Name: Lough Eske Castle
Address: Lough Eske Road Donegal Town, 3, Donegal, F94 HX59, IE

10/10

Exceptional

20 Jul 2026

Susan

It was first class all the way! We were greeted by Shea, the professional concierge. He was fabulous and very informative. We had the superior deluxe room with a bay window. It was very large and beautiful. The bathroom was just as nice and big. The entire staff was wonderful.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Jul 2026

Matthew

Absolutely perfect stay. Gorgeous property, incredibly friendly and helpful staff. We enjoyed dinner one night at the bar restaurant, the beautiful pool overlooking the garden, and incredible breakfast both days of our stay.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jul 2026

Laura

Stunning hotel with everything you could need. Staff were super friendly and the spa and breakfast were amazing!

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jun 2026

Martin

Room magnificent! Loved the food and service was amazing

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

07 Jun 2026

Patrick

This of all our stats was our favorite. From the time we connected with Shea, e enjoyed every minute of it. He was extremely thorough in providing advice on the room to the details about the property. Everything was well thought through to provide our best experience.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Jun 2026

Scott

Fantástico c hotel in an d castle. Spa was wonderful. Restaurant was very good. The room was near perfect very lathe. Lack of air conditioning was not an issue for us with windows open. Must stay here if nest!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

01 Jun 2026

Cody

A gorgeous castle.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2026

Danielle

Wonderful stay

6/10

Pleasant

27 May 2026

Jonathan

Overall on the surface of it Lough Eske looks grand and wonderful. The room I stayed in was very spacious and very clean. All the staff I interacted with were all very helpful. The breakfast was a big positive. Tasted great and the staff very attentive.

When you look closer there are a number of parts of the hotel that look tired and need attention.

I was particularly disappointed in the spa area. It had a number of maintenance issues such as bulbs out, loose wiring for the switches of the hydro pool and the scum on the railings was thick grey sludge. It made me not want to spend much time there. Also whilst trying to relax there was a staff member walking back and forth entering and exiting going outside looking like he was putting a delivery away.

I also raised concerns as my booking details including name and telephone appeared to be part of a data breach on the hotel system as I received scam WhatsApp messages before arriving attempting to gain my credit card details. I did raise this to the hotel via email and upon arrival but my concerns were not addressed.

I wouldn’t rush back to stay here again unfortunately and couldn’t recommend based on my experience.

Partner

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

pascale

The staff was helpful and friendly, but unfortunately the rooms and common areas were not very clean during our stay. Also, the listing mentioned that there was an onsite playground, but it appears to have been removed, which was disappointing.

Family_with_children

8/10

Excellent

25 May 2026

Karen

We were unable to get internet service by computer or phone. A 5 star hotel needs to provide adequate coverage for its customers. The bed was really soft and not of good quality. The dinners were exceptional. Having to fight Tauck Tour Bus and wedding parties is not the experience people who want to stay in a castle want. The hotel appeared to be short staffed but the staff did get the job done. The only person I did not care for was the front desk person.

Partner

4/10

Poor

18 May 2026

Micaela

The entrance to Lough Eske Castle is a facade that was built sometime in the late 1800s. This is important because it looks like something out of someone's Disney fantasy. If you're looking for a 5-star historically relevant architectural site, this is not for you. We had room 248. It was literally a 3000 step walk each way to the restaurant from our room. Not for the mobility impaired. The vibe was very much corporate hotel, the kind that wants bang for its buck. The rooms were cheap and room service was sloppy (beds were messy after housekeeping left). Towels and robes were threadbare. Dinner service in the restaurant was slow, and the food, while not actually spoiled, was cold and had obviously been prepared well ahead of time and kept on a warmer for the order. The breakfast buffet had a cook preparing egg orders (that was a plus!) but the steam trays were cold and the scrambled eggs had more bounce than a rubber ball. The yogurt was delicious but the fruit was definitely not and the orange juice was out of a box. The spa? A 30-minute service was actually 15 minutes, there was only 1 shower in the women's side of the spa, but several near the pool. Economy was key, you push a button and water jets out for 30-60 seconds at a time. When your eyes are full of shampoo that was a minus. And kids. There were little boys running around the women's showers. Sorry, I expected consideration for adults at a spa. Never returning.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

10 May 2026

Marina

The whole experience was great from beginning to end

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 May 2026

Lynn

The staff, the rooms and the breakfast were amazing. The grounds and the buildings were exceptional. If I’m ever back in Donegal, I will definitely stay here again.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Apr 2026

Nigel

Helpful staff

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Sheri

The room is amazing!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

20 Apr 2026

Michael

Best breakfasts of our trip

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2026

John

Bar was awesome good friendly staff. The guitarist Mark made our night along with new friends from Belfast. Property gorgeous breakfast great. Only problem could not connect to reception in morning forced to carry luggage a long way through a maze of rooms. No explanation for why they would not pick up phone. Still worth the stay

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Apr 2026

Laura

Decided to stay here on our trip around Ireland and let me tell you, this was one of our favorite stays in the two weeks we’ve been here (and we stayed in some pretty fabulous places). The grounds and rooms are fantastic. We were greeted warmly by the staff upon arrival. Shea took our bags straight to our room as we checked in. The smell of peat burning in the Red Room fireplace smelled heavenly. We were going to upgrade to a garden suite, but our superior king bedroom was exactly what we wanted: space to sprawl out, comfortable bed with a sitting area, walk-in closet with plenty of of space for luggage, a HUGE bathroom with soaking tub, toilet closet, huge shower, heated towel rack, and to our surprise, heated tiles. If you get cold in this bathroom, you have issues. I loved the two bay windows that fully open to allow in the fresh air and the French doors that open to the garden and spa/pool area. I highly recommend giving that area a try. I booked a facial and enjoyed the sauna, hot tub, and recovery area while my husband worked out in the gym. It was a great way to spend the afternoon after a lovely breakfast. That’s another thing…their breakfast is so good!!! It came complimentary with our room and offered a huge buffet or an à la cart menu. My husband had chef-prepared omelets from the buffet and I ate the Eggs Benedict from the menu both days. On one of the days, we took tea in the Red Room while we enjoyed the fireplace. 110% will be coming back!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Apr 2026

Quinn

Iconic, go

10/10

Exceptional

09 Apr 2026

Kristen

We had a lovely stay! Would love to come back again. 10/10

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Apr 2026

William

Excellent weekend break lovely location a couple of problems firstly my wife waited 40 mins in library and did not get waiter service and the shower spray was leaking and needed replacement not what I expect of 5 star. Staff overall were excellent

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

02 Apr 2026

Marcelo

We loved our short stay there

Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

Kyle

Pros: Amazing staff service, massive room, beautiful property, lots of amenities included

Cons: Carpeted floors

Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Mar 2026

Donal

Fantastic

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

19 Mar 2026

sara

Fabulous . That's all. Simply fabolous

Family

10/10

Exceptional

13 Mar 2026

Edgar

Very helpful and friendly staff. We enjoyed ourselves.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Mar 2026

Choon Aun

Amazing location and service!

10/10

Exceptional

11 Mar 2026

stephanie

Great hotel in Ireland, beautiful castle and amazing staff that will make you feel special and well looked after.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Feb 2026

karen

Staff so friendly. Mum and I were made so welcome by everyone. Food excellent.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Derek

Staff friendly
A beautiful setting

10/10

Exceptional

02 Feb 2026

Shane

Great room, food was top class and service was great. Can’t wait to go back!

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

18 Jan 2026

Glenn

I wasn’t given a courtyard room as advertised on Expedia. I asked to change and was given a superior room, still without a view of the courtyard or patio doors into it. I walked by the courtyard and there were numerous empty rooms all illuminated - lights ablaze through the night

Staff were great - friendly and helpful with the notable exception of the Irish female receptionist who had zero personal skills and should not be in a customer facing role.
I tried to book a massage but was told they were fully booked. I think being January they aren’t fully staffed. I would advise checking availability before booking if you want a spa break. The gym was a good size but the cardio machines are old and need to replaced.
The hotel is a little dated but its location is superb.
I attended in the bar and both the steak and salmon were excellent. Breakfast was disappointing. The avocado and sour dough toast tasteless. I think the mashed avocado is prepared and refrigerated.
Would I go back ? - yes probably. The staff and location make up for the slightly dated feel.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

17 Dec 2025

PETER

Simply amazing. Thank you.

10/10

Exceptional

08 Dec 2025

Paul

Great room, lovely staff

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Nov 2025

Ivan

All good

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Nov 2025

Grace

Beautiful! Staff was very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. The room was exquisite - large and very comfortable. The grounds were stunning also.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Nov 2025

Conor

A relaxing atmosphere with pleasant staff. The room was extremely spacious and luxurious. Breakfast was what a 5* hotel should offer. Beautiful setting.

Business

10/10

Exceptional

05 Nov 2025

Candace

The castle was gorgeous & offered numerous amenities, many of which, the duration of our stay did not allow us time to enjoy.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2025

Christine

Absolutely stunning hotel- definitely had the wow factor! Doorman was straight out to the car as we parked to carry the luggage in.
Room was fantastic- very spacious. Lovely scented toiletries.
We had dinner in the Cedar restaurant. Food was delicious and well presented. Staff very attentive. Lovely breakfast provided next morning. Spa facilities were superb. Highly recommend - the only 5 star hotel in Donegal.

10/10

Exceptional

04 Nov 2025

Catherine

This was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever stayed and the breakfast was like none I’ve seen before!! Beautiful all around!!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

28 Oct 2025

Tony

Enjoyable stay October 2025

10/10

Exceptional

14 Oct 2025

jo ann

Loved
Staff was amazing
Food was delish!

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Matthew

Absolutely top knotch in every aspect.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 Oct 2025

Randall

This was an amazing place to spend time. Hotel staff was always helpful and the grounds were beautiful.

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

02 Oct 2025

Kayla

Wonderful place. Will come back and stay longer.

10/10

Exceptional

30 Sep 2025

Derek

Talk about a fabulous retreat! This is a special place with special staff that know how to take care of their guests. If you get the chance, this place is the ultimate relaxation retreat.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Sep 2025

Cynthia

Lough Eske Castle was superior in every sense of the word.

From the moment we drove onto the property grounds, and wound our way through the manicured lawns, beautiful trees and gardens, slowly making our way to the front of the castle (savoring each moment), we were smiling!

We were greeted by one of the hotel staff members who kindly took our luggage and parked our car.

When we walked into the castle, there were staff members lining each side of the stairwell to welcome us.

We were impressed with a friendliness, the professionalism, and the knowledge of every single staff member who we encountered during our trip.

The restaurant was wonderful and we thoroughly enjoyed our meal. We were celebrating our seventh anniversary, and Johnny, the restaurant lead was kind enough to send over glasses of Prosecco. We spent a great deal of time with him throughout the meal and he was fabulous! And truly, each member of his team was as well. Food was excellent for both dinner and breakfast.

A walk down to the lake rounded out our visit.

Our only wish was that we had a few more nights to spend at Lough Eske Castle.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

17 Sep 2025

Jeff

Every aspect of our visit was top notch. Would definitely return to this property.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

07 Sep 2025

JILL

Excellent property! Big suite! Great service. Delicious food at Cedars restaurant for dinner and breakfast.. Beautiful gardens.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Renee

Everything was perfect!!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

06 Sep 2025

Mary

A really beautiful place lovely spacious rooms absolutely gorgeous would recommend Lough eske castle to anyone

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Sep 2025

Linda

Awesome place to stay in Donegal Area

This is an amazing place to stay…you are truly treated like royalty from check in to dining to check out. 100% recommend staying here if you are in the area!!! Also recommend the whiskey tasting!!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

27 Aug 2025

Patrick

Excellent stay at Lough Eske Castle. The food in the bar and service were the best. I highly recommend the chowder, huge chunks of seafood. We took the walk around the lake. Beautiful. Smells were amazing. The only thing I wished is that I could get the room cooler, it just didn’t get cool enough to sleep. A very first work problem but that would be the only drawback.

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Aug 2025

Fraser

A true fairytale setting in a wonderful castle with fabulous grounds. No need to stay anywhere else.
Incredible staff also helped make this stay one to remember for years to come.

Leisure Self

10/10

Exceptional

14 Aug 2025

Kristin

The staff was so friendly and professional. The accommodations were absolutely stunning and the grounds were very well kept. I had a massage at the spa which was very relaxing and well worth what I spent. I would absolutely recommend staying here.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

12 Aug 2025

Kelley

Wonderful location

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

01 Aug 2025

Sarina

The property was gorgeous, the thermal suites and food were excellent, but the staff made it the amazing stay it was. It doesn't hurt that we got engaged during our stay!

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jul 2025

Lesley

Loved our stay at the Lough Eske Castle. We rode bikes around the property, took a swim in the am before the fabulous breakfast. Amazing area would stay again.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

24 Jul 2025

Kathryn

Lovely stay in our upgraded Tower Suite. The grounds and gardens are beautiful. The Father Browne photography exhibit in the basement in the pub is well worth checking out. The staff were very friendly.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

15 Jul 2025

Lance

Amazing stay.

Leisure Family

6/10

Pleasant

15 Jul 2025

Bobbie Sue

The hotel was stunning. The bell hop was fantastic nicest man you ever hoped to meet truly kind, funny and helpful. The grounds were beautiful. Our room was unbearably hot, no fan to be had. we couldn't get room service no matter how many times we called. The fine dining was abysmal, the menu limited and the chicken overcooked and dry. The bar food was better. Would never pay close to $600 again for a hot room and inability to get ice delivered.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

05 Jul 2025

Eliza

Beautiful property but for 5 stars, little things were not up to standard. Our towel warmer barely heated and we had brown water giving out if the shower and sinks one of the two days we stayed. Even the maintenance person said to bring it up to the front desk, and when we did they only offered to refund 10% of one night. Like that's anything to compensate for been water at a 5 star hotel......

Leisure Family_with_children

10/10

Exceptional

21 Jun 2025

Philip

Dylan the bellhop was great as were the bartenders and wat staff. Stupendous grounds and amenities. Opulent rooms. Difficult drive.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jun 2025

Sandra

Perfection!

Friends_and_family Friends

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jun 2025

Tabatha

We had a wonderful time at Lough Eske Castle. The staff went above and beyond to make sure we settled in nicely. We enjoyed exploring the grounds on the bicycles that were provided. Dinner at Cedars was delicious

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

03 Jun 2025

COLLEEN

It is luxurious. No other way to describe this castle.

4/10

Poor

01 Jun 2025

Solamon

The room was not cleaned. Bathroom was filthy. This was one of the expensive hotel we paid $680 for one night . We have to wait for one hour for check in. We thought we would stay in castle, no all the rooms are in side wings. We got one of the side wing room. Very disappointed. I called hotel.com right away yesterday and they tried to reach the front office but no one answered. I spoke with this front office manager today, he addressed me concerns and apologized for the inconvenience and he promised me to compensate us through the hotel.com because we don’t have any outstanding balance, can you pls follow up with them.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

30 May 2025

Verified traveler

Beautiful castle with large rooms & great service

Lovely castle. Beautiful, large rooms and a great bathroom too. Great food, and very accommodating with food intolerances. Excellent service all around. Perhaps a little overpriced compared to some other great stays in Ireland. But I would recommend.

Partner

6/10

Pleasant

28 May 2025

James

Property is beautiful, large rooms, comfortable bed. The staff and service was very average and not worth the price. Wait staff in restaurants always seemed overwhelmed but not busy. Restaurant was out of several things on the menu. Towel heater in the room not functioning. If the price was less, none of this would have mattered.

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

23 May 2025

Bryce

Loved it

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Michael Steven

Beautiful retreat.
Peaceful, classy and worth it!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

18 May 2025

Judy

Thoroughly enjoyed our time at Lough Eske Castle. Staff were very helpful and friendly. Rooms and grounds are stunning. Food was outstanding. We look forward to returning.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

16 May 2025

Colette

Loved the setting and relaxation

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 May 2025

Regenia

Lovely, friendly, beautiful.

Beautiful, enjoyed the facility and grounds.
I would recommend two friends and family to stay in Donegal. Staff was lovely and friendly.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

03 May 2025

Rene

Amazing stay!! The room was awesome, the grounds were excellent, and the staff was so friendly. Cannot wait to come back!

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2025

Wendy

Absolute gem of a hotel. Quaint and quiet. Lovely stay!

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

30 Apr 2025

Jim

The staff was very friendly and the room was very modern for a castle. It was a little bit of a walk to our room from the front desk. Easy parking and very nice atmosphere.

8/10

Excellent

30 Apr 2025

Doug

Google Maps spoiled our arrival as it took us in the back at and not up the main drive to the front of the hotel. The staff were very friendly but there was only one receptionist on duty and we had to wait in line for 7-8 minutes to check in (disappointing as we had already checked in online). We had a similar wait at checkout for the same reason. The room also had a couple of faults which was disappointing for this level of establishment but other than that, everything was superb. The staff were all efficient and friendly and the food in the restaurant was delicious. Such a pity that our stay was tarnished as initial impressions count for so much.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

28 Apr 2025

Soni

Beautiful property, gorgeous rooms and delicious food! Highly recommend!

Leisure Friends

10/10

Exceptional

26 Apr 2025

LEE

Gorgeous grounds and beautiful pool and steam room. The rooms were quite warm - even in 48 degree weather. There is no AC so you have to keep windows open-but we didn't get much crosswind from that. Delicious restaurants throughout. The staff was amazing !

Leisure Family

10/10

Exceptional

22 Apr 2025

BIANCA

Lovely stay at the castle. Large comfy rooms with an extremely comfortable bed!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

19 Apr 2025

Carrie

The Best

The most amazing property, beautiful grounds, friendly staff, lovely, lovely, lovely in every way!

Friends_and_family Family

10/10

Exceptional

10 Apr 2025

Lori

Best place I’ve ever stayed. Would highly recommend to anyone considering Lough Eske. Every person we dealt with there was lovely and very accommodating. The room was outstanding. The grounds were beautiful!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

24 Mar 2025

Christopher

Loved It!

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

17 Mar 2025

Ruth

Very enjoyable stay!

8/10

Excellent

16 Mar 2025

Ali

This is a beautifully renovated castle or country mansion. Rooms are large but lack furnishings. Our room had what seems to be another room with two sofas and a lot of empty space. A rug and a center table would have been nice. Changing the layout is better. For someone coming from the US, there are few or no electrical outlets that work for us. Needed to buy additional adapters. The money spentbis woth the grouds, staff, service but not the building or rooms themselves.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

14 Mar 2025

Edward

What an amazing stay. The place was beautiful, the staff were all very delightful, and the rooms were extremely nice. We will definitely recommend to anyone to check it out

Friends_and_family Friends

8/10

Excellent

03 Mar 2025

Mark

Beautiful venue with some areas for improvement

My wife and I stayed here for a babymoon. Our overall experience was very positive and we would stay again however, there are a few areas for improvement. We found the spa facilities lacking compared to other similarly-rated hotels: the pool temperature was rather cold and sunloungers were uncomfortable. Access to spa facilities was highly limited without paying extra (such as for the jacuzzi). Housekeeping was good, but some polishing in a few places would help. Quality of the food was excellent and staff most welcoming. Value for money overall was reasonable but not great.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

23 Feb 2025

John

Room not ready until 4.45pm for a 3 pm check in, not really good enough for a 5 star hotel, everything else at the hotel was excellent, and would stay again

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

21 Feb 2025

Ian

An excellent hotel . Staff very friendly and helpful. We had an excellent room . Quiet. Looking forward to coming back in the not too distant future.

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

17 Feb 2025

Rob

Magical place and Service

Absolutely magical hotel, level of service and hospitality was best I’ve experienced.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

25 Jan 2025

Jonathan

Couples retreat

Really nice hotel and spa. Perfect for a couples weekend. Got stuck indoors during a storm but the staff all managed very well

Partner

8/10

Excellent

18 Jan 2025

elizabeth

.

10/10

Exceptional

16 Jan 2025

john

Be careful as an american they add a service charge and then you add 20 percent tip on top. I was paying 35 percent tip. Not happy with thst.

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2025

Darren

Very Nice

Very friendly staff couldn’t be more helpful, very clean couldn’t find a fault.

Partner

10/10

Exceptional

12 Jan 2025

Severin

Everything

Leisure

10/10

Exceptional

10 Jan 2025

Danielle

Our stay at Lough Eske Castle was unbelievable. The property is stunning, with gorgeous grounds and a spectacular interior. The rooms are huge and beautifully decorated, with all of the amenities you can think of. The restaurant offered a variety of delicious options for dinner, as well as a delicious breakfast buffet menu. I truly felt like a princess during our stay.

Leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

09 Jan 2025

DONNA

Beautiful Hotel with warm friendly staff

Business_and_leisure Partner

10/10

Exceptional

04 Jan 2025

Ruairi

The service and hospitality was wxcellent