Press Room
Press Room
Christmas at Lough Eske Castle
“Lough” yourself away this Christmas
Celebrate the festive season in fairytale luxury at Lough Eske Castle
If you have always harboured secret fantasies of a fairytale Christmas then Lough Eske Castle could be just what you’re looking for. Situated just outside Donegal Town, nestled in 43 acres of forest woodland hugging the shores of Lough Eske with the snow-capped Bluestack Mountains as its fitting backdrop, this lovingly restored 17th century castle has fairytale Christmas written all over it.
From its breathtaking entrance to its grand ballroom, its soothing spa to its award winning food, Lough Eske Castle is magical. It’s not surprising that it’s the only Irish hotel to claim a World Luxury Hotel Award and has won the Luxury Country Hotel title for the last three years.
For Christmas 2011, the Castle has designed a fabulous festive three night break from Saturday December 24 to Tuesday December 27 and for those intent on starting the celebrations earlier there is complimentary accommodation and breakfast on Friday, December 23, subject only to availability for those booking the Christmas Package.
The Lough Eske Castle Christmas Break includes accommodation in your choice of guestroom for either 3 or 4 nights, breakfast daily, dinner on Christmas Eve and St. Stephens’s Evening, Christmas luncheon and a Christmas supper buffet on Christmas Day, a mulled wine & finger food reception on Christmas Eve, outdoor activities on St. Stephen’s Day and musical entertainment nightly. Children are very welcome too and there is a host of entertaining indoor and outdoor activities to keep them occupied including “fun time” hosted by Santa’s Little Helpers on Christmas Eve and a very special visit from Santa Claus on Christmas Day.
The three-night all-inclusive Christmas Package starts from €635 per adult sharing with the children’s package starting from €150 per child.
For more information or to book, contact the hotel on +353(0)7497 25100 or visit
Christmas Day
Lough Eske Castle is also available for Christmas Day lunch from 2pm to 4.30pm at €79 per adult and €39 per child, under 12 years of age. To reserve your table, please call +353 (0)7497 25100.
New Years Eve
New Year’s Eve dinner reservations in Cedars Grill Restaurant from 6pm to 10pm from €55 per adult. Entertainment in the Gallery Bar afterwards. To reserve your table, please call +353 (0)7497 25100.
Gift Cards
Treat someone you love to a gift from Lough Eske Castle this Christmas, choose specific gifts from Spa Solis or a gift card for a spa treatment, an overnight stay, dinner, afternoon tea or a cash amount. To purchase a gift, please call the hotel at +353 (0)7497 25100 or email reservations.lougheske@solishotels.com
Lough Eske Castle Food Appeal and Christmas Lights Switch On
Lough Eske Castle joins forces with the Lions Club of Donegal to launch Christmas food appeal
Public asked to donate non-perishable food items for distribution to local organisations helping people in need across County Donegal
Five Star Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel & Spa and winner of the World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel Award for the third consecutive year, has once again joined forces with the Lions Club of Donegal to launch a special Christmas food appeal.
The Lions Club of Donegal, which works together with local charities and organisations to help families experiencing extreme hardship as a result of the economic downturn, is hoping that Lough Eske Castle’s continued support for the appeal will significantly increase the amount of non-perishable food donated by the general public.
Dearbhla Kelly, President of the Letterkenny Lions Club said that Lough Eske Castle’s generous support will make all the difference as we approach another difficult Christmas for organisations and families in need across Donegal.“Each Christmas Letterkenny Lions Club, like many other clubs across the country make sure that the less well off are not forgotten about at Christmas time. Every Christmas we collect non perishable foods (such as pasta, cereals, porridge, tinned vegetables, sweets and savories) which are distributed to various charities and into homes in time for Christmas. This year Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa, and SuperValu, Donegal Town will have a collection point for Lions. You can drop by and leave some non perishable food in the basket and help give a bit of joy in times of need. Nationally, the Lions food donation amounts to the monetary value of 5 million euro. The motto of Lions is "We Serve" and the food appeal lives up to that ideal. We, the Lions Club would like to thank Lough Eske Castle, SuperValu and you the public in advance for supporting this worthy cause.”
Jeroen Quint, General Manager of Lough Eske Castle said that they were pleased to be able to do all they could to help the Lions Club’s efforts to assist those in need. “We were delighted with the success of previous appeals so have decided to once again work with the local community to help those most in need this Christmas. The Lions Club have for years provided assistance to other charities operating across County Donegal and we’re pleased to be able to provide a boost to their work this year. We’d also like to thank Kavanagh’s SuperValu for the first donation which will help kick-start the appeal and for offering their store as an additional collection point. We’d like to invite the entire community to join us in our efforts to make Christmas special for everyone by bringing a non-perishable food item to the collection point at the Lough Eske Castle from Thursdays to Sundays, or Kavanagh’s SuperValu Store Donegal Town.
The appeal was officially launched on Sunday 4th December at the Castle’s ‘Annual Switching on Ceremony’. One lucky primary school child from Co. Donegal, chosen from hundreds of competition entrants, was Prince of the Castle for the day and switched on the Castle’s Christmas Lights at 5pm. The support for the Food Appeal was overwhelming and Lough Eske is hoping that the public will continue their support by leaving non-perishable food items at drop of points in Kavanagh’s SuperValu Donegal Town and the Castle itself. Collection will run until Saturday December 18th 2011.
Lough Eske Castle's Prince or Princess Competition
Be the Prince or Princess of Lough Eske Castle.
Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa is giving one lucky girl or boy the chance to treat them self and their class this Christmas. All primary schools in County Donegal have been asked to invite pupils to write about their Best Christmas Ever! The winning child will become the Prince or Princess of Lough Eske Castle for a day as he or she will officiate at the annual switching on of the festive lights at the Castle on December 4th at 5pm. The lucky winner will also be treated to overnight accommodation in the Presidential Suite at Lough Eske Castle with his/her parents or guardian on the night of December 3rd, dinner that evening and breakfast the following morning. Furthermore, the winning child is to invite their entire class to a Solis Signature Teddy Bear Tea Party on the afternoon of December 4th, at 3.30pm.
All schools in County Donegal have been asked to participate in the hopes of making some Christmas dreams come true this year.
Lough Eske Castle Wedding and Spa Open Day
Lough Eske Castle Wedding & Spa open day
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal’s only five star hotel and the holder of The World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel Award 2009, 2010, 2011 and Ireland’s Wedding Venue of the Year award 2010 and 2011, will be opening its doors to future brides and grooms for its annual Wedding and Spa open day on Sunday 23rd October 2011.
The event, which will take place between 12 noon and 6pm, will give couples the chance to view the hotel and its facilities as well as experience it as a venue not just for wedding receptions but also for civil ceremonies. The Castle’s experienced wedding team will be available on the day to give one-on-one consultations and ideas for planning the perfect wedding. Those who book their wedding at the open day will receive €1,000 in vouchers to be redeemed against various wedding suppliers in attendance.
Whether your wedding is an intimate family affair or a grand celebration for up to 280 guests, Lough Eske Castle can create your dream day. From music to the menu, the hotel’s wedding co-coordinator will work with you to plan every detail. With exceptional service and gourmet cuisine, Lough Eske Castle’s wedding team will do whatever it takes to make your wedding day a dream come true.
Couples are free to call into Lough Eske Castle at any point during the event. For further information please contact Noreen or Marleen on Tel: +353 (0) 74 9743152 or visit www.solislougheskecastle.com
World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel award for the 3rd year in a row
Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel & Spa has won the World's Best Luxury Country Hotel award for the 3rd year in a row.
Lough Eske at the Taste of Donegal Festival 2011
Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel and Spa is proud to be involved in this year’s annual “Taste of Donegal Festival”, for the third consecutive year.
Lough Eske Castle’s Executive Chef, Philipp Ferber, is confident in retaining the title of “Best Chef” at this year’s festival and will be treating attendees to samples of the fine cuisine that is typically available in the Castle. The hotel is at stand no 8&9 and a warm welcome is extended to all to come by for a visit. Given his success last year, Philipp is very excited about the prospect of defending his title at this year’s festival weekend.
At Lough Eske Castle, residents and non-residents can experience the wonderful food prepared by Philipp and his team. Dinner is available in Cedars Grill Restaurant each evening with a reduced menu available for only €39. The Gallery Bar and Lobby Lounge serves food from 12pm until 10pm daily, with main course available from only €11and tasty snacks available from jus €5.70 per person.
Lough Eske Castle has truly risen to the challenge of being the best in their field and has twice won the title of World’s Best Luxury Country Hotel at the Luxury Hotel Awards 2009 and 2010. It has also claimed the title of Ulster Wedding Venue of the Year 2011 and for the last two years has won Best Wedding Venue from WeddingsOnLine.com, Ireland’s largest online wedding provider.
With such accolades under its belt, Lough Eske Castle is the ideal choice for special celebrations be it a Wedding, Christmas party or Social Celebration.
Visit Lough Eske Castle at stand 8 & 9 over the festival weekend, or to make enquiries regarding upcoming dining events please contact the Castle on +00353 (0)74 97 25100 or visit www.solislougheskecastle.com
Lough Eske Castle Food Events
Lough Eske Castle, a Solís Hotel and Spa, extends an invite to all, to come to the luxurious setting and enjoy some of our exciting upcoming events.
In it’s first ever Independence Day celebration, Lough Eske Castle will host a BBQ, from 7-9pm on July 4th 2011. Here you will be able to enjoy the best food Donegal has to offer, cooked American style on a chef attended grill. For only €25, (€12.50 for children under 12), you and yours will be treated to sharing platter as well as an ‘all you can eat’ style BBQ.
Given the success of Ireland’s own Rory Mc Ilroy in the recent US Open golf tournament, and the interest generated within the castle, both The Irish Open and The Solheim golf tournaments will be shown in our Oak Bar this year. The Irish Open will be shown from July 28th to 31st and The Solheim Cup from September 23rd to 25th 2011. Both can be watched in the comfort of our Oak Bar with food and beverages being served from 12pm.
Donegal Town is once again set to host the “Taste of Donegal Festival”, for a third year running from August 26th to 28th. Lough Eske Castle has been greatly involved in this festival since it began in 2009, and this year will be no different. After treating the public to free samples at the Lough Eske Castle stand in Donegal Town, Philipp Ferber, executive chef, will once again welcome Michelin star chef Conrad Gallagher into his kitchen in the castle. On Saturday August 27th diners will be served a 5 star meal consisting of four courses prepared by Conrad himself, with the assistance of Lough Eske Castle’s own award winning executive chef and his culinary team.
For reservations call: +353 97 25100 or email reservations.lougheske@solishotels.com
WInner of Best Service Award at the Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2011
The Irish Tatler Spa Awards 2011 awarded Spa Solis with The Best Service Award.
Tatler magazine reads.... "The warmest of welcomes, impeccably turned out staff and very knowledgeable therapists has put Solis Spa at Lough Eske Castle at the top of our Best Service Category, taking home the award. A painless reservation process, competently dealing with challenges and changes that our judge threw at them and friendly introductions got the staff at Solis off to a good start, while attention to consultations forms and suggested therapies were second to none. Pre and post treatment service made this spa stand out above others, with excellent reading material and a fully stocked changing room with complimentary products that make sure you are ready to go straight from the spa when you are finished; excellent attention to detail. All in all, a fabulous offering, made perfect by exceptional service"
Lough Eske Castle in the Conde Nast Traveller Hot List
The Condé Nast Traveller, the bible of world travel, has named Solis Lough Eske Castle in their 2008 Hot List for Top New Hotels.
Best Getaway Deal- TravelZoo 2011
Lough Eske Castle,a Solis Hotel & Spa has won the 2011 TravelZoo Award for Best Getaway Deal 2011.
Best Loved Hotels of the World 2011/2012
Lough Eske Castle, a Solis Hotel & Spa has been designated A Best Loved Hotel.
Donegal’s 5-star Hotel Celebrates Win For Second Year
One of Ireland's most popular and Donegal’s only 5-star hotel, Lough Eske Castle has received prestigious international recognition after being named the World’s Luxury Country Hotel for the second year in a row by the World Luxury Hotel Awards.
Spa Solis Lead by Ireland’s Best Spa Manager
The IBPA Irish Beauty Industry Awards 2009 in the Burlington Hotel, Dublin, celebrate the annual achievements of Ireland’s professional Beauty, Nail, Make up and Spa sectors.
World Luxury Hotel Award Winner - December 2009
Donegal’s only 5-star hotel Solis Lough Eske Castle has been named the world’s top Luxury Country Hotel at the industry’s most prestigious awards ceremony held in Bangkok, beating off competition from around the globe.
Voted #1 Hotel by My Guide Ireland - December 2009
Solis Lough Eske was named the #1 Hotel in Ireland by My Guide Ireland.
Hotels were rated by our guests on 7 categories including hospitality, accommodation, food, exterior, facilities, location and value. We are honoured to be at the top of this list.
Hat-Trick for Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel
Hot on the heels of being named the world’s top luxury country hotel, Donegal’s five-star Solis Lough Eske Castle Hotel has now being named one of the world’s best castle hotels by US based travel expert Stephanie Abrams.
Lough Eske Castle - Irish Wedding Venue of the Year
Irish Brides have declared one of the country's newest hotels, 5-star Lough Eske Castle, Donegal Ireland's top wedding venue for 2009 in an awards scheme to mark the 10th anniversary of Ireland's most popular weddings website, WeddingsOnline.ie
Wedding Planning Masterclass With Wedding Planner Tara Fay
This two-day masterclass aims to help brides take the pressure off the process by pointing them in the right direction helping them to plan their perfect day while learning from the best in the business. Each bride-to-be is free to select the workshops which best meet her needs and she can make appointments to talk with the industry specialists privately on the day.
Lough Eske Castle Food & Wine Festival - September 2010
Food lovers will have a unique opportunity to savour an unprecedented Michelin Star culinary exhibition, delivered by some of Europe’s leading chefs, as Donegal’s only Five-Star hotel Lough Eske Castle hosts a special three-day Food & Wine festival starting on Saturday, October 2nd.
Winner of Taste of Donegal - September 2010
Lough Eske Castle’s new Executive Chef Philipp Ferber gave a taste of things to come for hotel diners as he claimed the Taste of Donegal Culinary Contest on his debut in the Taste of Donegal Culinary Contest, as part of last weekend’s Donegal Food & Wine Festival.
