Blessed with one of Ireland’s most beautiful locations, on the shores of Lough Eske, this well-managed hotel was first opened by the Gysling family in 1989, with chalet-style buildings linked by covered walkways and pergolas creating a distinctly alpine atmosphere reminiscent of their native Switzerland - a style that suited the site well, with the open low-level design allowing views of the lough and mountains from most areas of the hotel.
Other than its location, the most outstanding feature of this hotel has always been the friendliness and helpfulness of the staff, and that is still its greatest strength. Otherwise, guests re-visiting today after a time lapse will find many changes, and a far more luxurious establishment: rooms in the new extension may not all have a lake view - but acres of space, six foot beds (or, in the latest batch of rooms, large twins) and huge baths will please many guests.
However, the older rooms - which are tucked away in front of the extension, along the ground floor corridor - may be of more interest to those in the know, especially those travelling with their dog; although less luxurious, they have recently been refurbished and are very comfortable - and will appeal if you would enjoy being closer to the countryside, with access to the lough.
Conference/banqueting 300/350; video conferencing, secretarial services, free broadband wi/fi. Treatment rooms (hair, beauty, holistic). Children welcome (under 3s free in parents room, cots available free of charge, baby sitting arranged). Dogs permitted to stay in some bedrooms (no charge). Garden.
Rooms 70 (4 suites, 38 junior suites, 4 family, 16 ground floor, 14 disabled, all no smoking). B&B €99-125 pps low-high season; ss €50. Lift. Turndown service offered. Open weekends only Nov-Easter (except Christmas). Closed Jan, midweek Nov-Easter (except Christmas).
Restaurants:
Although the newer build changed the character of the hotel overall, the bar and restaurant areas are still their old selves: a welcoming log fire sets the tone in the bar, where menus are promptly offered by friendly staff, and in the fine dining Restaurant - a large room, extending right down to the foreshore – classically appointed tables are set up to take advantage of the beautiful view across the lough and, perhaps, watch the hotel’s pet geese coming in from the water at feeding time.
Paul Montgomery has been head chef since 2006 and his classically toned menus offer an extensive choice; they look a little complicated, but the cooking is assured and well up to the theatrical nuances of the fine dining experience laid on by attentive and well-trained restaurant staff.
The restaurant is also open for lunch, every day in summer except Saturday, and an additional buffet lunch is offered in the banqueting area on Sundays (reservations required).
A second restaurant, The Winebar, opened in 2009 and offers a less formal alternative which may be attractive to guests staying several nights – although we would especially recommend the main restaurant ,as it offers a very special experience.
The Winebar is in a smaller room but also overlooks the lake. Room Service and Bar Snack menus are also offered.
Seats 100 (private room, 50); L 12.30-2.30pm (Sun 12-4) & D daily 6.30-9.30pm. Set D €65; Set L €35; set Sun L €32; house wine from €23; no SC. Children welcome before 7pm; toilets wheelchair accessible. Off season (Nov-Mar), restaurant closed D Sun, all Mon & Tue. MasterCard, Visa, Laser. * A bar menu is also served daily, 12.30-5.30pm. MasterCard, Visa, Laser.
