3 Best Hotels in The Northwest, Ireland

Set in a remote and breathtaking location in landscaped gardens on the shores of Lough Eske at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains, Harvey's Point has, since 1989, been a spirit-lifting escape. The drive to the hotel is awe-inspiring in itself and your surprise is complete when the elegant edifice looms up along the shores of the lake. Reception areas, redecorated in 2017, gleam with cherrywood and polished stone and flaunt great views. The four-course dinner menu (€59) includes guinea fowl and venison and is brimful of local produce. Even if your itinerary prevents you from overnighting, it is well worth dropping in for the Sunday carvery lunch, a buffet that has become justly famous and costs €32. Harvey's Bar (12:30–9 pm), with its delightful terrace, is a stylish place to enjoy bar snacks and drinks overlooking the lake and mountains.

Most guests gasp as they come down the sweeping drive through ancient woodland and arrive at this magnificent Tudor-style baronial castle—complete with tower and crenellations and a suitably regal backdrop of Lough Eske and the Blue Stack Mountains. The oldest parts of the castle were built in 1621, and the estate was converted into a hotel at the turn of the 21st century. The main salons have impressive oak paneling, crewelwork armchairs, and colorful artwork. Upstairs, guest rooms are designed in neutral beige, brown, and tan tones and have traditional furniture that is superbly crafted; all rooms were redecorated early in 2019. With its crystal light fixtures and towering button-back upholstered banquettes, the Cedars Restaurant strikes just the right note between hip and elegant and offers a menu of Irish produce, including fresh catches from nearby Killybegs and vegetables grown in the on-site greenhouse. Enjoy afternoon tea and cakes served in the lounge: €26, €33 with prosecco, or €41 with champagne. For even more indulgence, head to the spa. Check for midweek and sports deals (including golf, horseback riding, pony trekking, or whale-watching). All in all, this is quite the Irish paradise. The website often has special getaway deals such as the Wild Atlantic Way package.

It is well worth going on the complimentary 30-minute history tour of the castle for residents held on Sunday morning.

With its bright white shutters and boldly red facade, this family-run pretty-as-an-Irish-picture inn sits smack on Donegal's central square, the Diamond. Huge picture windows in the back reveal lovely views of Donegal Bay and the River Eske. The suites have queen-size beds and spacious lounge areas. The newly opened Blazers Burger Bar & Grill is known for its Aubrac beef from grass-fed cattle. For sharing platters, snacks and light bites try the Central Bar, (noon–9 pm), while Chapmans Restaurant offers a more formal dining experience.

During 2019, 40 of the bay-view rooms were refurbished, so ask for an updated room at check-in.