Lough Eske Castle
Grand Victorian castle with warm Irish hospitality. Gothic arched windows, roaring log fires, velvet furnishings, oak staircases — historic atmosphere without being stuffy or precious about it.
Book Cedars Restaurant the moment you confirm your room — it fills up fast, especially in summer and on wedding weekends
Why It Matters
The only five-star hotel in County Donegal. Opened as a hotel in 2007 after a meticulous restoration of a castle with origins dating to 1474 and rebuilt in 1861. The CARA Organic Spa sits in the exact footprint of the castle's original Victorian glasshouse, and the award haul is long: Condé Nast Top Ten Luxury Hotels in Ireland multiple years, Ulster Spa of the Year, and Ireland's Castle Wedding Venue of the Year.
A 19th-century sandstone castle on the shores of Lough Eske, surrounded by 43 acres of woodland at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains. It's Donegal's only five-star hotel — and it earns that designation honestly, with spacious rooms, a seriously good spa built inside the original Victorian glasshouse, and a dining room sourcing heavily from the Wild Atlantic Way. The long, forested drive in sets the tone before you ever reach the front door.
Where You'll Stay
10 room types available
Courtyard Guestroom
Located in the former castle stables, these are the entry-level rooms but still deliver proper five-star kit: marble bathrooms with twin basins, rainforest shower and bath, oak furniture, thick carpets, and robes and slippers. Dog-friendly, with direct garden/courtyard access — a practical choice for those bringing pets.
40 sqmDeluxe Guestroom
Spread across the main castle building and adjacent wing. Tranquil hues, thick plush carpets, dark wood furniture, and lightly patterned fabrics throughout. Marble bathrooms with double vanity. Many have garden views. The beds are consistently praised in guest reviews.
Donegal Suite
The newest addition, launched in 2024. Twenty-five rooms finished in bespoke Magee 1866 tweed fabrics, four-poster beds, roll-top baths, and contemporary tech throughout. The design nods directly to Donegal's craft heritage. Good option for multi-generational and family stays.
Garden Suite
These free-standing cottages sit outside the main castle in a small row. At approximately 100 m², they feel more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room — large open-plan lounge with dining table, open fireplace, walk-in cedar wardrobes. Quieter than some courtyard rooms, and the garden setting adds privacy.
100 sqmJunior Suite
A proper suite-level experience: king bed, enormous marble bathroom with soaking tub, and a separate lounge with sofa, armchairs, and a breakfast table. In-room breakfast is available on request. Roughly 65 m² of space — generous enough to feel like an apartment.
King · 65 sqmLady Francis Suite
Described as an example of 'utter luxury and splendour' in the castle accommodation range, dedicated to a significant figure in the castle's history.
Lake Lodge
A separate, private hideaway situated at the castle gates, directly on the shores of Lough Eske. Ideal for guests who want complete seclusion while still having access to all hotel facilities. Very limited availability — book well ahead.
Major General White Suite
Named after one of the castle's most significant custodians, this is described as the premier suite in the original part of the castle. Flagship room — expect the full castle-heritage experience.
Presidential Suite
The top-of-the-range option with private tower access and butler service. Full details are limited publicly, but it's the flagship stay for those who want the works.
Tower Suite
Situated in the castle's imposing four-floor sandstone tower. One of the most distinctive stays in the property — authentic castle architecture with the comforts of a luxury hotel room.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
A daily guided history tour of the castle, covering its origins with the O'Donnell clan in 1474, the Brooke family era, the Victorian rebuild in 1861, and the restoration in 2007. Runs at 11am daily.
The lake is a 5-minute walk from the hotel. Season runs March to September for spring salmon, sea trout, char, and brown trout. Fishing permits must be purchased in advance at the Eske Angling Centre.
Complimentary bicycles available for guests to explore the 43-acre estate and surrounding woodland trails. Good for reaching the Lough Eske shoreline.
Extensive woodland walking trails around the 43-acre estate and along the Lough Eske shoreline. The hotel concierge can arrange guided walks. Donegal Golf Club is within 15 minutes' drive for golf.
A carriage ride around the castle grounds — the kind of thing that sounds touristy but guests consistently highlight as a genuine highlight of a stay.
19-metre indoor infinity pool in a glass atrium with views over the estate grounds. Complimentary for all hotel guests. Hot tub also accessible; thermal suite requires spa booking.
Bespoke whiskey tasting sessions in the original castle cellars. Focus on Donegal and Irish whiskeys including Sliabh Liag Distillery labels. From €35/person.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
The Father Browne Boardroom is equipped for meetings or private dining. Business centre facilities also available.
Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel and all guest rooms.
Qualified babysitting can be arranged; fee applies.
Fully equipped gym with cardiovascular and strength training equipment. Complimentary for hotel guests.
In-house library in a dedicated room on the ground floor of the castle.
Four electric vehicle charging points on-site. Guests need to use the Monta app (available on App Store and Google Play) and bring their own universal charger cable.
Free on-site parking with no reservation needed. Valet parking also offered.
Dogs permitted in courtyard bedrooms only (former stables with direct garden access). A charge applies.
19-metre infinity pool in a glass atrium with views over the castle grounds. Available year-round, complimentary for hotel guests.
Four outdoor hot tubs in the castle's walled garden. Available to guests at €45/person, or €25/person as add-on with a spa treatment.
BUILD YOUR LOUGH ESKE CASTLE PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
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