FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

County Donegal’s Lough Eske Castle, A Solís Hotel & Spa

by Francis X. Gallagher

May 1, 2016
2016

Arrival/Check-In: We were looking forward to spending some time in the birthplace of the Gallagher clan, Donegal, and we were not disappointed. Friends at Tourism Ireland suggested we stay at Lough Eske Castle, close to Lough Eske in a pristine 43-acre forest.

Once you enter the long drive to the castle, you feel yourself stepping back in time. The grounds contain many interesting sculptures, one of which is a dragon that greets you just before you drive to the front entrance. We pulled in and were amazed by the beauty of the castle stones and the modernization that turned a derelict, burned-out hulk into a truly special place. We parked in front and were immediately greeted by Michael, the bellman, who took us in, helped us with check-in and directed us to drive around the back of the complex for easier unloading of our bags. Michael met us there and offered his assistance, which was quite welcome as a light Donegal rain began to fall.

Guest Quarters: We stayed in guestroom 120 in the newer section of the hotel that leads to a courtyard of the main section of the castle. This was convenient for parking near our room and walking to the restaurants or around the grounds. The room was one large rectangle with a king-sized bed flanked by night tables and a workstation on the left. Double French doors led out to the garden and courtyard, and we could exit this door to get to the main house. The only problem was we could not lock these doors upon departure, so we ended up routing around the building. The bathroom, located to the left upon entering the room, was long and smartly appointed with double sinks and a large tiled shower. An equally large soaking tub sat on the opposite side of the sinks. The shampoo and bath products were from Mulvenna. Next to the bathroom was a large closet.

I found the electrical outlet quantity better than most hotels, with a large line of outlets above the desk. The only drawback was the lack of air-conditioning; we could leave the double doors open when we were away for the day or sleeping, but that did not seem secure. This is a common comment from travelers to Eske, as the summer months can get warm. Each room includes fans.

Services/Amenities: We enjoyed dinner and lunch at the Gallery Bar, where they pull some of the finest pints in Donegal. Bernard and Nigel made sure our glasses were kept filled while temping us with such dishes as the Solís burger, Irish smoked salmon and lamb stew.

In Cedars, Eske’s signature restaurant, we enjoyed a fine dinner including local oysters and lamb rump, finishing with ice cream. Christine, our server, made sure we had a lovely Château La Fleur de Bouard to accompany this meal.

During my stay, I booked a 30-minute massage at the on-site Spa Solís, offering all types of treatments and an indoor pool, which can come in handy with Donegal’s unpredictable weather. I also booked a tee time at the Donegal Golf Club at Murvagh for a windy round, which added to my Donegal experience (see Global Traveler September 2015). On a tour of Donegal Town, I enjoyed visiting Donegal Castle and the shops and restaurants. Make sure you visit the Slieve League Cliffs and Glencolmcille Famine Village, which are spectacular and just an hour’s drive away. Be warned: Some of the roads are narrow!

GT CHECKLIST

[checklist]
[item check=yes]Doorman/valet[/item]
[item check=yes]Less than 10 minutes for check-in[/item]
[item check=yes]Separate tub and shower[/item]
[item check=yes]Large vanity[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality towels[/item]
[item check=yes]Powerful, unattached hair dryer[/item]
[item check=yes]High-quality bed linens[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, flat-screen television[/item]
[item check=yes]Large desk with convenient outlets[/item]
[item check=yes]Large, complimentary laptop safe[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary in-room WiFi[/item]
[item check=yes]Complimentary bottled water[/item]
[item check=yes]Stocked minibar[/item]
[item check=yes]Ample lighting[/item]
[item check=yes]In-room coffeemaker[/item]
[item check=yes]Iron and ironing board[/item]
[item check=yes]On-site restaurant[/item]
[item]24-hour room service[/item]
[item]24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center[/item]
[item check=yes]Turn-down service[/item]
[/checklist]

Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa

Donegal Town
County Donegal, Ireland
tel 353 749725100
solishotels.com

Introducing

FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.

#globility

Insta Feed
Daily
Mar 22, 2023

Austrian Airlines to Bring Back Flying Chefs

Austrian Airlines plans to bring back its Flying Chefs program this summer, returning after a three-year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In partnership with its caterer DO & CO, chefs employed by the catering company will offer a complete gourmet experience to passengers traveling in Austrian’s business class on long-haul flights.

Share Your Travel Preferences with Global Traveler in a Short Survey & Win

Learning more about our readers’ travel habits and preferences ensures Global Traveler delivers the content you desire. As the travel industry has adapted and changed over the last few years, it’s more important than ever to connect. To best meet your short- and long-term travel content needs, please help us!

Daily
Mar 22, 2023

Bucket List Blooms: Best Places to Witness Spring Blooms

With spring on our doorstep, the world prepares to see bursts of color, from bold bluebells to vibrant cherry blossoms. While every destination welcomes spring, these places not only see beautiful flowers blossom but also celebrate these blooms with festivals and floral-themed offers from local hotels.

eFlyer Reviews
Mar 22, 2023

Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf Review

Among the handful of hotels in the area, Pendry Washington DC – The Wharf is the newest. I was excited to check in for a little staycation — and even more excited when I checked into my room just in time to see the sun set over the boats docked in the Potomac River.

Enter to Win $500 and Get Six Months’ Free Access to the New GT App

Now through May 8, sign up for a free six-month trial of the Global Traveler app and be automatically entered for a chance to win a $500 gift card of your choice for Amazon, Apple or American Express.

eFlyer News
Mar 22, 2023

Meadow Homes, New Boutique Vacation Rental Platform in New England, Launches

A new upscale vacation rental platform invites travelers to enjoy boutique properties across New England. Meadow Homes debuts with more than 20 properties in the countryside of upstate New York, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Vermont, with a keen focus on large, private homes close to popular lake and ski destinations.

Daily
Mar 22, 2023

Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese Offers Unique Photography, Romantic Proposal Experiences

Through tailored experiences, guests at Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese embark on a photo tour around Rome led by Ryan Neeven, the @DoorsofItaly founder, to not only see historical sites, culinary highlights and modern marvels, but also to learn how to professionally capture them.

Exclusive Savings: Cruise Along the Danube River with Global Traveler

Exclusive Sailing with Global Traveler

Daily
Mar 21, 2023

Salem, Massachusetts, Announces 2023 Festival Schedule

The town of Salem, Massachusetts, may get a lot of attention come October and Halloween, but this year-round destination offers a full schedule of festivals perfect for any season.