Delightful Donegal
Nestled against the honey and amber coloured trees that line the edge of Lough Eske is the five star Resort and Castle, my home for two glorious days. It’s the perfect setting for a wedding or a place to while away the worries of city life.
We’re met with a warm welcome by Kevin at the door, donning a Magee tweed cap and waistcoat. I’m so clearly in Donegal and yet embalmed in luxury once we enter the castle walls. The decor is an oasis of calm with rich stately colours and modern art hanging on the walls. Downstairs the Father Brown bar is tiled with photographs and original memorabilia belonging to the famous photographer who cheated death by getting off the titanic at Cobb in 1912, but leaving a record of the journey in his legacy. His glasses sit in a case with other nic nacks.
The cedars restaurant is where the five star breakfast is served each morning and we dine here on our first night. The menu is a delicious mix with something for all tastes and suggested wine pairings. We opt for the pork belly and halibut which arrive like works of art. I couldn’t resist the rich lush chocolate dessert made with Madong 70% cocoa chocolate and only served at Louth Eske Castle.
The cocktail menu included an eclectic mix of drinks and I enjoyed my first mint julep since my visit to The Kentucky Derby last year! I’m sure this reflects the popularity of this luxurious resort with the American market and indeed we sat next to a couple from the USA who were celebrating their honeymoon in the hotel. A wedding was being celebrated down the hallway but this didn’t interfere with the pleasure of the other guests and vice versa.
Donegal town is a ten minute drive away and it’s bustling with visitors and shops selling charming souvenirs. It has a plethora of lovely bars offering live music and good eatery’s. We stop off at The Old Castle Bar where the venison pie and fish pie were delicious additions to our culinary experience of Donegal and good value too.
McCafferty’s has great music and ambience with three bars in one, including the cute McSwines. Magee is a traditional name in Irish clothing that has been around for over 150 years and set in the diamond, (which is actually shaped like a triangle) Where the friendliness of the locals who are only too happy to give way and wave on pedestrians and other drivers. The diamond is alive with piped Irish music gently playing from speakers dotted around the shop fronts playing ballads by the like of Paul Brady and is a novel addition to the Irish experience enjoyed by tourists. Being in the Wild Atlantic Way the town seems to have a bustling trade year round from across the ocean.
We pop into Little Mammas ice cream shop which is celebrating its first anniversary so are offered two scoops of gelato for the price of one. Yummy Reece and baniffee flavor were my choice.
Back in Lough Eske Castle we spent a leisurely afternoon enjoying the spa facilities at solis. The lovely Orla gave me a mini facial with espa products after which I floated into the hydro therapy pool.
Lough Eske Castle is built to exude calm and relaxation and I couldn’t help but feel rejuvenated afte our two night stay. I didn’t mention the lovely suite we stayed in with a generously proportioned bath and shower. The bed was made by Morpheus himself as I had two of the most restful nights sleep I can remember and I’m sure I will feel the benefits of my stay for sometime to come.
for more information see
https://www.lougheskecastlehotel.com/
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