Horse-Drawn Carriages, Whiskey Cellar & Outdoor Hot Tubs: Lough Eske Castle, Ireland

County Donegal, Ireland’s northernmost county, tucked in the northwest corner bordering Northern Ireland, is the beginning of the Wild Atlantic Way. It boasts soaring cliffs crashing into the Atlantic, world-class golf courses like Ballyliffin and Rosapenna, and enticing seclusion for true romantic escapes—remaining accessible via Donegal Airport or a scenic drive from Derry.

Location

Tucked on Lough Eske’s serene shores amid the Bluestack Mountains, just minutes from Donegal Town, Lough Eske Castle Hotel invited curiosity in the fall of 2025 when my husband and I toured County Donegal. We were impressed with the 43 acres of ancient oaks, the manicured gardens, and misty lake vistas.

This luxury castle hotel holds the charm that North Americans seek when visiting Ireland and the United Kingdom -there was even a horse-drawn carriage waiting curbside when we arrived. With a turreted stone wall, an aged bronze fountain, and a warm welcome from the hotel’s managing staff, it had pure old-world Irish magic wrapped in five-star finesse.

Room Options

Lough Eske Castle Hotel offers 96 luxurious rooms and suites across several categories, all blending historic castle elegance with modern five-star comforts like king-size beds, oak furnishings, marble bathrooms, and garden views. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer:

• Courtyard Rooms: Cozy 430 sq ft spaces in the original stable courtyard. With doors leading out to the courtyard and gardens, they’re a lovely entry point into castle life for couples.
• Junior Suites: Open-plan 700 sq ft suites with defined sitting areas and, in some cases, fireplaces—ideal if you like to linger over a book or room-service breakfast.
• Garden Suites: Ground-level suites with direct access to the gardens and plenty of natural light.
• Donegal Suites: The newest family-friendly option (around 68 sq m, air-conditioned), accommodating two adults and two children in a generous layout with a proper sitting area and a spacious bathroom.
• Castle Suites: The pinnacle within the castle itself—large, character-filled spaces with four-poster beds, traditional decor, and sweeping views of the property.

Amenities

All the rooms had marble bathrooms, double sinks, and deep soaking tubs, a separate rainforest shower, and a separate toilet cubicle, including premium ESPA toiletries, fluffy white bathrobes, and comfortable guest slippers.

The rooms include a flat-screen TV, a tea and coffee station, as well as complimentary mineral water. Most modern hotels provide in-room free WiFi and 24-hour room service. You will also find an iron, an ironing board, a hairdryer, a digital safe, and a lovely writing desk.

All hotel guests enjoy complimentary use of the heated swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, and fitness centre during their stay. The fitness center offers a variety of cardio machines, weights, and strength training equipment.

Special Features

Lough Eske Castle has a few special touches that make a visit feel extra memorable. The first is the horse-drawn carriage rides through the property. You can opt for 30 or 60 minutes, with room for up to four people and warm blankets if the weather turns cool—an ideal “Instagram moment” and one of those core memories you’ll be glad you captured.

If you’re curious about the estate’s history, you can join a guided tour. Starting at 11 a.m. from the main reception, the walk highlights the O’Donnell family story, which stretches back to the 1400s, and gives context to the castle you’re wandering through.

Tucked on the lower ground floor by the Father Browne Bar, Lough Eske Castle’s intimate Whiskey Cellar is a lovely spot to sample Donegal’s spirits. A whiskey specialist leads tastings (typically around €35 per person, late afternoon) featuring local pours such as double-distilled Crolly Distillery expressions and Silkie Whiskey from Sliabh Liag Distillery.

Guests also have access to complimentary bikes to explore the grounds at their own pace—another relaxed way to soak up the setting around Lough Eske.

CARA Organic Spa & Outdoor Hot Tubs

The pool and spa building sits within the footprint of the original Victorian glasshouse and houses seven treatment rooms, including two for couples with jet bath and steam room. The Thermal Suite includes an ice fountain, sauna, eucalyptus steam room, sanarium (a gentler bio sauna), rainforest showers, and a heated bench.

One standout feature is the private outdoor hot tub, which feels tailor-made for post-hike or post-golf unwinding. What really caught my attention, however, were the dedicated spa treatments for menopause and perimenopause—a thoughtful, progressive offering for 50+ travelers. Alongside those, you’ll find a full menu of massages, facials, and detox options. The CARA Organic Spa is truly a top-tier spa experience in Donegal, and day visitors are welcome if you’re not staying overnight.

Room Rates

Room rates at Lough Eske Castle span €250-€4,000+ per night depending on season, room type, and dates (excluding VAT/breakfast). Entry-level Courtyard Rooms start at €250 in low season (e.g., Feb), climbing to €600 at Christmas, while top Castle Suites range €1,200-€4,000+. Shoulder months like November and high summer dates in July fall somewhere in between. It’s best to book directly and check your specific dates, as prices do fluctuate.

Check rates for Lough Eske Castle online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.

Overall Recommendation

Lough Eske Castle Hotel is my top pick for travelers chasing that mix of castle charm and five-star comfort along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. During our fall 2025 visit to Donegal, we were drawn in by the beautiful grounds and gardens, the cozy Green Drawing Room, where we enjoyed Irish coffees by the fire, and that unmistakable old-world atmosphere paired with modern touches like the spa, outdoor hot tubs, Father Browne Bar, and the Whiskey Cellar experience.

It feels secluded enough for a proper escape but remains easy to reach, making it a strong choice for golfers, couples, and anyone building a Donegal road trip. It’s a bit of an indulgence, but one I’d happily choose again—especially for a milestone celebration like my husband’s 60th birthday.