Lough Eske Castle

Donegal, Lough Eske Castle Road54.689207,-8.06419(Show on Map)

8.9

Excellent

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Checkin - Checkout dates‌

Info

A truly unique castle hotel in Ireland; it sits in 43 acres of forest woodland with the Blue Stack Mountains in background.

Summary of reviews

Lough Eske Castle is a beautiful and luxurious hotel located in a stunning countryside setting, which offers breathtaking views. While the narrow roads leading to the hotel can be long and windy, guests feel that the picture-perfect location is worth the journey. The hotel is conveniently located near plenty of outdoor activities and only a 5-10 minute drive to Donegal town. The breakfast options are fantastic with plenty of choices available for both cooked and continental breakfast. However, dinner at the hotel received mixed reviews with some guests finding it exceptional while others found it overpriced and poor in quality. The rooms have received mixed reviews with some describing them as immaculate and luxurious while others were disappointed with the cleanliness and maintenance. Although some guests reported issues with cleanliness and maintenance, the hotel is mostly clean and well-maintained. The standout feature of the hotel is the exceptional staff who guests describe as professional, knowledgeable and unfailingly friendly. The wifi can be a bit hit and miss with some guests experiencing out of connection moments and poor reception. The spa at Lough Eske Castle received generally positive reviews with some guests appreciating the spa treatments while others wished for better availability. The hotel has a mixed reception when it comes to being rated as a 5-star hotel, but most guests agree that the staff and food are of a five-star quality. Lough Eske Castle proves to be the perfect hideaway for couples looking for a romantic retreat with a magical ambiance that transports them into a fairytale. Overall, it is a beautiful and luxurious property that provides a relaxing and comfortable stay in beautiful surroundings.

Categories

Luxury

This 5-star castle hotel is nestled on 43 acres of woodland and features opulent and spacious rooms and suites, including the large Donegal Suites. It offers an award-winning Cara Organic Beauty Spa with thermal suites and an infinity pool, and provides fine dining at Cedars Restaurant.

Castle

The moment guests step into the Lough Eske Castle, it feels like they have been transported back in time, into an impressive Tudor-baronial castle. Elegantly refurbished in 2007 to create the modern comforts of a world class boutique hotel, the castle has managed to maintain its ancient roots and splendour, creating an unrivaled atmosphere that welcomes and amazes all guests. It used to be the ancestral seat of the 14th-century clans of Donegal, and after a rather turbulent history, the castle became the hotel that it is today.

Honeymoon

Spend the most royal and majestic honeymoon at this exquisite castle hotel, which offers luxurious accommodation for two, Irish breakfast, a romantic dinner, a bottle of Prosecco and handmade chocolates, rose petals, access to the pool, fitness centre and spa, and many other romantic amenities that will make your honeymoon as magical as you have imagined it to be.

Spa

The concept of the traditional spa includes manicures, facials and massages; the hotel's spa focus is on a total wellness experience.

Family

All children are welcome, children under 3 years old stay for free when using existing beds.

Romantic

Solís Lough Eske Castle is a historic property majestically set within beautiful grounds against a backdrop of amazing natural beauty.

Pool

The spa has an indoor swimming pool which sits in the footprint of the authentic Glass House, featuring an aqua gold and green mosaic colour theme.

Heated Pool

Indoor Pool

Business

Lough Eske Castle offers flexible meeting and conference rooms, including a ballroom that can be subdivided into three soundproofed areas. The Glencar Suite can also be divided into two soundproofed meeting venues, and the Father Browne Boardroom provides an intimate atmosphere for discussions.

Parking

Parking facilities are available on site at this castle hotel. Set within 43 acres of woodland grounds, the property offers ample space to accommodate guest parking needs.

EV charging stations

Accessible

Facilities for disabled people are available.

EV charging stations

Lough Eske Castle provides four standard electric charging stations (4x 22kW Type 2 Socket chargers) in the front car park, accessible via the Monta app.

5 Star

Lough Eske is the only five star hotel in Donegal.

Indoor Pool

Lough Eske Castle offers a heated indoor pool with handmade glass mosaic tiles and views of the gardens. The pool area includes a children's pool, hydro jets, a relaxation area, steam room, and shower.

Heated Pool

This hotel offers a 5-star spa experience with its CARA Organic Spa. It has a pool and spa building which includes seven treatment rooms, a thermal suite with an ice fountain, sauna, steam room, tropical experience showers, heated bench and an infinity pool.

Gym

Room Types

Deluxe RoomSpacious guest rooms feature classic oak furniture and elegant bathrooms. Furnishings are opulent 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. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

Junior SuiteThe Garden Suites were created in 2007 during the restoration of the castle and still maintain the original castle walls. They are light-filled and airy, located close to the spa and accessible directly from outside the main hotel building. Stone-tiled floors are strewn with thick, soft rugs and the room is decorated with earthy colours and elegant pieces of oak furniture, including the king size bed centrepiece. The generous space includes a Spanish basket gas fire, built-in wardrobe and living area. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers. Some of the larger Garden Suites boast a grand oak table and chairs seating up to six guests. These are subject to availability and can only be confirmed at time of booking through reservations.

Garden SuiteThe Garden Suites were created in 2007 during the restoration of the castle and still maintain the original castle walls. They are light-filled and airy, located close to the spa and accessed directly from the castle gardens. Stone-tiled floors are strewn with thick, soft rugs and the room is decorated with earthy colours and elegant pieces of oak furniture, including the king size bed centrepiece. The generous space includes a Spanish basket gas fire, built-in wardrobe and living area. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers. Some of the larger Garden Suites boast a grand oak table and chairs seating up to six guests. These are subject to availability and can only be confirmed at time of booking through reservations.

Courtyard RoomSituated in the castle courtyard, these Courtyard guest rooms are set in the original castle stables dating back to the 1600’s and are accessible from outside the main hotel building. The decor has a modern country style with 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 compliments the restful colours and fabrics. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

Deluxe Twin RoomThese spacious guest rooms feature classic oak furniture and elegant bathrooms. Furnishings are opulent 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. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

Deluxe Double RoomThese spacious guest rooms feature classic oak furniture and elegant bathrooms. Furnishings are opulent 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. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat-screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, bath and separate rain shower, ESPA toiletries, soft towels and luxurious robes and slippers.

Double or Twin Room - Disability AccessThese spacious guest rooms feature classic oak furniture. Furnishings are opulent and tranquil colours have been used throughout, a reflection of the surrounding landscape. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. The accessible guest room bathrooms feature a roll-in shower, shower chair, hand rails and have tiling throughout with double basin granite vanity units, toilet and ESPA toiletries.

Superior Double RoomThese spacious guest rooms feature a large bay window overlooking the Courtyard gardens. Furnished with classic oak furniture and elegant bathroom. Furnishings are opulent 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. Wi-Fi access is standard, as well as a 40-inch flat screen TV, built-in Cedar wardrobes and refreshment station with Nespresso machine. Bathrooms feature marble tiling, twin wash basins, ESPA toiletries, bath and separate rain shower, soft towels, robes and slippers.

Donegal SuiteThis spacious suite includes 1 living room, 1 separate bedroom and 1 bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries. The suite offers a tea and coffee maker, a seating area, a safe deposit box and a TV. The unit has 2 beds.

Guest Reviews

8.9

Excellent

Review Summaries

Location

Lough Eske Castle is nestled in a beautiful location that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Although the narrow roads leading to the hotel can be long and windy, guests feel that the picture-perfect setting in County Donegal is worth the journey. The hotel is conveniently located within a 5-10 minute drive of Donegal town and near plenty of outdoor activities, making it a great base for exploring the beautiful region. The stunning castle and grounds are what set this place apart with bikes available to ride down to the lake and walking trails that offer pretty views. The location near the spa and parking is also ideal, allowing guests to make the most of their stay. It might be a secluded location, but it's still conveniently close to Donegal town, making it a superb destination in itself.

Breakfast

Guests raved about the breakfast options at Lough Eske Castle with many describing it as fantastic, delicious and amazing. There were lots of choices available for both cooked and continental breakfast with variations for cooked levels of eggs and even eggs benedict. Glass jars of Heinz ketchup were a charming touch and tea was lovely. While some felt that the breakfast was only fair for a 5-star hotel, there were still plenty who thought it was great and had a very good selection of choices. A few guests unfortunately had cold or overcooked food or had to wait a long time for breakfast, but for the most part, the food was consistently good and exceptionally tasty. Overall, the reviews suggest that breakfast at Lough Eske Castle is a highlight of the guest experience with many options to choose from and plenty of delicious food to start the day.

Dinner

Guests at Lough Eske Castle have mixed reviews for the dinner at the hotel. Some found the dinner exceptional with fantastic food and top-notch service. There was a great variety of foods to cater for all tastes and the steak was one of the best they've ever had. Guests highly recommend the afternoon tea as a highlight of their stay. However, others found the food overpriced and poor in quality with steak being tough and some dishes bland. Some guests reported being ignored for a significant period of time and service being slow or inconsistent. Additionally, some guests had to climb stairs to their rooms, which was difficult for those with foot issues. Despite mixed reviews, many guests found their dining experience to be beautiful and delicious overall.

Rooms

The rooms at Lough Eske Castle have received mixed reviews from guests. While some describe them as immaculate, luxurious and high-end, others were disappointed with the cleanliness and maintenance of their rooms. Some guests found cobwebs, old towels and broken appliances, while others admired the spacious rooms and opulent bathrooms. Some guests reported issues with replenishing toiletries, broken handles and cracked sinks. However, there were positive comments about the facilities and amenities in the rooms, such as heated bathroom floors, mini-fridges, robes and slippers. Despite some shortcomings, guests felt the hotel atmosphere was comfortable and relaxing with stunning views. The castle itself is magnificent and the relaxation areas and hotel facilities were delightful.

Beds

Lough Eske Castle offers guests a comfortable stay with rooms that vary in quality. Some guests found the beds to be uncomfortable, specifically noting the pillows as hard. However, others described the beds as "sooo comfy" and "enormous" with "super comfortable" mattresses and clean sheets. Some guests also noted that rooms were spacious and comfortable, while others found delux rooms to be hot and stuffy at night. Overall, while some guests had issues with the beds, others enjoyed a comfortable night's sleep.

Cleanliness

Lough Eske Castle is a beautiful hotel that offers mostly immaculate rooms with high-end décor. While some guests saw cobwebs and noticed that housekeeping could improve, overall the hotel is very clean and well-maintained. The pool and change room area are clean and up to a good standard, but some guests noted that the dressing rooms could benefit from updating. Unfortunately, some rooms, such as the garden suite, were not up to par and had issues with cleanliness. Guests also reported dirty glasses and some felt that the linen and pillows were not up to the hotel's 5-star standard. However, many guests praised the hotel's showers, which were described as super clean. The reception staff and porters are said to be helpful, but some guests noted that the attention to detail could be improved, particularly with the absence of shower caps and milk in the bedrooms. Overall, Lough Eske Castle is recommended for those seeking a high-end stay, but some attention to detail is still necessary to ensure a truly exceptional experience.

Staff

The staff at Lough Eske Castle are an absolute standout feature of this luxurious hotel. Review after review consistently praises the team for their exceptional service with phrases like "treated like royalty" and "service excellence" popping up frequently. From the welcoming and polite concierge to the lovely breakfast staff member, guests are quick to sing the praises of every staff member they encounter, often describing them as professional, knowledgeable and unfailingly friendly. Many specifically call out individuals who went above and beyond to make their stay special, like Michael and Gerard who made guests feel right at home or Dylan who was a wealth of local knowledge. Of course, a few negative mentions can be found with some guests describing staff as unfriendly or even false, but these comments are few and far between. Overall, guests rave about the "amazing" and "exceptional" staff who made their stay so enjoyable and many say it's the personal touch and attentive service that sets Lough Eske Castle apart.

Wi-Fi

If you're planning a stay at Lough Eske Castle, be aware that the wifi can be a bit hit and miss. While it's free and open access, some guests reported out of connection moments and poor reception with the in-room wifi being so weak that it's basically non-existent. A few reviewers suggested that the hotel could do with more boosters to improve the internet and others noted that the wifi in public places like the bar and restaurant was almost non-existent, while it kept dropping out in other areas too. If you're someone who relies on a strong internet connection, you might want to consider bringing your own hotspot just in case.

Spa

The reviews of the spa at Lough Eske Castle were generally positive. While some guests appreciated the spa treatments, others wished for better availability. Despite some space and access constraints, the spa facilities were great and the pool and jacuzzi areas were excellent. However, not all the facilities in the spa worked and some felt uncomfortable with certain guests using it in the nude. While some believed the spa needed some work, others found it lovely and relaxing with great pool and thermal suite. Overall, the spa was considered a wonderful treat and the body massages were highly recommended.

5 Star

Lough Eske Castle has been a favored destination for many travelers in the search for a luxurious getaway. The hotel boasts a beautiful property with perfectly manicured gardens that leave guests in awe. However, some guests have expressed a doubt in the 5-star rating, questioning if it lives up to it. While attention to detail was appreciated by most, some found minor issues that need improvement in order to give the 5-star experience that the hotel charges for. Despite the varying opinions, most guests agreed that the food was of a high standard and the staff were of a five-star quality. Nevertheless, a few guests thought that the linen could have been of a better standard. Overall, Lough Eske Castle was the best hotel experience for some and while for others it may not have lived up to the expectations of a 5-star hotel, the exquisite amenities and services offered make it still worth visiting.

Luxury

Lough Eske Castle is a stunning hotel located in a beautiful location, where guests feel like royalty. The hotel is well-appointed and luxurious, offering pleasing and exceptional five-star treatment. The rooms are opulent and luxuriously spacious, making the stay comfortable and cosy. The extensive manicured grounds are gorgeous and add to the beauty of the property. Despite some reviews mentioning that the property charges 5-star prices but doesn't give 5-star service compared to other 5-star establishments, the majority of guests found the service to be exceptional. The food served is excellent and the hotel is a lovely place to stay, apart from some guests mentioning that it might not live up to the 5-star standards. Overall, it is a beautiful property that has everything to offer, making it perfect for a luxurious stay in beautiful surroundings.

Romantic

Lough Eske Castle has proven to be the perfect hideaway for couples looking for a romantic retreat. Guest reviews reveal that nothing compares to snuggling up in front of a fireplace, reading a book and comfortable seating. The magical ambiance of the castle will transport you into a fairytale. The luxurious stay in the beautiful surroundings of the estate is splendid. The castle proves to be a magnificent experience for couples who want to reconnect and relax. If you want a quick escape, a fantastic two-day stay is a must. Lough Eske Castle is even perfect for mini-moons, a post-wedding retreat and as an ideal spot for couples to break from everyday life. The castle is undisputedly a dream honeymoon destination.

FAQ

Yes, Lough Eske Castle has pool(s) that belong to one or more of the following categories: Heated Pool, Indoor Pool.

Yes, a spa is available at Lough Eske Castle.

No, Lough Eske Castle doesn't allow dogs.

Yes, parking facilities are available at Lough Eske Castle.

Yes, Lough Eske Castle has a gym.

Location

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