.

Wi-Fi access is standard as well as a 40-inch flat screen TV, built in cedar wardrobes and refreshment station. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

COURTYARD ROOMS
Situated in the castle courtyard, these Courtyard Guestrooms are set in the original castle stables dating back to the 1600’s and are accessible from outside the main hotel building. Generously spacious at 350 – 425 sq ft, the decor has a modern country style decorated in relaxing warm, neutral tones and white wood panelling lining the walls.

The ground floor rooms have sandstone tiled flooring with deep pile rugs and the upstairs rooms have deep pile carpeting throughout. Bespoke oak furniture blends perfectly with the restful colours and fabrics.

Your every comfort has been thought of throughout as well as all the modern conveniences that you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Donegal, Ireland. Wi-Fi access is standard as well as a 40 inch flat screen TV and refreshment station. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

FAMILY ROOMS
Lough Eske Castle Hotel is the perfect base for your family holiday in Co. Donegal. With so many adventures to be had and so many things to do for families in Donegal you will never have to worry about entertaining anyone.

As a luxury family-friendly hotel in Ireland, accommodation at Lough Eske Castle is particularly suited to the needs of families. Space is never an issue and there are several options when planning your family accommodation in Donegal.

You can choose to add a roll-away bed to one of our spacious guestrooms if you are travelling with one child (a surcharge is applicable). Alternatively, for larger family groups we offer a limited number of interconnecting Deluxe Guestrooms, subject to availability.

LAKE LODGE
Escape to Lough Eske Castle and retreat to your own private hideaway at the Lake Lodge. Situated at the Castle gates, by the shores of Lough Eske, this secluded two storey lodge which was built c.1861 is the ultimate sanctuary for those who are looking to relax and unwind during their visit to Donegal.

This charming lodge retains all of its character with original windows and Fleur de Lis tiles. Enter into the living area of this quaint lodge and prepare to be breath taken by the majestic unfolding views of Lough Eske and the surrounding Bluestack Mountains.

A large floor to ceiling window allows light to fill the entire area while providing a stunning backdrop for your stay at the Lake Lodge. The self-catering Lake Lodge has an open plan living, kitchen and dining area on the ground floor.

Design features includes calming earthy colours, modern tiled flooring, wood burning fire, Scandinavian style furniture and warm fabrics such as tweed finish in the seating area. Recline in front of the widescreen TV in the living area or dine at the 4 seater dining table whilst over-looking the stunning views on your doorstep.

The fully equipped oak kitchen with dark granite finishes will allow you to cook your own culinary delights for you and your guests. Not in the mood to cook? Enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea or dinner served at Lough Eske Castle’s 2 AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant, Gallery Bar or Father Browne Bar – only twelve minutes’ walk (1km) along the shores of Lough Eske.

Guests of the Lake Lodge can also enjoy treatments at CARA Organic Beauty Spa, complimentary use of the swimming pool, gym and bicycles at the Castle. The original alder wood staircase, leads to the second level of the Lake Lodge and contains two bedrooms, (one en suite) with a double bed in each room and a separate main bathroom.

Features include dual aspect windows in both bedrooms allowing for light to fill these cosy bedrooms, modern fittings such as rail fixtures for your belongings and bedside tables.

Calming neutral tones in the bedrooms ensure a peaceful night’s sleep. The main bathroom contains a stunning copper bath and vanity unit sink as well as a luxurious shower and toilet, beautifully finished with soft grey tiling throughout.

DINING
You could not think about dining in such a wild and beautiful place as Donegal without thinking of the landscape around you. Produce harvested from the land, shore and sea of this stretch of the Wild Atlantic Way is brought together by the exceptional culinary team at Lough Eske Castle’s Co. Donegal restaurant.

Flavours, seasons and traditions dictate the menu and the cooking style. We believe that simple is best and with ingredients this fresh and wholesome nothing more than a little magic is needed.

The culinary team at Lough Eske Castle are highly talented and creative but that does not mean they forget what is important to our guests at our welcoming restaurant in Donegal.

Equally important to us are the local family who drop in for Sunday lunch and the wedding party staying for the weekend. Food is prepared with passion but always with an eye to exactly what will please our guests.

We would be delighted to host your special event at Lough Eske Castle Hotel, whether a communion, christening, birthday celebration or wedding anniversary.

Your important milestone deserves to be celebrated in a special place with food that will wow you and service that is both professional and personal. You will find all this and more at Lough Eske, one of the finest castle hotels in Ireland.

CEDARS RESTAURANT
The two AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant offers a dining experience that will remain with you for a long time after your visit to Co. Donegal. It begins with the setting. Floor to ceiling windows and glass doors open onto the terrace outside this magnificent restaurant.

The sweeping views of the castle gardens and surrounding woodland grab your attention and provide a stunning backdrop to your Co. Donegal dining experience. The restaurant is a perfect blend of the style and elegance of a glamorous era and the contemporary influences of design and luxury.

Then there is the food – simple, exquisitely fresh ingredients cooked without any fuss or show, but with superb results. This is the food of Donegal and the Wild Atlantic Way at its very best.

Cedars Restaurant is a worthy setting for a romantic dinner for two or a Sunday lunch with your extended family. This may be fine dining, but it is not stuffy or pretentious dining. This is as much about the welcome, the occasion, the getting together and the wonderful setting of this Donegal restaurant as it is about the food and wine.

THE FATHER BROWNE BAR
Father Browne is generally considered to be Ireland’s most important photographer of the twentieth century. Often known as ‘Father Browne of the Titanic’, it was his obedience to his Provincial’s order to “get off that ship” that prevented Father Browne from travelling on the final part of the voyage and possibly saved him from a watery grave.

Disembarking at Cobh ensured international fame when, following the tragedy of the sinking of the Titanic, his photographs were published on front pages all around the world. His images of the Titanic remain uniquely important to this day.

Over 200 of the greatest images taken by the extraordinary Father ‘Titanic’ Browne have been remastered and are displayed in the Father Browne Bar at Lough Eske Castle where visitors may enjoy a drink and a bite to eat surrounded by a stunning collection by one of the twentieth centuries greatest photographers.

Stone floors, soft leather booths, black and white photos of times gone by creating a cosy place for spending a leisurely evening with a drink and a friend, or just your newspaper.

With an extensive list of beers, wines, cocktails and whiskeys to choose from as well as plenty of nooks and corners to settle into, it can prove quite difficult to tear yourself away from this superb Donegal bar!

Adjoining the Father Browne Bar is the Father Browne Boardroom, a private area which can host either a boardroom-style meeting or a private dining occasion with ease. Exemplary service is provided whatever your event happens to be.

THE GALLERY BAR
Will it be a creamy pint of Guinness on a winter’s evening or a chilled glass of wine with lunch on a summer’s day? Whatever you feel like on any day you will find it here. The Gallery Bar and Lobby Lounge is as much a local Donegal bar, as a bar in a 5 star Ireland hotel.

The bistro-style menu gives you a wide choice of dishes with locally sourced ingredients for true County Donegal dining. A great coffee, a light snack or a 3-course meal can be ordered at any time. This may be casual dining but the food, the service and the hospitality are far from casual. Open daily from 12noon.

AFTERNOON TEA
Traditional Afternoon Tea might have been invented for a castle hotel in Ireland such as Lough Eske. It can be taken here in the Lobby Lounge or if you prefer, in one of the lovely drawing rooms. You will feel transported back to an era when this elegant ritual was de rigueur. Afternoon Tea is served every day from 12 noon until 5 pm.

SUNDAY LUNCH
Treat yourself to a relaxed Sunday lunch at the award winning 2 AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant. Enjoy a sumptuous three-course Sunday lunch menu from 1 pm every week.

WHISKEY TASTING
Enjoy a unique experience in our brand new Whiskey Cellar. Taste the history of Donegal’s whiskey traditions through a sampling of Crolly Distillery’s distinctive selection. With the creation of the Crolly Distillery, Donegal is reclaiming the once renowned and long dormant whiskey industry of the county.

PRIVATE DINING
If you are planning a special celebration or event, Lough Eske Castle Hotel offers several spaces to help you mark the occasion in style. We offer a range of menus and wines that can be tailored to your preferences. Attention to detail and unobtrusive service will make the occasion one your guests will remember.

WEDDINGS IN IRELAND
Having your wedding in the 5 star Lough Eske Castle Hotel in Donegal is having it in a fairytale setting. Situated on the shores of Lough Eske close by the Blue Stack Mountains and yet only a short distance from Donegal Town, it will be the idyllic location your special day deserves.

Service is always personal, dedicated and highly professional meaning that you and your guests will feel especially welcome, and your day will flow seamlessly from start to finish. There is something special about County Donegal weddings and at Lough Eske Castle Hotel you will feel it.

THE SPA
CARA Organic Beauty Spa at Lough Eske Castle Hotel is a 5 star spa resort experience which always has your wellness and well being at heart. It is also an idyllic luxury spa hotel in Ireland if you are searching for a weekend spa break of pure indulgence and pampering.

A castle spa in the magnificent surrounds of Donegal on the Wild Atlantic Way is surely the dream destination for a romantic break in Donegal! For time out or time together there is no more restful way to restore body and mind.

The pool and Spa building sits in the footprint of the original Victorian Glass House. An aqua green and gold mosaic colour theme flows through the pool and Spa areas which comprises of seven treatment rooms, including two couples treatments rooms with jet bath and steam room; a fully equipped thermal suite consisting of an ice fountain, sauna, steam room, sanarium, tropical experience showers, heated bench and an infinity pool ensuring your wellness and indulgent relaxation needs are catered for at our 5 star spa hotel in Ireland.

Please note that due to limited availability, access to the Thermal Suite is exclusively for those guests receiving treatments. Hotel guests not receiving spa treatments have complimentary use of the heated swimming pool and fitness centre throughout their stay.

Our fitness centre offers a range of cardiovascular and strength training options, as well as state of the art equipment. All designed with you in mind and to help you get the most from your visit to Donegal.

TREATMENTS
Of course, if it is pure luxury and pampering you are looking for from our spa packages, this too is easily achieved with facials, beauty treatments and body treatments so divine you will leave feeling revived and refreshed.

Our caring, highly-skilled staff will advise you on the treatments and products that are best suited to creating the Donegal spa package you want. They will look after you during your time here and are happy to provide any follow-up information you need.

CONFERENCE VENUE
Lough Eske Castle Hotel is an impressive setting for your next meeting or conference in County Donegal. Delegates have the chance to leave the busy lifestyles behind and enter a new environment, one which gives them space to think and communicate all within beautiful and tranquil surroundings.

As a meeting or conference venue in Donegal, Lough Eske is unsurpassed. With 5-star facilities, dining and accommodation your team will be incentivised by this trip and more productive as a result.

Added to that is the flexibility of meeting and conference spaces available along with a professional and dedicated Conference and Meeting Team who will ensure a seamless and memorable event throughout.

EXCLUSIVE HIRE
Should you wish to ensure complete privacy and focus at your meeting venue you can book exclusive use of Lough Eske Castle Hotel including our 97 guest rooms, swimming pool and fitness centre, as well as all conference and meeting facilities.

The personal service that is shown to all Lough Eske Castle guests will be focused on you and your team throughout your stay. This exclusive hire is available between the months of November and March.

CHARITY EVENTS
Events at Lough Eske Castle are always special. The setting, service and facilities will impress your guests and ensure that it is a memorable occasion. The grandeur of the ballroom will make gala events come alive and is a popular charity ball venue. For smaller gatherings we have a range of private dining areas and function rooms available to host your event.

HISTORY TOUR
Lough Eske Castle offer a complimentary history tour daily, commencing from the main reception area at 11 am. Discover how the famous O’Donnell family built the castle in the late 1400s. Hear the stories of Lough Eske Castle’s past and learn a few fun facts on the history of Donegal.

DONEGAL CRAFT VILLAGE
Donegal Craft Village is situated just outside the historic town of Donegal on the road to Ballyshannon and Sligo. Established in 1985 the village has become a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in the county. There are six workshops clustered around a central courtyard.

These are occupied by talented artists, who are highly skilled craftspeople in their chosen medium. You can meet leading artists working with glass, bronze, textiles, wood, paint and precious metals.

Visitors have an ideal opportunity to purchase unique Irish craft and design; one-off pieces unavailable anywhere else. You can also commission special bespoke items for presentations, corporate gifts or larger architectural pieces.

SLIABH LIAG
This is Ireland’s ultimate sea cliff experience and a signature point on the Wild Atlantic Way coastal touring route. Sliabh Liag is a place of sacred Christian Pilgrimage and has a rich Irish heritage and culture.

They are the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe where the cliff face of Bunglas rises over 600m above the ocean below, it is almost twice as high as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and nearly three times the height of the famous cliffs of Moher in County Clare.

Prepare to be dazzled by the panoramic view across Donegal Bay, which is simply breathtaking and experience the unique wonders of the natural biodiversity of marine flora and fauna found here.

ST JOHN’S POINT LIGHTHOUSE
The majestic St John’s Point Lighthouse has been a guiding light for Donegal Bay, Killybegs Harbour and Rotten Island since 1833. Nestled on a striking stretch of coastline, it’s pristine white tower stands 14m tall and on a stay in one of two lightkeepers’ cottages, you can enjoy views of Inishmurray Island and Europe’s highest sea cliffs at Sliabh Liag.

OAKFIELD PARK
Oakfield Park is an 18th Century Georgian deanery, which won national awards for the restoration of its gardens and buildings. Sitting in a lush landscape of parklands and mature woodlands in Raphoe, County Donegal, it overlooks the distant Croaghan Mountain.

The Oakfield House is not open to the public at any time but the grounds and garden are. The grounds of Oakfield Park include a traditional walled garden and kitchen garden. Flower meadows, lakes and streams, as well as wild and wetland areas are entwined with more than 4 kilometres of narrow gauge railway to give hours of pleasure.

GLENVEAGH CASTLE
Glenveagh Park is the second largest national park out of six in Ireland encompassing some 16,000 acres in the heart of the Derryveagh Mountains. Glenveagh Castle, within this park, is a 19th-century castellated mansion and was built between 1867 and 1873.

Its construction in a remote mountain setting was inspired by the Victorian idyll of a romantic highland retreat. It was designed by John Townsend Trench, cousin of its builder and first owner, John George Adair, with whom he had been raised in Co. Laois. There is a large range of routes for all walking capabilities in which you are free to explore in this park.

DONEGAL CASTLE
Built by the O’Donnell chieftain in the 15th century, beside the River Eske, the Castle has extensive 17th-century additions by Sir Basil Brooke. The Castle is furnished throughout and includes Persian rugs and French tapestries. Information panels chronicle the history of the Castle owners from the O’Donnell chieftains to the Brooke family.

SHOPPING IN DONEGAL TOWN
Why not visit this pretty market town and explore some of Donegal’s authentic family owned stores. Home to Magee 1866, founded over 150 years ago which sells luxurious handwoven tweed clothing, or visit the Irish House store, home to Donegal Irish products and tweed also.

Hannah Hats, which handcrafts bespoke headwear from traditional Donegal tweed or visit Forget Me Nots, selling some of the finest Irish crafts, gifts and home décor.

SURFING
Rossnowlagh Surf School is a fun, friendly and professional Surf School nestled quietly in the heavenly bay of Rossnowlagh Co.Donegal, along Ireland’s ‘Wild Atlantic Way’ Rossnowlagh is one of the best places in Europe and maybe even the world to learn to surf!

The low – medium sloping beach allows for beautiful rolling waves throughout the year, and with the most spectacular backdrop, it makes for the perfect place to learn to surf!

HORSE RIDING
Donegal Equestrian Centre is situated just 1 mile from the centre of Bundoran, it is the perfect choice for horse riding. At this centre, they can offer instructions in riding, horse riding holidays, pony camps, beach & trail rides suitable for all levels of rider.

With numerous beaches on our doorstep and magnificent mountain views within a short distance, Donegal can give the trail rider an insight into one of the most beautiful and untouched counties in Ireland.

The centres indoor and outdoor facilities provide comfortable all year round opportunities so whether it’s a relaxing break away from it all, a chance to improve your riding, a gallop on the beach, or the Pony Camp experience of a lifetime Donegal Equestrian Centre is a must-visit.

SEA STACK CLIMBING
Unique Ascent specialises in providing exceptional outdoor adventures and activities. From hill walking, rock climbing, sea stack ascents, mountaineering, sea kayaking, coasteering and abseiling, this company can cater for clients of all experience levels. Situated in Falcarragh, 1 hours’ drive from Lough Eske Castle please visit their website for further details.

SLIABH LIAG BOAT TOURS
Sliabh Liag Boat Tours run tours to the magnificent Sliabh Liag Cliffs, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe standing 600m (1972 feet). The tour will get you close to the shore to appreciate this spectacular sight.

Sometimes you can be joined by wildlife like dolphins, whales, seals, and in May and June we often see basking sharks feeding on the plankton. There is also a wide range of bird life that can be seen nesting and hunting. You can go swimming in the crystal clear water of the many coves on the tour.

Wetsuits are provided if you think the water is cold but most don’t need them. The tour lasts about one and a half hours and you also have the option to hire a boat privately for guests, operating from April to October with a capacity to hold 24 passengers.

DONEGAL WATERBUS
The Donegal Bay Waterbus is a 80 foot long 130 metric ton, welded, steel boat built in Killybegs, Co Donegal in 2006. It has toured around Donegal Bay since July 2006 and operates all year round up to Christmas Day and New Year, carrying approx. 35,000 passengers annually.

Sailing times are usually morning, afternoon or evening, but are dependent upon weather and the tides. Tickets can be obtained from the ticket office which is the white cottage-like building on Quay St. beside Dom’s Pier 1.

GOLF
Donegall Golf Club, located at Murvagh Beach is situated 15 minutes drive from Lough Eske Castle. Donegal Golf Course is a links course built on a promontory of 182 acres that extends out into the Atlantic Ocean. The course, built on the land of geological significance, was inhabited in past centuries, and the earliest of Irish maps indicate this.

The course, a par 73 for both men and women, consists of five Par 5’s, four Par 3’s and nine Par 4’s, stretching over 7400 yards from the tips, with five regulation tees from each hole, plus a beginner tee. The outside loop plays along the dunes and the ocean, providing stunning views of the surrounding area.

THE CROLLY DISTILLERY
Located in Croithlí, County Donegal, set between the Wild Atlantic Coast and the majestic Derryveagh mountains including the stunning Errigal, the distillery home is a historic building constructed in 1901.

In keeping with local Gaeltacht distilling tradition, direct fired pot stills are used in double distillation, sourced in the Cognac region, and refurbished to produce beautiful spirit in Croithlí.

The Croithlí distillery experience captures the essence of Donegal Gaeltacht whiskey, generating excited anticipation, appreciation and connection to the people, culture and place that is west Donegal.

Rooms: 97

Price: from 298 EUR per night

Source: www.lougheskecastlehotel.com