Lough Eske Castle — Tim Warrington

Tim Warrington checks into lough eske Castle, ireland

Check-in experience

Redolent of times gone by, and reminiscent of scenes from a period drama, on arrival staff scurried to help me with my luggage making me feel like lord of the manner. Quite the beginning.

The castle

Lough Eske Castle is a historic, stately pile dating to the 15th Century and closely identified with the O'Donnell Clan, the founding fathers of Donegal. Set in a secluded storybook location within 43 acres of native woodland on the shores of Lough Eske with the dramatic Bluestack Mountains as a stunning backdrop, it’s an ideal place to hang your hat and rest your wearies when you’re up the top end of Eire.

I could not fault the superior hospitality and exceptional friendly service.

From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed guest room, we provide a truly accommodating environment where our dedication to the guest is thoughtful, reliable, consistent and complete - a place where superb service and superior amenities make every day here a perfect day.

Location, location, location

A short drive from the quaint town of Donegal, the castle is perched beside the loch-side beside the scenic Bluestack Mountains, which present a stunning backdrop.

The regal crunch of gravel under tyre is reassuringly present and pleasing as you approach the main entrance. Staff hurry to welome you and gather your bags and checkin

“The hotel is vast and its street frontage and adjacent shops are garnished with designer labels from Bentley to Dolce & Gabanna.”

Room

A standard room on the fifth floor with king-size bed and panoramic views of the Bolshoi Theatre. Parquet floors and neutral decor are complemented by high ceilings, delicate ceiling roses and matching cornicing. I slept well despite the enormous chandelier dangling above me. An assortment of pillows had me chucking out zees in no time and the double-glazing kept the urban soundtrack to a dull hum.

Room with a view?

Palatial architecture, exotic rooftops and golden domes as far as the eye can see.

Bathroom

My only criticism was the damp smell in the wet area but it wasn’t a deal breaker. The bathroom features marble tiling, twin wash basins, silver claw foot roll top bath and separate rainforest shower, soft towels and the ubiquitous robe slipper get-up.

Wi-Fi?

Complimentary in-room and public areas.

Food and drink

Chaliapin bar is famous for its cocktails but provides light snacks, too. Savva offers an elaborate gastronomic menu of "new Russian" food by Andrey Schmakov. I didn't order room service. When the palatial dining room beckons with stained glass, gold and marble, why would you?

“A bath/shower combo, with omnipresent retractable washing line … although I have a sneaking suspicion the caviar and champagne set probably don’t hand-wash their smalls.”

The statues in the grounds add a welcome touch of whimsy.

When caviar, smoked salmon and champagne are on the breakfast buffet menu it would be bad manners not to partake, particularly when serenaded by a lady playing a golden harp. The fitness food selection was a nice touch with all manner of healthy options, but with bubbles in one hand and smoked salmon in the other … well, I'm not an octopus.

Value for money

The best things in life are often not free, and you do get what you pay for.

It won the 'World's Best Luxury Country Hotel' title in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 and topped 'My Guide Ireland's Top 10 Hotels in Ireland. It has been lovingly restored and blends its historic past with a dash of contemporary luxury, where you can escape into a world of relaxed elegance.

It was a favourite haunt of the KGB and Michael Jackson once played piano in the main Metropol Hall. The hotel was built the same year as one revolution and only
12 years before another that toppled 300 years of Romanov rule.

Facilities

indoor pool, a fitness centre, and a sauna

Pets are welcome but not in the main castle. €25 per room per stay fee for pets.

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.

Please click to view our detailed updates on Health & Safety measures in light of Covid19. Our swimming pool, gym, treatment rooms and relaxation area remain open. Please note our thermal suite including our sauna and steam room are closed as per government guidelines.

Would I return?

For a special occasion I would return. Stay in a castle room. I met a coule the first night I was there and they pointed out quite rightly: “There’s not much point paying a premium to stay in a castle unless you’re staying in the castle.'“

“Lough Eske Castle is a historic, stately pile dating to the 15th Century and closely identified with the O’Donnell Clan, the founding fathers of Donegal.”

Everyone should gobble-down their Cheerios to the delicate plucking of a harp at least once in their life…

Go to Metropol Moscow.