Condé Nast - On the steely shores of Lough Eske, with the Bluestack Mountains as a backdrop, this ranks right up there among Irish castles you can bed down in. Donegal has become one of Ireland’s worst-kept secrets in recent years, a wild and rugged county that quietly impresses with its knockout scenery – and slickly operated Lough Eske Castle plugs you right in.
The new Donegal suites are ones to book, featuring bespoke burnt-orange tweed from fifth-generation weavers Magee, four-posters and roll-top baths as well as local art and goodies from Sliabh Liag Distillers, The Donegal Chocolate Man and Kinnegar Brewing.
There are bikes for ambling around the estate, a whiskey cellar for cosy tastings and an organic spa planted in the walled garden. For extra seclusion and romantic oomph, the 19th-century Lake Lodge, right on the water, has a deep copper bathtub, wood-burning fire, original fleur de lis tiles and flashes of signature Donegal tweed.
Cosseted guests can stroll back to the hotel along the lake for cocktails in the Gallery Bar before feasting on local seafood at Cedars Restaurant. It’s also worth venturing out to the wind-whipped cliffs of Sliabh Liag and the perfect scoop of Silver Strand to see Donegal at its finest.
Find out more at LoughEskeCastleHotel.com
