Outdoor hot tubs and new suites among plans for Lough Eske Castle

As Lough Eske Castle celebrates 15 years in business, new plans for the hotel have been announced to add to the existing facilities. 

Currently offering 97 rooms and suites, Lough Eske Castle is owned by Harcourt Developments and is the only five star hotel in Donegal. The new extension will bring the accommodation stock on the shores of Lough Eske to 125 rooms and suites. 

At the hotel’s recent 15th anniversary celebrations, manager Donal Cox spoke about exciting developments in recent years, as well as plans for the future. 

The last few years have seen the addition of the Fr Browne Bar, and extensive refurbishment of existing guest rooms.

Mr Cox told those gathered: “We have an exciting new project planned for next year, so the journey carries on. 

“Plans have been lodged with Donegal County Council for 28 new rooms, 26 of which will be junior suites.”

Guests can also look forward to new outdoor hot tub lodges in the beautiful woodland setting.

Working in collaboration with Sliabh Liag Distillers, visitors and locals can also enjoy the new Silkie Whiskey tasting room.

At the birthday celebrations, Chairman of Harcourt Developments, Pat Doherty OBE came in for much praise for his vision in transforming what was a rapidly deteriorating ruin into a magnificent hotel. 

He told the Donegal Post: “It has always been important to me that no matter what I do, I do it as well as I can. That was important to me here in developing Lough Eske Castle. We set out to did everything well and to create something special.

“It is great to be here celebrating with the team and with our guests. We have exciting times ahead and I am looking forward to the next chapter.”

Mr Doherty and the team planted 15 trees to mark each year the hotel had been opened.

Mr Cox told guests: “We will continue to plant a tree every year on the hotel’s birthday.”