Afternoon Tea at Lough Eske Castle

What to Expect

Lough Eske Castle is a restored 19th-century castle hotel on the shore of its namesake lake, a few kilometres outside Donegal Town, and its traditional afternoon tea is served daily in the Lobby Lounge or in one of the castle’s drawing rooms. It runs across a wide window, from midday to 5pm every day of the week, which makes it easy to fit around a walk of the grounds or a stay at the hotel rather than tying visitors to one fixed sitting. The setting is the main draw here: stone walls, tall windows over the lough, and the kind of quiet, formal drawing-room atmosphere that a working castle hotel can offer, which is harder to replicate in an ordinary hotel lounge.

The castle’s Cedars Restaurant runs separately for full dining, including occasional hosted wine dinners, but the afternoon tea itself is the more accessible way to experience the property without committing to a full evening meal. Booking ahead is recommended given the hotel’s popularity with both residents and day visitors, particularly at weekends.

The estate also has its own spa and grounds running down to the lough shore, so a tea booking pairs easily with a walk beforehand if the weather holds. Because the castle is a working hotel rather than a dedicated tearoom, it is worth booking ahead rather than turning up on spec, particularly at weekends when the hotel is at its busiest with residents and day visitors alike.

Good to Know

• Served daily, Monday to Sunday, 12pm to 5pm
• Served in the Lobby Lounge or one of the castle’s drawing rooms
• Booking recommended, especially at weekends
• Contact: +353 74 972 5100 or reservations@lougheskecastlehotel.com

Getting There

Lough Eske Castle is about 4km northeast of Donegal Town, off the R250 lough road, with signposted turns from the town. The hotel has ample on-site parking; there is no direct bus service to the castle, so a car or taxi from Donegal Town is needed for the final stretch.