Donegal Golf at Solis Lough Eske Castle

Donegal is a haven for lovers of the great outdoors and beautiful scenery, and our specially designed package will put a spring into anyones step and tempt all of those with a passion for nature!

• 3 night’s accommodation
• Breakfast daily
• 3 course table d’hôte dinner for two on one evening of your choice
• Walking Guide to accompany you on your exploration of Donegal’s Great Outdoors
• Use of Hotel Walking Stick and Map
• Spa treatment of your choice between the essential facial or the Spa Solis massage.
• Complimentary use of Swimming Pool and Fitness Centre in Spa Solis

PRICE: $529 pps midweek

South Donegal in the winter provides a brilliant backdrop for the plethora of activities which the county offers. Golfers are nearby greens, Anglers can cast upon the many lakes or rivers and the mighty Atlantic challenges sea anglers. Escape to the unspoiled areas by bike or on foot with walkers spoiled for choice with routes at both high and low level as well as waymarked routes.  Trek along the vast landscape on horseback or partake in something a little more demanding at an outdoor adventure centre ... Discover Donegal in the winter and Discover Your Love of the Great Outdoors.

We provide further details on specific activities such as Golf, Walking, Surfing & Water sports, Horseriding and Fishing but for those of you just looking for ideas, here's a flavour of what you can do while staying at Lough Eske Castle.

• Hiking & Biking- trails and tours through the Bluestack Mountains and local terrain - 8 mins drive
• Pristine Beaches- beautiful sandy beaches with Blue Flag Status - from 20 mins drive
• Watersports - South Donegal coastline has some of Ireland's best surfing - 20 mins drive
• Horseback Riding- Lakeside and beachside riding excursions for experienced riders - 30 mins drive
• Coastal Sailing- Boating tours and sailing excursions - 20 mins drive to 1hr 15 mins drive
• Scuba Diving - Boat and shore diving day trips - 30 mins drive
• Superb Fishing- unspoiled lake and river angling as well as salt water fishing - 5 mins walk to 15 mins drive.
• Golf- 4 championship links golf courses between 10 and 45 minutes drive
• Donegal Waterbus- an 80 minute cruise exploring Donegal Bay with commentary on historic sites - 5 mins drive.
• Day Trips- Slieve League the highest sea cliff in Europe, castles, ruins and other historical sites nearby - 45 mins drive.
• Visit Glenveagh National Park, voted one of the “7 wonders of the west of Ireland”. Read more about Glenveagh National Park here.1 hour 15 mins drive.
• International Appalachian Trail- Experience the world famous walk, on the doorstep of Lough Eske Castle, which stretches from Slieve League through the Bluestacks of Lough Eske and on to the Antrim coast.

The Northwest of Ireland has been selected by the IAGTO as the European golf destination of 2011. Read more here about the superior golf facilities available within easy reach of Lough Eske Castle.

Donegal Golf Course (Murvagh), is an outstanding championship links course, designed by Eddie Hackett, and continually featured in Golf World’s Top 100 Courses in Ireland and Great Britain. It is located within a 10 minute drive of Lough Eske Castle.

Narin / Portnoo Golf Course offers golfers magnificent scenery with stunning views of Gwebarra Bay. This links course is located about 45 minutes drive from Lough Eske Castle.

Ballyliffin Golf Course with two magnificent links courses to play, this club offers the golfer an opportunity for a challenging game of golf along with some of Ireland's most breathtaking coastline scenes.

Bundoran Golf Club offers an 18 hole links and parkland course which is within a 20 minute drive of the Castle.

Do you want to get out and face the wilderness? Do you want to get back to nature? Consider a holiday at Lough Eske Castle and you can experience an Ireland you only dreamed existed.

Donegal Adventure Centre & Surf School - Offers surfing, skateboarding, a full high ropes and climbing centre, team building and watersports. All equipment is provided.

Bundoran Surf School - Quality surf coaching with local surfers. Fully insured. ISA approved.

Donegal Waterbus - a one and a half hour cruise aboard a luxurious 165 seater cruiser which gives a commentary on history, flora, fauna and sealife. A  must for all new visitors to the area! Cliick on the link to email us for sailings during your visit to Lough Eske Castle.

Slieve League - Sliabh Liag - Boat Trips on the Nuala Star. This is a sightseeing trip to Europe's highest sea cliffs. Sailing times are 10, 12, 2, 4 and 6. Sheltered seating is available for all passengers. Also available for Whale, Dolphin and Bird Watching, Sea Angling  and Dive Charters.

Revel in the beauty of a constantly changing landscape and enjoy unhindered access to Atlantic beaches, moors, mountains and forest trails and lake shores.

Breath in crystal clear air, guide your mount through a clean mountain stream or along the white sands of an unpolluted shoreline. Listen to the sounds of nature and delight in the vivid colours of the wild flora. Mostly, though, enjoy the people, the fun and the sheer bliss which is the essence of an equestrian adventure in Lough Eske.

The following two equestrian centres are approved by A.I.R.E. the Association of Irish Riding Establishments.

• Dean's Equestrian Centre, Bruckless
• Donegal Equestrian Centre, Homefield House

Fishing on Lough Eske

Lough Eske, also referred to as Lough Eask translates from the Gaelic as “lake abounding in fish”. Brown trout, sea trout and salmon are caught on a catch and release basis and are widely available to fish so good luck and enjoy your day on Lough Eske! Fishing season is April 1st to Sept 30th, 2012.

A fishing license and a permit fee are required to fish on Lough Eske costing €70 per day which also includes the hire of a 2 man boat. To Book Fishing on Lough Eske, please CLICK HERE.

Smoke your own fish at Lough Eske Castle

We will teach you everything from gutting and cleaning the fish to detailed discussions of curing & smoking methods. Bring your fresh catch or we will supply you with fresh trout, mackerel or salmon. Afterwards you will be treated to a tasting of freshly smoked salmon and a glass of chilled white wine. Click here to view our package

Eske Fishery and Game Angling

The Eske fishery consists of the 5km River Eske, the 900-acre Lough Eske and its tributaries. The Lough and its tributaries are amongst the most picturesque in Donegal set among the Blue Stack and Tawnawully Mountains. The fishery is noted for its spring salmon, sea trout and char and is also a productive brown trout fishery. The fisher has a run of spring salmon, a good run of grilse and late salmon. Sea trout angling is at its best from late July onwards.

The River Eske itself is best fished from Timony's Turn to the Mill Pool on the outskirts of Donegal Town, below and above Miss Jenny's Bridge in the Middle section of the river and at the Eel Weir Turn downstream on Lough Eske Bridge. Fly fishing and spinning are the most popular angling methods on the fishery depending on water heights. Closed for salmon and sea trout over 40cm.

Sea Angling

Donegal is blessed with an extensive coastline and vast ocean offering the visiting angler an opportunity to sample some of the best shore and deep sea fishing in Ireland. Washed by some of the cleanest and clearest seas in Europe, wide stands and stretches of rugged rocky coastline entice shore anglers to dip their rod for that elusive mackerel or pollock. Deep sea angling in Donegal is exciting, inexpensive and most importantly a memorable experience full of character and characters.