Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Solis Lough Eske Donegal
Donegal is Irelands most ancient and traditional county. The landscape is stunning with unspoilt sandy beaches, top golf courses and the best surfing in the world. Lough Eske Castle on the outskirts of Donegal town is the perfect base for sight-seeing throughout the north-west where you will discover scenic coastal tours along the stunning Wild Atlantic Way. The region takes its name from the O’Donnell’s - one of the most powerful families who were the original
inhabitants of Lough Eske Castle back in the 1400s. The castle that we see today was built in the mid 1800s. In fact a stone engraved with the year 1621 still remains on the property as a memory of its history. Renovated in recent years and transformed into Ireland most luxurious rural retreat, Solis Lough Eske Castle is perched on Lough Eske between Donegal Bay and the Blue Stack Mountains surrounded by 43 acres of ancient woodland. The setting is grand and the drive imposing as you approach this most gracious Tudor Baronial property. Step into the castle and you marvel at the
Wedding’s at Lough Eske Castle Donegal.
imposing lobby which has been lavishly refurbished and extended to create the modern comforts and graceful luxury that instantly competes with any world class hotel of its size. Here you can escape into a world of relaxed elegance and personal service with spacious public rooms, impressive fireplaces and leaded windows. The 98 bedrooms and suites vary with the most luxurious castle accommodations offering a blend of antique charm and modern comfort. The guestrooms at all levels exude a natural beauty and charm with a stylish blend of contemporary and traditional interiors. The antiques with specially commissioned artwork bring this historic building into the 21st century. On my winter visit I was spoilt by a secluded deluxe suite hidden away from any sign of people or life and I returned home feeling totally recharged assisted by a signature facial at Spa Solis. The dining room is stunning with floor-to-ceiling, buttonback upholstery and modern crystal light fixtures. The A la carte menu at Cedars
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Grill offers fresh, locally sourced and sometimes organic produce – resulting in perfectly cooked dishes. The leisure centre and spa in the walled garden is designed to look like an old glasshouse with the 12m swimming pool positioned in a bright garden setting. Solis Lough Eske Castle & Spa is also one of Ireland’s top wedding venues providing a Solis Lough Es ke Castle’s Hi stunning and unique storic Exterio r. backdrop for your wedding photos. Facilities include ballroom, banquet set-up, bridal suite and third night free from €507.00 estate’s lakeside woodland guest bedrooms. On Sunday per couple midweek. The ac- trails, take a castle history April 3rd their spring wed- commodation for two people tour or head off with partner ding experience will show- includes full Irish breakfast or friend using complimencase the uniqueness and daily at “Cedars” alongside tary bikes at any time durquality of this venue. Couples full access to the Spa Solis ing your stay. This is a hotel can meet the castle’s wedding swimming pool, fitness room that’s got the wow factor and specialists, renowned chef and thermal suite. This offer continues to evolve. www. and management followed is valid for any three con- solislougheskecastle.ie by a food show with selected secutive night’s midweek Robert Walshe is a travel wedding dishes and cocktail (Sun-Thurs) and is based on broadcaster with Q Radio sampling in the Oak Bar. For 2 people sharing. As the days Network and Travel Editor those in need of some rest get warmer and brighter, for River Media newspaper and relaxation Solis Lough there is an abundance of titles across the island of Eske are offering a two night activities to do around the Ireland. www.robertwstay in a deluxe room with a Solis Lough Eske. Explore the alshe.com