Solis Lough Eske Castle
Donegal Town
County Donegal
Contact: Catherine Doyle
Phone: +353 (0)7497 25100
Mobile: +353 (0)87 2684228
Fax: +353 (0)7497 23762
Email: [email protected]
Web: http://www.solislougheskecastle.com
STEEPED IN GAELIC HISTORY. LAVISHLY UPGRADED FOR YOU
You follow the long sweeping drive through old woodlands to a magnificent Gaelic castle with its ornamental stonework and imposing 4-storey tower. Here, at the food of the fabled Blue Stack Mountains, near Lough Eske, you escape into a luxurious world of relaxed elegance and extraordinary personal service. From the spa to the dining table to your beautifully appointed guestroom, we provide a truly accommodating environment where our dedication to the individual guest is thoughtful, reliable, consistent and complete. Superb service and superior amenities make every day here a perfect day.
Step into the Solis Lough Eske Castle, and you step into an imposing Tudor-baronial castle, lavishly refurbished in 2007 and extended to create the modern comforts and graceful luxury of a world class boutique hotel. With stunning views amidst hundreds of acres of unspoiled woodlands, the landscape is as magnificent as the hotel itself.
In a setting framed by the Blue Stack Mountains, you can stroll along the nearby shores of Lough Eske with its twin waterfalls and excellent salmon fishing. The castle is a mere 5km from bustling Donegal Town and close to beautiful beaches, top golf courses and some of the best surfing in the world.
You can dine on seasonal and regional specialties in our superb Cedars restaurant. Relax in the Spa. Take a dip in the pool. Or, meet for drinks in our clubby oak-and-brass basement bar. Our exquisite guestrooms feature bespoke furniture and gentle neutral colours. There are fine antiques and specially commissioned artwork as well as 21st century conveniences such as wireless connectivity and flat screen TV's.
The castle is a premier destination for weddings, banquets and special meetings. With its Ballroom, Glencar meeting rooms and private Oak Boardroom, Solis Lough Eske Castle creates the ideal setting for special events, making every occasion unforgettable
What's available at the property ... at a glance
- 96 guest rooms (80 Deluxe Rooms, 8 Junior Suites, 7 Garden Suites, Presidential Suite).
- Stunning Spa with 8 treatment rooms including 2 couples suites, jet bath, steam rooms, ice fountain, an infinity pool and fitness center featuring extensive health, beauty and massage indulgences.
- Over 600 sq. meters (6,400 sq. ft.) of event space offering a variety of choices of indoor and outdoor venues.
- All guest rooms and function rooms have wireless internet access.
- 5 Meeting rooms with seating capacities ranging from 10 to 400.
- All meeting rooms have windows with natural daylight.
- Ballroom features bay windows and offers a breathtaking view of the woods. Seats up to 250 for a sit-down banquet and 400 for a meeting with theatre set up. Adjacent terrace, overlooking the spectacular Bluestack Mountains, is the perfect venue for pre-dinner cocktails or coffee breaks.
- State of the art audio-visual equipment.
- Magnificent landscapes and extensive grounds for outdoor team building activities.
- Not a standard banquet but a fine dining restaurant experience for every event.
- Superior, exquisite cuisine created and prepared by talented, award winning chefs.
- Committed to using organic, seasonal local produces of only the highest quality.
- Wine Cellar features an extensive collection of the finest wines from around the world.
- Creativity and artistry in food and beverage presentations, table tops, etc.
- Exclusive Solis brand of Coffee and Tea selection.
- Special touches, i.e. souvenir menus, place cards, etc.
Service Features:
- A dedicated Meeting Services Manager to help you plan and coordinate all details from arranging transportation to food and beverages, spa treatments, on and off site activities i.e. fishing, hiking, golf, spousal programs, etc.
- A dedicated Banquet Captain assigned as your Meeting Concierge to provide and coordinate any on site Business Center services required such as photocopying, shipping packages or any other last minute requests.
- Fine dining experience in Banquet. All plates hand-carried. Sommelier to assist with selection of wines to best complement your menu, or order special wines of your choice for the occasion.
- Unrivaled, attentive, efficient service from a genuinely caring staff in full compliance with the Solis service philosophy, "Zeitgeist" - "Spirit of the Moment".
HOTEL LOCATION
Solis Lough Eske Castle is idyllically located in North West of Ireland in County Donegal. As the northernmost county in the Republic of Ireland, County Donegal shares a border with Northern Ireland and with the Republic of Ireland. The area is well known for its sandy beaches, rugged mountains, access to fishing, and a deep indented coastline that formed natural Loughs.
County Donegal, by the very nature of its location, coupled with limited rail, air, and road access, has allowed itself to maintain a unique identity, culture and charm. The climate is greatly influenced by the Gulf Stream and is pleasantly mild and temperate. These attributes along with the natural beauty of the area will provide visitors with an authentic Irish Experience in an area of unparalleled beauty.
Donegal is the nearest town and sits at the mouth of Donegal Bay and at the foot of the Bluestack Mountains. Donegal ("Fort of Foreigners") was founded in the 1400s by the O'Donnell Clan. The O'Donnell's provided the main opposition to the English Colonization efforts from the 15th thru to the 17th centuries.
Lough Eske Castle sits outside the town of Donegal on the shores of Lough Eske. The picturesque Lough is approximately three miles long, one mile wide and 102 feet deep. This lake boasts twelve islands -the largest of which the O'Donnell's utilized as a prison during their reign! Exceptional fishing is available on Lough Eske with Brown Trout, Salmon and Sea Trout plentiful. In the month of November, Lough Eske is one of only four lakes in Ireland in which fishermen have the opportunity to fish for char.
HOTEL DESCRIPTION
A castle has been located on the hotel site dating back as far as the 1400's. The current castle was built in the 1860's and was completely destroyed by fire in 1939. The castle, as a focal point of the hotel, has now been completely renovated and enhanced to create the Lough Eske Castle.
Solis Lough Eske castle is nestled within a 43 acre forest estate hugging the tranquil shores of Lough Eske and the panoramic backdrop of the Bluestack Mountain range of southwest Donegal.
The original Castle has been transformed in to what will be Donegal's first five star Hotel & Spa. The hotel encompasses 96 Guest Rooms including a Presidential Suite and 15 luxurious suites. Specially commissioned art work adorns the walls throughout the hotel teasing the historic building in to the 21st century.
A large Ballroom with silk and taffeta curtains framing the beautifully restored sandstone windows blends harmoniously with the natural beauty outside and provides the ideal setting for a truly memorable and romantic wedding or the perfect solution to large business conferences. A further 4 meeting rooms of various sizes can accommodate intimate board meetings and corporate team building sessions, and there's a fully equipped business centre and private dining function rooms also available.
The pool and SPA building sits in the footprint of the original Glass House. An aqua green and gold mosaic colour theme flows through the pool and SPA areas which comprises 7 treatment rooms including 2 couples treatment rooms with jet bath and steam rooms; a fully equipped thermal suite consisting of an ice fountain, sauna, steam room circular showers, heated benches and an infinity pool ensuring all your wellness and indulgent relaxation needs are catered for. Our fitness centre offers a wide range of cardiovascular and strength training options as well as state-of-the-art-equipment.
Cedars Restaurant serve Contemporary Cuisine inspired by fresh local Irish produce with daily rotating menus focused on the freshest offerings of the season.
BEDROOM ACCOMMODATION
Deluxe Rooms
Measuring a total of 46 square meters(495sq ft) these luxurious Guestrooms are finished to the highest standard. With Bespoke oak furniture and deep pile carpet throughout. They are decorated in relaxing warm neutral tones that reflects the peaceful surroundings of the forest and lake. Rooms have a varity of King or Twin beds,
All rooms have 32inch flat screen TV, refreshment centre, built in wardrobes housing digital lock safe.
Marble tiling throughout ensuite bathroom with built in bath and separate glazed shower and toilet compartment. Double basin granite vanity unit luxury robes and slippers.
Solis Junior Suites
This wonderful spacious open plan suite measures 65 square meters (700 square feet). With Solid Oak four poster king size beds with upholstered bed seat and dedicated dressing table. Luxurious carpeting in bedrooms with timber bordering and rug in living area. Oak bespoke furniture with sofa, coffee table and traditional relaxing easy chairs with breakfast table. Soft neutral colour tones gently blend with low level ambient lighting to give a truly opulent touch.
All Suites have two 32 inch flat screen TV units, a mini bar refreshment centre built in wardrobes housing digital lock safe.
Marble tiling throughout en suite bathroom with built in bath and separate glazed shower and toilet compartment. A Double basin granite vanity unit luxury robes and slippers.
Garden Suites
Spacious open plan suite measuring between 84 - 91 square meters (904 - 979 square feet). High quality stone tiled floors with thick tufted rugs, Spanish basket gas fires and earthy neutral colours reflecting the leafy surroundings of the manicured gardens. Bespoke solid oak furniture throughout. Walk in wardrobes and Four poster king size beds all add to the magnificent experience this room can offer
Large Oak table and chairs ideal for private dining occasions for up to 6 guests with drinks cabinet and wine shelving
All suites have 32inch flat screen TV, mini bar refreshment centre, walk in wardrobes housing digital lock safe
Marble tiling throughout en suite bathroom with built in bath and separate glazes shower and toilet compartment. Double basin granite
vanity unit and luxury robes and slippers
Presidential Suite
This magnificent suite houses 1 or 2 two ensuite bedrooms and a living room with separating doors a total of 181 square meters (1,948 square feet). Period furniture throughout with carved mahogany four poster beds. Irish style velvet upholstered easy chairs and tables. The formally dressed windows, open fires, natural stone heart and rich colours reflect the historic past of these atmospheric Castle rooms. Three 32 inch flatscreen TVs
Marble tiling throughout en suite bathroom with timber double basin vanity unit and granite top, stand alone bath and separate glazed shower and toilet compartments. Double basin granite vanity unit luxury bath robes and slippers.
GENERAL SURROUNDING LOCATION
Located beside Lough Eske, the magnificent Solis Lough Eske Castle is a mere 5 minutes from the thriving Donegal Town, in County Donegal. The hotel is situated amongst breathtaking scenery and is surrounded by a plethora of tourist attractions. Guests can experience authentic Irish arts and crafts at the local heritage centre, go scuba diving in a nearby fishing village or enjoy the local 'craic' in any of the many friendly pubs in the region.
Europe's highest peak, Slieve League, is less than an hours' drive away; with spectacular views and walking routes for any ability. Just across the border, in County Fermanagh, lies the famed Belleek Pottery factory and St. Angelo's airport which offers private flying lessons and air-tours of the local region.
Wedding Package I
- Complimentary menu tasting for Bride and Groom
- Room hire of the Ballroom (based on 200 in attendance)
- Red Carpet to Welcome Bride and Groom
- A glass of champagne for Bride and Groom on arrival
- Solis's Master of Ceremonies
- Three course meal plus coffee and petite fours
- Use of silver or gold cake stand and knife
- Stationery to include table plan and souvenir menu cards
- Use of the beautifully landscaped gardens, forest and Castle, creating the perfect setting, for your photographs
- Complimentary accommodation including breakfast for Bride and Groom
- Reduced accommodation rate for your guests
- from €65.00 per person
- (+ 10% Service Charge on all food and beverage)
- Prices are for 2008 based on a minimum of 200 guests
- And 15 guaranteed bedrooms must be taken
For more information or to reserve space, please contact the Catering Department at +353 (0)74 972 5100.
We look forward to helping you create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime.
DIRECTIONS TO SOLIS LOUGH ESKE CASTLE FROM AIRPORTS
Belfast International Airport:
From BFS Airport - Continue forward onto the A6A6
At Drumderg Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A6 (signposted Londonderry, Magherafelt) A
At Brecarte Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A6 (signposted Londonderry, Magherafelt)
At The Creagh Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A6A617.103.43At Castledawson Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the A6 (signposted Londonderry)
At Glenshane Pass, Continue forward onto Chapel Road - A6.
Entering Dungiven, Continue forward onto the A6.
Entering Drumahoe, Continue forward onto the A6.
Entering Londonderry, At Altnagelvin Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Dungiven Road -
At traffic signals continue forward onto King Street - A2 (signposted City Centre)
At Waterside Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Waterside Link - A2 (signposted City Centre)
At Duke Street Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Duke Street - A2 (signposted City Centre)
Continue forward onto Victoria Road - Continue forward onto Victoria Road - A5. Entering Prehen Park
Continue forward onto Victoria Road - A5. Entering New Buildings
Continue forward onto Victoria Road - A5. Entering Magheramason, Continue forward onto Victoria Road - A5.
Entering Ballymagorry, Continue forward onto Barnhill Road - A5.
Entering Strabane, At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Lifford Road - A38 (signposted Lifford)
At border with Republic of Ireland continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Lifford, at roundabout take the 1st exit onto Townparks- N15 (signposted Castlefinn) Continue forward onto Lifford Road - N15
Entering Castlefinn -Continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Killygordon - Continue forward onto the N15. Entering Stranorlar Bear left onto Main Street - N15.
Entering Ballybofey - at roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the R267 (signposted Donegal). Continue forward onto the R267.
After approximately 24km from Ballybofey town, on the R267, turn right onto Speirstown, signposted, Solis Lough Eske Castle 3.5km.
Continue onto Clardrumbarren, onto Clardrumnagahan and Drummeenanagh.
Turn right onto Drummeenanagh.
Bear right onto Heneys and right into Gates of Solis Lough Eske Castle.
From Sligo Airport
Start out at Sligo Airport,Sligo. Turn left. Entering Strandhill - turn left (signposted Sligo) At T-junction turn left onto the R292 Continue forward onto the R292.
Entering Sligo - traffic signals turn left onto the N4 (signposted Lifford N15) At traffic signals continue forward onto the N4
At traffic signals continue forward onto the N15 (signposted Lifford) - Continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Grange Continue forward onto the N15
Entering Cliffony - Continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Cliffoney - Continue forward onto the N15. At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the N15 (signposted Lifford)
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N15 - Continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Ballyshannon - At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto the N15 - Continue forward onto the N15.
Entering Ballintra - At Tullyearl Roundabout take the 2nd exit signposted Lifford (N15).
Travel 4km, and at next roundabout, take 3rd exit onto N15, signposted Lifford.
Travel about 1.8km and turn left onto Speirstown.
You have just over 3km to drive. Continue onto Clardrumbarren, onto Clardrumnagahan and Drummeenanagh.
Turn right onto Drummeenanagh.
Bear right onto Heneys and right into Gates of Solis Lough Eske Castle.
From Dublin Airport
Start out at Dublin Airport,Dublin
At roundabout take the 2nd exit (signposted Way Out)
At Airport Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the M1 (signposted Dublin)
At roundabout take the 1st exit, then join the M1 motorway (signposted Balbriggan, Belfast)
At Junction 16 continue forward onto the M1 (signposted M1 Belfast)
Leave the M1 at junction 17, then at roundabout take the 1st exit onto the N53 (signposted N53 Castleblaney, Dundalk (Town Centre)) Continue forward onto the N53. Entering Annaghvacky
At border with Northern Ireland continue forward onto the
At border with Republic of Ireland continue forward onto the N53
Continue forward onto the N53. Entering Castleblayney
Turn right onto the N2 (signposted Derry, Monaghan)
At traffic signals turn left (signposted Derry) N261.420.08At traffic signals continue forward (signposted Derry)
Continue forward onto the N2. Entering Clontibret - Continue forward onto the N2.
Entering Castleshane - Continue forward onto the N2
Entering Monaghan - At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the - At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N2
At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the N2 (signposted Derry)
Continue forward onto the N2. Entering Emyvale
Bear right onto the N2. Entering Mullabryan - At border with Northern Ireland continue forward onto the A5
Continue forward onto the A5. Entering Aughnacloy
Turn left onto Moore Street - A5 (signposted Omagh) T-junction turn right onto the A4 (signposted Omagh, Belfast)
At Ballygawley Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Omagh Road - A5 (signposted Omagh)
Continue forward onto the A5. Entering Omagh. At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Great Northern Road
At Derry Road Roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Beltany Road - A5 (signposted Strabane)
Continue forward onto Gnr Way - A5. Entering Newtownstewart Melmount Road Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Great Northern Link - A5 (signposted Lifford, Londonderry) Continue forward onto Great Northern Link - A5.
Entering Strabane - At Bradley Way Roundabout take the 1st exit onto Bradley Way - A5 (signposted Londonderry, Lifford)
At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Lifford Road - A38 (signposted Lifford)
At border with Republic of Ireland continue forward onto the N15. Entering Lifford - At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Townparks - N15 (signposted Castlefinn) - Continue forward onto Lifford Road - N15. Entering Castlefinn - Continue forward onto the N15. Entering Killygordon - Continue forward onto the N15. Entering Stranorlar - Bear left onto Main Street - N15.
Entering Ballybofey - At roundabout take the 2nd exit onto the R267 (signposted Donegal) - Continue forward onto the R267.
After approximately 24km from Ballybofey town, on the R267, turn right onto Speirstown, signposted, Solis Lough Eske Castle 3.5km.
Continue onto Clardrumbarren, onto Clardrumnagahan and Drummeenanagh.
Turn right onto Drummeenanagh.
Bear right onto Heneys and right into Gates of Solis Lough Eske Castle.