Arrival/Check-In: We were eager to explore Donegal, the birthplace of the Gallagher clan, and Lough Eske Castle more than met our expectations. Suggested by friends at Tourism Ireland, the castle sits beside Lough Eske within a pristine 43-acre woodland, offering an immediate sense of retreat and history.
Driving down the long approach to the castle feels like stepping back in time. The grounds feature several sculptures, including a dragon that stands near the drive just before the main entrance. The castle itself is a striking restoration: the original stonework combines with thoughtful modernization to transform a once-derelict structure into a distinctive, welcoming hotel. On arrival we were greeted by Michael, the bellman, who assisted with check-in and directed us to a convenient unloading area at the rear of the complex. He returned with help as a light Donegal rain began, which made his assistance especially welcome.
Guest Quarters: Our room, number 120, is located in the newer wing that opens onto a courtyard connected to the main house. The location was convenient for parking and for walking to the castle’s restaurants and gardens. The room presents as one generous rectangle with a king-sized bed flanked by nightstands and a practical workstation to the left. Double French doors open to the garden and courtyard, providing a pleasant connection to the outdoors and an easy route to the main house; however, these doors could not be locked from the inside when we left, which required routing around the building for security.
The bathroom is well-proportioned, situated to the left upon entering the room, with double sinks, a large tiled shower and a substantial soaking tub opposite the vanity. Mulvenna amenities were provided. Adjacent to the bathroom is a spacious closet. The room benefits from a generous bank of electrical outlets above the desk, which is more than many hotels offer. One limitation is the absence of air-conditioning; during warmer months guests may rely on the double doors and provided fans to circulate air, a common note among travelers to Eske.
Services and Amenities: Dining options include the Gallery Bar, where we enjoyed both lunch and dinner and sampled some of the finest pints in Donegal. Bernard and Nigel kept our glasses filled while we tried local favorites such as the Solís burger, Irish smoked salmon and hearty lamb stew.
For a more formal meal, Cedars—Lough Eske’s signature restaurant—offers refined local cuisine. We savored oysters and lamb rump and finished with house-made ice cream, accompanied by a well-chosen bottle of Château La Fleur de Bouard. Service throughout was attentive and knowledgeable.
The on-site Spa Solís provides a comprehensive range of treatments and features an indoor pool, useful given Donegal’s famously changeable weather. I booked a 30-minute massage and appreciated the convenient, calming spa setting. Golfers will find excellent options nearby; I arranged a tee time at Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh for a notably blustery round that complemented the regional experience.
Exploring Donegal Town is easy from the castle. Highlights include Donegal Castle and the town’s selection of shops and restaurants. Natural attractions like the Slieve League Cliffs and Glencolmcille Famine Village are spectacular day trips—each roughly an hour’s drive—though visitors should be prepared for some narrow rural roads on the way.
GT CHECKLIST
Doorman/valet: yes
Check-in under 10 minutes: yes
Separate tub and shower: yes
Large vanity: yes
High-quality towels: yes
Powerful, unattached hair dryer: yes
High-quality bed linens: yes
Large, flat-screen television: yes
Large desk with convenient outlets: yes
Large, complimentary laptop safe: yes
Complimentary in-room WiFi: yes
Complimentary bottled water: yes
Stocked minibar: yes
Ample lighting: yes
In-room coffeemaker: yes
Iron and ironing board: yes
On-site restaurant: yes
24-hour room service: no
24-hour, state-of-the-art fitness center: no
Turn-down service: yes
Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa
Donegal Town
County Donegal, Ireland
tel 353 749725100
solishotels.com