My Lough Eske Castle Hotel Review: What You Need to Know

On my recent trip to Ireland, I decided to splurge a little and stay at a castle (fulfilling a childhood fantasy). However, since I’m a wheelchair user, it’s not always easy to find an accessible castle to stay in. Luckily, I came across one in Donegal and I want to give you my honest Lough Eske Castle review after staying there so you can decide whether this is the right property for you.

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***Please note that I paid to stay at this hotel. This is not a sponsored post and I do not receive anything for writing this. The opinions expressed in this article are 100% my own.***

A Quick Look at Lough Eske Castle

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Where is Lough Eske Castle Located?

Lough Eske Castle is located in County Donegal, Ireland, nestled near the shores of Lough Eske and surrounded by the stunning Bluestack Mountains.

Situated just a short drive from Donegal Town, this luxurious castle offers a peaceful retreat while being well-positioned for exploring the wider region. Visitors can use the castle as a base to discover the natural beauty of Donegal, from rugged coastlines and sandy beaches to scenic hikes and charming villages.

The nearby Wild Atlantic Way, a famous coastal route, and Glenveagh National Park provide ample opportunities for adventure and exploration, making Lough Eske Castle an ideal starting point for a memorable Irish vacation.

Lough Eske Castle Hotel Review: The Property

Overall, the property is wonderful and exactly what you would expect when you think of a castle. There are public places that you can enjoy as well as areas such as the spa to unwind.

The Building

As you enter the castle through the main entrance, you are met with a grand staircase that you would imagine any stately castle having. The entrance is simply decorated but showcases artwork and has a feel of elegance.

Everything was well-kept and clean. The reception area is just around the corner and to the left of the staircase where staff was always present and ready to assist.

Atmosphere

The main lower rooms of the castle (the library, red and green rooms) all have their own style. While they adhere to the style of the castle, they are also relaxed enough that you aren’t afraid to sit in or enjoy them.

They make for a fantastic spot to read a good book or just enjoy the fire. The library also has small tables should you fancy a game of cards. However, be aware that the green room is sometimes in use for afternoon tea (more on this later in the post).

I found the atmosphere of the castle to be welcoming and elegant but not so formal that you’re afraid to move. Staff added to this comfortable environment by always offering a warm greeting.

Restaurants

There are three venues on site where you can satisfy your hunger. Each has its own menu and atmosphere. Cedar’s is open for dinner while the other more casual options of the Gallery Bar and the Father Browne Bar, have lunch available as well.

Breakfast is served in the morning in Cedar’s Restaurant which has a large selection of self-serve and made-to-order options. They even have a variety of gluten-free items that my travel companions (who have severe food allergies) really enjoyed. The gluten-free pancakes were the biggest hit.

I personally loved the pastries and scones selections. They paired perfectly with a cuppa tea or coffee (which my friend said was the best she’s had in Ireland).

Cedars

Cedar’s is more of a fine dining restaurant that offers a selection of higher-end options. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a special meal. I decided to have a splurge meal in Ireland and this is where I chose to do it (definitely worth it).

The service was good and the food was even better. While I did not have a starter or dessert, both my friend and I savored every bite of our meal. She had the Featherblade of Irish beef and I had the chicken.

The meal comes with a shared set of sides (which change). The beef (which she graciously let me try) was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Likewise, my chicken was tender and flavorful. The sides were good but nothing to brag about.

While I wouldn’t make eating at Cedar’s a nightly ritual (mainly due to the prices), it was a great way to celebrate being in Ireland and staying at a castle. Reservations are required so be sure to make those when you check into the hotel.

Gallery Bar

The Gallery Bar is a casual venue where you can get a mix of traditional items such as fish and chips as well as more creative ones. There are two rooms you can choose to sit in that each offers a comfortable and laid-back feel.

I ate here on the first night of my stay. I ordered the pizza while my friend had the fish and chps. Both were very good. If you’re looking for a more affordable and casual option than Cedar’s, the Gallery Bar is an excellent choice.

Pool

A short walk from the hotel is the green house inspired building that houses the pool and spa. Access to the pool is included in your stay and can be a wonderful place to relax.

However, it’s important to note that everyone at the hotel has access to this pool so there may be kids and families using it as well. Swim caps are required but also available to purchase for a small fee if you forgot yours or do not have one.

Spa

If you want a bit of pampering during your stay, you can choose to book a spa service. These include the typical massages, facials, etc. There is also a thermal spa available to use at an extra cost (but also included in any treatment you purchase). This separate pool area is open in the evenings and is can be a way to avoid the kids and families at the regular pool.

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Lough Eske Castle Hotel Review: The Rooms

In full transparency, I have only personally stayed in the wheelchair accessible/Deluxe room due to my accessibility needs. The others I traveled with also stayed in Deluxe Rooms.

Castle Rooms

Staying in a castle room at Lough Eske Castle is an experience that combines historic charm with luxurious comfort. With only five unique suites to choose from, each offers a distinct taste of elegance, from grand four-poster beds and plush linens to period furniture and rich, warm décor.

Whether nestled in the Tower Suite with its winding staircase and sweeping views or in a suite overlooking the castle entrance, you’ll feel immersed in history while enjoying all the modern conveniences of a 5-star stay.

The spacious rooms, ambient lighting, and opulent touches create a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary luxury, making it a truly unforgettable experience.

Courtyard Rooms

Located in the historic castle courtyard, these Courtyard Guestrooms offer a blend of modern country charm within the original castle stables from the 1600s. Spacious and inviting, the rooms feature warm, neutral tones, white wood paneling, and bespoke oak furniture, creating a relaxing ambiance.

With luxurious bathrooms, modern conveniences, and plush furnishings, these rooms provide a comfortable and elegant stay, reflective of a 5-star experience

Wheelchair Accessible Rooms (Deluxe Rooms)

Like the other rooms, the accessible room is spacious and comes with free WiFi, a coffee/tea maker, biscuits, and a luxurious bathroom with heated floors, and a heated towel rack. However, what is different is that the bathroom also has grab bars near the toilet and a roll-in shower with a seat.

While this is an accessible room, the thick carpet made it difficult to navigate in my wheelchair and the sink didn’t have roll-under capabilities. The basins were also high.

Additionally, if you require a lift, it wouldn’t fit under the bed and would be difficult to use on the carpet.

However, I had plenty of room to navigate around either bed and there was plenty of storage to put away my clothes and belongings should I want to settle in. I don’t know that I’ve ever stayed in an accessible room this large before.

Superior Deluxe Rooms

The Superior Deluxe rooms are generously spacious at 560 sq. ft., featuring a bay window overlooking the hotel courtyard. The rooms exude tranquility with a king-size four-poster bed, classic oak furniture, and elegantly designed bathrooms.

Modern amenities like Wi-Fi, a flat-screen TV, and luxurious touches such as marble-tiled bathrooms with twin sinks, a rainforest shower, and plush robes create a perfect blend of comfort and style.

Junior Suites

The bedroom is centered around a king-size bed, complemented by a traditional bed seat and dressing table. The space is adorned with elegant oak furniture, including a sofa, coffee table, and comfortable easy chairs.

Decorated in soft, earthy tones with ambient lighting, the suite offers a luxurious atmosphere with plush carpeting and a spacious living area, perfect for relaxing or planning your day. Some Junior Suites also feature sofa beds for accommodating children, which can be reserved directly with the hotel.

Garden Suites

The Garden Suites at Lough Eske Castle offer a unique blend of history and luxury, with direct access to the castle’s beautiful gardens. These spacious rooms, around 950 sq ft, are filled with natural light and feature original castle walls from the 2007 restoration.

Inside, stone-tiled floors, plush rugs, and earthy tones create a warm, inviting atmosphere, while elegant oak furniture, including a king-size bed, adds a touch of grandeur. The suites also include a living area and built-in wardrobe, making them perfect for a romantic getaway or a peaceful retreat.

Some suites even offer a grand dining table for private meals, available upon request.

Family Room

Lough Eske Castle offers a variety of family-friendly accommodation options that cater to the needs of families. For those traveling with one child, a roll-away bed can be added to a spacious guestroom for an additional fee.

For larger families, the hotel provides a limited number of interconnecting Deluxe Guestrooms, ideal for maintaining close connections while enjoying separate spaces. These interconnecting rooms are available upon request and depend on availability, so contacting reservations in advance is recommended.

Lake Lodge

The Lake Lodge at Lough Eske Castle offers a private and serene retreat, located by the castle gates and overlooking Lough Eske and the Bluestack Mountains. This charming two-story lodge, built in 1861, retains its historic character with original windows and tiles while providing modern comforts.

The open-plan ground floor features a living area with a wood-burning fire, a fully equipped kitchen, and a dining space with breathtaking views. Upstairs, two cozy bedrooms, and one en-suite, ensure a peaceful stay, with calming neutral tones and dual-aspect windows.

Guests can enjoy the seclusion of the lodge, along with access to the castle’s spa, pool, and dining options just a short walk away.

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Lough Eske Castle Review: Accessibility of the Property

Although accessibility at the castle wasn’t perfect, it did meet my particular needs. The room was designed for plenty of room to navigate no matter the size of your wheelchair. Additionally, the bathroom had enough room to turn around in, and the layout of the roll-in shower was fairly good.

On the other hand, it would’ve been nice to have another grab bar in the shower for easier transfers. Furthermore, the sinks were a bit difficult to use as well due to their height and the shelf under the sinks that made it hard for me to roll my wheelchair under the counter.

Additionally, the grounds were lovely but difficult for me to enjoy due to the dense gravel that made my wheels spin. Likewise, when I got to the pool, there was no lift to allow for wheelchair users to enter it. I did not have a chance to try the spa but was informed that the thermal room (with another pool) also did not have a lift.

Despite these challenges to accessibility, there were lifts throughout the castle that allowed me to access the various floors and restaurants. The staff were happy to direct me to the nearest lift to get me to where I wanted to go.

Entry into the castle could be done through a ramp and side door (not automatic) on the newer addition or there was also a side entry directly to the castle. However, this second door was usually locked. If staff saw me approaching (which they usually did), they would come to the door and open it for me with a warm greeting.

5 Things to Do at Lough Eske Castle

1. Enjoy a History Tour

Every day at 11 am visitors can take a free guided historic tour of the castle. You’ll learn fun facts as well as the history of the family that built the castle in the 1400s.

2. Take a Carriage Ride

Add a little romance to your stay by taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through the property. There are two tour lengths to choose from, 30 minutes or 60 minutes. Both require an additional fee ranging from 30-60 euro per ride (which can accommodate up to 4 people).

However, you will have to book this activity in advance by calling the hotel or emailing the reservation department.

3. Have Afternoon Tea

Fulfill all your royal fantasies by having a proper afternoon tea at the castle. It is served daily (but times may vary) and both an adult and children’s menu are available. Each comes with finger sandwiches, pastries (such as scones), and sweets.

It is recommended that you make your request in advance by contacting the reservation department at the hotel.

4. Stroll the Grounds

As one may expect, castles should have beautiful surroundings. Lough Eske Castle has a large area of property for guests to enjoy. You can admire sculptures, stroll through the gardens, take a hike down by the lake and more.

A series of trails are available to allow you some peaceful time outside in this stunning area. Ask at reception for suggestions and guidance on their favorite places.

5. Go Fishing

Available in summer (April through September), take advantage of the lake on the property to do a little fishing. Angling Ireland will provide the boat rental (shore fishing is not allowed) and fishing permit for the day. Please note, however, that this is a catch-and-release program and you will not be able to keep your catch.

Lough Eske Castle FAQs

What are the benefits of staying at this property?

The benefits to staying at this property are staying in a 5 star hotel with excellent service, delicious food, and luxurious rooms (some of which are wheelchair accessible). And let’s not forget that this isn’t just a hotel, it’s a castle.

It’s a wonderful way to escape the hustle and bustle of sightseeing or to celebrate a special event.

How much does it cost to stay at Lough Eske Castle? What’s included?

Prices will vary based on the time of year you visit, however, generally speaking rooms can start at $300 per night in low season to $450 per night in summer (peak travel season). During the shoulder seasons, rooms start at around $350 per night.

Included in your room rate are: breakfast (very delicious and allergy-friendly options available), bathrobe, slippers, high-end toiletries, free in-room WiFi, free parking, free bottled water, digital TV, coffee/tea maker with biscuits, and access to a portable fan.

Is staying at the Castle worth the price?

Whether an activity or hotel is worth the price is always subjective and typically depends on your overall budget. I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at the castle and felt it was a wonderful and elegant retreat after a day of sightseeing. However, I probably would save a place like this for a special occasion such as a big birthday, honeymoon, anniversary, etc.

If I hadn’t stayed here, my trip to Ireland would still be fantastic. Although, it was a special experience that I treasure having. I mean, how many people can say that they slept at a castle???

It was so special arriving to staff waiting outside and waiving to us as we arrived. It honestly felt like something out of a Hallmark movie. The service was so personalized and welcoming that it felt like I was returning to my castle (albeit shared with others) after a journey away.

In full disclosure though, I have never stayed at a 5-star property before so this may be just a new experience for me in general. Either way, it was a special stay that fulfilled all of my little girl princess fantasies I had as a child. If a stay at Lough Eske Castle is within your budget, I highly recommend it.

When is the best time to stay at Lough Eske Castle?

I stayed here in the first half of June, right before the peak summer tourist season and I think this helped my overall experience. Although the castle was busy, the staff weren’t overwhelmed and were able to personalize their attention.

Some of the reviews online from July 2024 complained that the staff-to-guest ratio was noticed and they didn’t feel like they had the same service I experienced.

Furthermore, if you’d like to try to save some money on your stay, consider visiting in the winter or low season for better pricing. While you may not be able to enjoy the grounds during winter the same as other seasons, you’ll score a better deal and still get to enjoy the inside of the castle and spa.

➡️ Compare Prices for Non-Peak Travel Seasons by Clicking Here.

How long should I plan to stay at the hotel?

I stayed for two nights and felt like I got to experience much of what the hotel had to offer. However, if you’re going to be doing a lot of sightseeing, you may want to add one more night.

The main activity I missed was afternoon tea, which based on my other experiences, I’m sure would’ve been delightful. And, if I had another day here I could’ve added that (and maybe a massage) to my stay.

On the other hand, if you just want a relaxing getaway, two nights is the perfect amount of time.

What is the Dress Code at Lough Eske Castle?

With such an elegant property, you may be worried about what is expected in terms of the dress code. However, you’ll be happy to hear that it is also a casual environment. While you may want to dress up a little for a dinner in Cedar’s restaurant, the other venues are more low-key.

Throughout my stay I wore jeans and a nice sweater and never felt out of place. Additionally, I never felt judged or looked down on for the way I dressed and the staff always made me feel at ease.

Is Lough Eske Castle in a safe place?

Yes, the castle always felt very safe and staff were always around monitoring the needs of their guests. As with any hotel, I wouldn’t suggest leaving valuables in your vehicle overnight, but I felt comfortable during my entire stay here.

Would I Stay at Lough Eske Castle Again?

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Lough Eske Castle and would return there in a heartbeat. While the accessible room I stayed in may be challenging for some, it met my needs.

The atmosphere, service, and food were all delightful and really set this apart from a regular hotel. Although the price is steep, it is an activity that I recommend adding to your Ireland bucket list to make your trip more memorable.

Overall, I believe Lough Eske Castle to be a fantastic option for celebrating a special occasion or a quick and relaxing girl’s getaway.

My Final Thoughts on This Lough Eske Castle Review

While Lough Eske Castle could use some minor improvements, such as the ability to control the temperature in your room, it was an enjoyable experience that I would return to. I hope that this honest review has helped you determine whether this is the right castle stay for you on your next trip to Ireland.