Ahe team at Lough Eske Castle in county Donegal celebrated its 15th anniversary this week with a memorable event which included special guest Packie Bonner. Over 100 guests attended including Donegal Mayor Pauric Kennedy and the Directors of Harcourt Developments, who opened the property in 2007 after €40 million investment. Prior to the event commencing, Lough Eske founder and Donegal man Pat Doherty OBE planted 15 Irish Oak Trees on the estate to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the hotel first opening.

Additionally, to mark the occasion the Donegal born, awarding winning international artist Alva Gallagher created the ‘Lucent Pearl’ artwork. Cast in bronze and featuring a giant hand-blown crystal pearl, the piece symbolises the beautiful surrounding Donegal coastline.

Local produce including a bespoke cocktail, the ‘Silkie Sour’ made with Donegal Sliabh Liag Distiller’s Silkie Whiskey and Donegal seafood were served to guests.

Donegal legend Packie Bonner stated, “I commend Pat Doherty on having the vision to renovate Lough Eske Castle, it is phenomenal to see what this castle has done for tourism in Donegal and the Northwest of Ireland, and a testament to the management and staff on the success of the hotel over the years.”

Currently Lough Eske Castle employs 207 staff. Seven key members of the team have been on property since first opening in 2007.

Dónal Cox, General Manager of Lough Eske Castle commented: “We’re incredibly thankful to our guests, staff and industry colleagues for all their support over the years. This evening has been a great tribute to the continued dedication of our team, the vision Pat Doherty OBE and the team at Harcourt Developments had 15 years ago to create a place of luxury, relaxation, and memorable holidays for our visitors. Lough Eske Castle is going strength to strength. We have exciting updates to announce in the coming months, including a new whiskey tasting experience in collaboration with Sliabh Liag Distillery, 24 new suites being added to the castle next year and new experiences including hot tubs added to our CARA Organic Beauty Spa.”

Sinead McGowan, Sales & Events Manager commented; “I’ve been incredibly proud to represent Lough Eske Castle internationally and to be one of the founding members of the opening team. I can’t wait to see what the next 15 years brings.”

Fellow colleague, Olivia McNelis, Accounts Manager also commented; “I remember arriving to the castle on my first day to a magnificent ruin, I am honoured to see the castle evolve to the award winning 5-star hotel that it is today.”

Lough Eske Castle has recently received accolades and awards including best luxury hotel in Ireland by The Times in the UK, Conde Nast's Top Ten Luxury Hotels in Ireland for five consecutive years including 2022, Ireland's Castle Wedding Venue of the Year 2022, two AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence in Cedars Restaurant.