Lord it up at Eske

Vickie Maye suggests you take flight to the Land of the Earls where you’ll be treated like a queen at Lough Eske Castle

AS YOU reach the end of the long, leafy driveway the first thing to hit you is the truly magnificent Lough Eske Castle. The second is the helicopter landing pad.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

For a moment you think you’ve been transported back five years to the height of the Celtic Tiger. Until you walk in the door that is, to be greeted by the warm, friendly, down to earth staff. Five star treatment at its best.

THE ROOM

The bathroom was so big it was like a hotel room in itself — think double shower, jacuzzi bath and marble counter tops. And the bed room? A stunning four-poster bed and double doors to our very own courtyard. What more could you ask for? One of the nicest hotel rooms I’ve ever stayed in.

WHAT TO SEE

Lough Eske is only five minutes from Donegal town but the hotel itself and its surrounds offer enough distraction for an entire weekend break. History buffs will be in their element — a castle has been on this site since the 1400s. The current incarnation was built in the 1860s and was rebuilt after it was destroyed by fire in 1939. Four years ago it was transformed into a hotel.

We went out on a walk with local Patsy McNulty. Don’t leave Lough Eske without meeting this genial historical buff — it made for a fascinating three hours. No surprise, after all we were in the heart of the land of the Flight of the Earls.

Part of a Fáilte Ireland initiative to promote walking holidays, an afternoon with Patsy was much more than a countryside amble. He gave us an insight into all things local, filling us in on the area’s incredible history — and giving us tips on nearby activities and amenities.

There’s nothing like the lowdown from a local.

Check out www.discoverireland.ie

AMENITIES

The castle grounds are sprawling, with stunning manicured lawns and quirky sculptures to guide us from our room to the main hotel.

A little stroll along the grounds leads you to the Spa Solis. I loved the relaxation room, with its six beds that faced onto the hotel courtyard, hidden behind sheer white curtains that floated in the breeze.

And natural light lit the 20m swimming pool with its glass atrium.

THE RESTAURANT

Pre drinks in the Gallery Bar and we were led to Cedars Grill.

The €55 set menu offers starters from pumpkin soup to crispy pork belly and mains from Irish Hereford grass-fed sirloin and Donegal lamb to Atlantic cod. Again the service was absolute perfection — pure professionalism. There’s also the bar food option, from noon to 10pm. Think fish and chips, €14.50, beef and Guinness stew, €9.50 and Blue Stack Mountain lamb shank, €19.50.

And the breakfast in the morning is worth getting out of bed for. Room service would be a waste at Lough Eske.

Afterwards it was on to the cosy Oak Bar with its stone floors and leather couches. A night to remember.

THE DAMAGE

The courtyard guestroom is €159 off-peak, €384 peak on a room only basis. The garden suites are €309 off-peak, €534 peak.

ANYTHING TO ADD?

Just two words — go there.