Saturday, August 13, 2011
SET among 600 acres of a stunning peninsula overlooking Lough Erne, the golf resort of the same name is more than just a paradise for lovers of the sport.
If the Faldo-designed course at this Northern Ireland five-star doesn’t grab you, then maybe the authentic Thai spa, the delightful on-site lodges, the several award-winning restaurants and cafes, or the delightful course-side walks, might just entice you across the border.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
We had hardly walked through the door of the recently-built but very authentic-looking castle hotel when we were greeted by a big ‘hello, how are you?’ from the grinning doorman, who set the tone for the five-star service we received throughout our stay. If the name is familiar to you, it’s probably because the hotel is blessed to have Rory McIlroy as its touring professional and the association has attracted a huge amount of attention to the venue in recent months.
THE ROOM
We had a very cosy, traditionally-decorated lakeside room with calming views over the golf course and lake, and all the mod cons you would expect in a five-star hotel. The spacious bathroom had a separate bath and shower and the room, not far from the lobby, meant we were in close proximity to the restaurants and the spa.
THE AMENITIES
Apart from the Faldo course and golf academy, there are lovely walks around the estate. The Collop Walk takes you up over a little hill beside the hotel, with magnificent views of the lake to either side of the peninsula, and then down to a little marina which was busy with families berthing cruisers for the evening when we passed. The end of the walk passes by a nature reserve with several bat boxes in the trees and then we were back at the hotel for a cosy evening cocktail. The beautiful Thai spa, staffed by native Thai masseuses has several treatment rooms, and I opted for the traditional treatment, delivered on a comfortable, raised mattress, after I donned my traditional Thai massage outfit of loose white top and pants. Not for the faint-hearted, this method will have you back-bending, snapping and stretching like a cat on speed, but it’s worth it, as every muscle and sinew feels like it had a well-earned workout when the hour’s up.
WHAT TO SEE
Enniskillen is not seen as a major tourism hot-spot, but it’s a firm favourite with river cruisers, thanks to the opening of the Ballinamore/Ballyconnell canal in recent years. The myriad lakes and rivers mean there is no shortage of forest and lakeshore walks and anglers will be particularly thrilled with the options on offer. Fermanagh is also the home of Belleek China and Enniskillen itself has plenty of great shops. In October, the resort will host the 2011 Ireland Qualifier for the World Corporate Golf Challenge.
THE FOOD
At the table is where Lough Erne resort really excels. The Catalina Restaurant is the home of well-known TV chef Noel McMeel, who delights in serving up something different to his loyal customers and first-time visitors. Our five-course meal, which we left entirely in his capable hands, included a quail scotch egg with my sea-bass, and pan fried Silver Hill duck breast for my partner’s main course. Chatting to Noel, his enthusiasm for his job is obvious, and he even runs a cooking academy for under-11s with a love of food to match his own. Apart from the stylish Catalina, you can dine in the Blaney bar, the Loughside bar and grill or have afternoon tea in the Garden Hall or on the splendid terrace, that runs the length of the massive hotel.
There is also a Halfway House café for golfers and boaters, on the lakeshore.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Right now, the resort is offering some great deals at £149.50pps (€170) per night, including dinner. There are other packages available, from family deals at the splendid lodges, to golf weekends. See www.lougherneresort.com.
ANYTHING TO ADD
We loved the Gordon Wilson library in the hotel — with its smart leather couches, wood panelled shelving and book cases, overlooking the gardens. And the lodges, with mini turrets like something out of a Rapunzel movie, would be the perfect for girlie getaways or family anniversaries. Though we tried to find fault with either the service, the food, or the accommodation, we simply couldn’t. At a push, it’s two hours north of Dublin, but let’s not nit-pick for the sake of it.
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