With baby number two a matter of weeks away, my husband and I decided we would try and make the most of a generous offer to babysit, (after all who knows how many more we will get when there is times two to mind!) and escape for a little babymoon.
Where and Why
The five-star Lough Eske Castle is located just outside Donegal Town, nestled within 43-acres of forest woodland hugging the shores of Lough Eske, ticked all the boxes. It was recently named one of the top ten Irish hotels for the sixth year running by Condé Nast Traveler.
Boasting 97 spacious guestrooms, the Lake Lodge - a private two-bedroom residence and the award-winning CARA Organic Beauty Spa, the two AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant, the Gallery Bar, the Father Browne Bar and a new Whiskey Tasting Cellar - the luxurious hotel has much to recommend it.
Our deluxe guest room featured a stunning four poster bed, and possibly one of the comfiest beds I’ve ever slept in, ensuring a great night’s sleep, which believe me at nearly eight months pregnant is no easy feat, overlooking the the walled gardens, with a bathtub of dreams and fully stocked with gorgeous Voya goodies.
Full of Activity
Whether you are jumping in the car for a weekend away or spending longer in Donegal, Ireland's Northernmost county has a lot to offer. Slieve League is the jewel in the crown of the Wild Atlantic Way coastal touring route. Prepare to be dazzled by the panoramic views across Donegal Bay, some of the tallest in western Europe. If you don’t fancy driving the coastal route, Sliabh Liag Boat Tours also run tours to the magnificent Sliabh Liag Cliffs.
Or head into the wilds of Donegal in Ireland's second largest national park. Glenveagh boasts a magnificent 19th century castle set on 16,000 acres of exploration.
Another must see is exploring Malin Head. From Ireland's most northerly point of the island you can view the Five Finger Strand and spot the wreckage of the ‘Twilight’, which sank in 1889 while sailing to Derry.
Nearby is Donegal Craft Village, 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 occupied by talented artists, who are highly skilled craftspeople in their chosen medium.
Visitors can purchase unique Irish craft and design; one-off pieces unavailable anywhere else or commission special bespoke items.
My husband, also took the opportunity to climb Mount Errigal, Donegal’s highest peak, and raved about the stunning vistas, though I’ll be honest, the highlight for me was lounging around in the award-winning CARA’s Organic Beauty Spa, because pregnancy and a toddler is no joke, and the gorgeous thermal suite, and serenity filled relaxation room were just what the doctor ordered for this tired mama.
Dining Options
With so much to see and do in the area during the day, and wanting to maximise relaxation, we opted not to stray from the hotel to eat in the evenings. Not always something I recommend but when the food is this good, thankfully it’s a great choice! The first night we dined in the two AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant. The food was outstanding – simple, exquisitely fresh ingredients cooked without any fuss or show, but with superb results.
Highlights for us were the incredible seafood offerings including delicious pan fried scallops and a stunning monkfish tail, while my husband also raved about the incredible wine pairings and recommendations on offer. The second night we opted for something more casual in the Gallery Bar, which again didn’t disappoint, be sure to try the Fisherman’s Catch sharing platter featuring everything from prawns to Atlanic smoked salmon! We were lucky enough to visit during September’s brief but very welcome heatwave, and dining on the terrace overlooking the stunning formal gardens and surrounding woodlands was the icing on the cake.
Taste Of Donegal
If you’re looking for a couple’s retreat or a foodies treat, The newest “Taste of Donegal” experience at the five-star Lough Eske Castle showcases the castle’s new Whiskey Cellar.
Discover Donegal's unique tipples, flavours, and local produce. Experience Lough Eske Castle’s new Whiskey Cellar with the new two-night “Taste of Donegal” package.
The latest launch at Lough Eske Castle, which is now in its 16th year operating as an award-winning hotel, invites lovers of local Irish produce and quality Irish whiskeys to experience this exciting new getaway.
The Taste of Donegal package incorporates a two-night stay in one of the hotel’s expansive bedrooms. Whilst there, you will taste artisan chocolates produced in Donegal, discover Donegal whiskeys in the new Whiskey Cellar located by the Father Browne Bar within the castle. Learn about the unique blends of the double distilled whiskey produced by the Crolly Distillery located at Killindarragh, through to distinctively smooth Silkie Whiskey distilled at Sliabh Liag Distillery at Adara.
Sample produce sourced locally including fish caught on the Wild Atlantic way with a mouth-watering three-course dinner in the award-winning 2 AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant on one evening of your choice. This package also includes full Irish breakfast each morning, with locally sourced sausages produced in Donegal town. Take time to relax during your stay with complimentary access to the indoor heated swimming pool, fitness suites and bicycles.
The Taste of Donegal package is from €640 per couple and includes:
- Two-night stay with daily full Irish breakfast and a three-course dinner in the award-winning 2 AA Rosette Cedars Restaurant on one evening of your choice
- Artisan chocolates produced in Donegal in your room on arrival.
- Whiskey tasting in the new Whiskey tasting room.
- Complimentary access to the indoor heated swimming pool and fitness suite included.
Reservations at Lough Eske Castle can be made via www.lougheskecastlehotel.com, call +353 74 97 25100 or email: reservations@lougheskecastlehotel.com
You can also book through ebookers.com
Get the latest RSVP headlines straight to your inbox for free by signing up to our newsletter
Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this LINK to receive your daily dose of RSVP Live content. We also treat our community members to wonderful competitions, promotions, along with great stories. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice
