Home & Away with Robert Walshe
www.robertwalshe.com
Weekend Hotspot – Solis Lough Eske Donegal
Lough Eske Castle on the outskirts of Donegal town is the perfect base for sightseeing throughout the northwest 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. 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 imposing lobby which has been lavishly refurbished
n Solis Lough Eske Donegal Suite
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 antiques with specially commissioned artwork bring this historic building into the 21st century. On a recent 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 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
(074) 9131018 like an old glasshouse with the 12m swimming pool positioned in a bright garden setting. The Lough Eske Castle Food and Wine Festival on Sunday November 8th at 7pm promises to immerse your day in discovery, deliciousness and creativity while pleasuring your taste buds with locally sourced foods and array of the finest celebrity chefs, food producers and supn Solis Lough Es pliers in the country. ke Castle Done gal Solis Lough Eske, Ireland’s are also offering a Christmas special staying on the 24th, 25th, 26th of Decem- from 2-4pm , Christmas night ber with a complimentary buffet supper served in the stay on the 23rd. This festive Gallery bar from 7 to 9pm package includes dinner on & St Stephen’s/Boxing Day Christmas Eve from a three morning breakfast with dincourse table d’hôte menu ner later at Cedars restaurant of your choice from Cedars or the Gallery bar followed by restaurant or the Gallery live music on both evenings. bar , mulled wine and mince The Lough Eske package is pies served on return from based on two people sharing. services in the main foyer , As the days get shorter and Christmas morning full Irish colder, there is an abundance breakfast, a welcome glass of of activities to do around the sparkling wine to commence Solis Lough Eske. Explore Christmas Day buffet lunch the estate’s lakeside woodserved in the Castle Ballroom land trails, take a castle his-
www.keeshotel.ie
tory tour or head off with your loved ones or friend using complimentary bikes at any time during your stay. This is a hotel that’s got the wow factor and continues to evolve. www.solislougheskecastle.ie Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com