BY TIM HEDGLEY, GROUP TRAVEL EDITOR
Set within 43 acres of forested woodland, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, multi-award-winning Lough Eske Castle, part of The Harcourt Collection, has elevated its offering of five-star luxury with the introduction of ‘The Donegal Suites’.
The 25 new suites offer an exceptional opportunity to experience the very best of Irish hospitality, local craftsmanship and the breathtaking natural beauty of Donegal.
Lough Eske Castle, Donegal’s only 5-star hotel, is renowned for its fairy-tale setting, award-winning service and luxurious, spacious rooms.
The new Donegal Suites enhance this reputation further, providing guests with larger rooms that are perfect for special occasions, multigenerational stays, or an indulgent getaway.
The design and colour palette of the new suites have been inspired by the stunning landscapes surrounding the hotel.
The suites each feature a bespoke Magee 1866 tweed, the result of a careful collaboration between the fifth-generation family business Magee 1866 and the hotel.
The distinctive burnt orange and salt and pepper tweed originates from the firm’s ‘Eske Bunch’ collection, named after its weaving mill, situated on the banks of the River Eske, not far from the hotel, in Donegal town.
This warm and welcoming orange colourway, reflective of County Donegal’s diverse landscapes, is showcased in a striking feature wallscape, with texture and dimension created by vibrant flecks and nepps of colour randomly dispersed throughout the fabric.
This adds a pop of colour to each bedroom while also augmenting the sense of luxury and comfort which tweed creates when used in interior spaces.
Each tweed wallscape is made with 100% woollen yarn, a fibre which is versatile, biodegradable and renewable.
All of Magee 1866 fabrics are designed, woven and finished by its team locally, with quality always the guiding principle. Each of the suites has a card-based entry mechanism and feature four-poster beds, roll-top baths, fireplaces,and a higher tech specification including a Phillips 50-inch smart TV and CubieBlue Bluetooth device.
In addition to the collaboration with Magee 1866, The Donegal Suites showcase the quality of local businesses, from Sliabh Liag Distillers, McNutt of Donegal, McGonigle Glass Studio, Kevin Callaghan Pottery, The Donegal Chocolate Man, Kinnegar Brewing, and artists including Patrick Murphy and David Mitchell.
John Doherty, Creative Director of Harcourt Developments, says: “Our vision for The Donegal Suites was to create spaces that not only offer luxury but also a deep connection to the local landscape and culture.
“We’ve worked closely with Magee 1866 to incorporate their custom tweed, inspired by the colours and textures of Donegal, into the design of each suite.
“The result is a unique blend of comfort and authenticity that we believe will enhance the guest experience at Lough Eske Castle.”
Dónal Cox, General Manager at Lough Eske Castle, adds: “We’ve noticed increasing demand for suites that cater to multi-generational families and international visitors looking for a luxurious and authentic experience.
“The Donegal Suites have been designed to meet this demand, providing spacious and beautifully designed rooms that reflect the best of Donegal’s natural beauty and craftsmanship.
“We are proud to offer our guests a genuine taste of this wonderful region.”
Lough Eske Castle offers a wealth of activities for guests to enjoy, including guided castle history tours, lakeside woodland walks and cycling.
Guests can also indulge in the hotel’s award-winning CARA Spa or explore the local area, from the scenic town of Donegal to the dramatic Slieve League cliffs and Glenveagh National Park.
For those looking to immerse themselves in Donegal’s culture, Lough Eske Castle’s Whiskey Cellar offers daily tastings, while nearby attractions such as Donegal Craft Village and the historic Donegal Castle provide a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.
For more information on Lough Eske Castle and The Donegal Suites, please visit www.lougheskecastlehotel.com, email reservations@lougheskecastlehotel.com or Tel +35 3749 725100.
For more information on The Harcourt Collection, please visit www.theharcourtcollection.com, and for more information on Harcourt Developments, please visit harcourtdev.com/
