After a long day of traveling, we arrived at the Solis Lough Eske Castle late in the evening. All ready to check into our only hotel room we would be staying at during our Ireland trip. As we were checking in, the receptionist says,
“You must know someone important.”
Since I was a little tired, his comment did not resonate. Then he continued to say that we were upgraded to the Presidential Suite and someone would be with us to show us to our room.
Reception Desk
Still a little confused, I waited while Andy looked up the information on what we were about to check into. Apparently, it is one of the three rooms that are still in the castle (the rest were built for the hotel). The going rate is $1650 euros per night! I was a little giddy with the fact we were upgraded, not to mention that there was a drawing room totaling roughly 2,000 square feet. I could have run circles around the rooms for a work out. We walked up the main staircase right inside the main entrance of the hotel to the room. I felt like royalty or at least someone important going to this part of the castle. After the bellhop showed us around the room and closed all the drapes, we were left alone to enjoy this spacious room.
Presidential Bedroom
Presidential Bedroom
As the pictures show, the bedroom is quite spacious with its own desk, canopy bed, and a large wardrobe. I have always wanted a canopy bed since I was little and even tried to close the drapes around the bed, which I learned were only for decoration.
Presidential Drawing Room
What to do next? We went to the bar to see if any one else was there from the wedding we were attending. I ended up trying a brandy and Baileys drink, which was delicious, while Andy had a beer. The bar was elegant with wooden tables and an upscale saloon feel. After our drinks, we decided not to let the room go to waste.
Bar
I took a nice, long bath in the tub before sitting down at the desk to write in my journal. I opened the curtains for a great view of the entrance and gardens. Even though the lighting in the courtyard and entrance was dim, it was still great opening the windows (without screens) and listening to the fountain.
Presidential Bathtub
Presidential Bathroom
We finally were relaxed enough for bed. The large bed could have slept more than just the two of us as we nestled in for a good night sleep. Breakfast consisted of a great continental spread with hot eggs made-to-order, meats, fresh fruit, and pastries. After breakfast, we walked around the grounds to view the fountain before entering the side courtyard taking note of the different statues throughout the gardens. I checked out the swimming pool and spa area but did not have time to use them. The swimming pool was covered by greenhouse-like windows around it for an outdoor feel.
Breakfast/Dining Room
Pool and Spa
The Garden Suites are right across the gravel walkway to the spa and pool room with French doors opening out into the garden. It would definitely be nice to have your own private entrance without having to navigate around other guests.
Courtyard
After walking around, we went to the reception desk to request being moved, so the bride and groom could stay in the Presidential Suite for their wedding night. After some discussions on whether or not they had seen their “honeymoon” room or not, they obliged to switch us. The honeymoon suite package comes with a Junior Suite. We then rang the front desk when we were ready to move.
View of Courtyard from Presidential Suite
Time to be down-graded to the Vice-Presidential Suite just down the hall. We honestly thought we would get a room type that we originally reserved. The Vice-Presidential Suite is a little more affordable costing $345 euros a night. The room was above the entrance and still a part of the original castle.
View from Vice-Presidential Room
Vice-Presidential Bedroom Panorama
Vice-Presidential Bedroom
I enjoyed the couch at the foot of the bed to relax on while looking at the fireplace. I am not sure if the fireplaces in either of the rooms are used, but it was gave a more home and rustic feel to the rooms. I was really loving the bathtub options between the two rooms since it is rare to get a separate bathtub disconnected from the shower.
Vice-Presidential Bathtub
The rest of our time was spent enjoying the wedding celebrations in Kilybegs and the reception at the castle. I was able to peak into a regular bedroom, which was still better than most hotels I have stayed in. The Solis Castle is definitely worth the visit if in the area and is within your budget. If you are lucky, you may be greeted by a bagpipe player!
Bagpipe Player Welcoming Wedding Guests
Wedding Reception
Even though Solis Lough Eske Castle was renovated into a hotel, I highly recommend staying. However, I was disappointed to learn upon arrival that I wouldn’t be staying in the castle until being upgraded. I learned that most castles in Ireland have been restored or turned into hotels, amusement parks, or tourist traps.
Lough Eske Castle
I did not receive any compensation for this post. I enjoyed the Solis Lough Eske Castle and wanted to share it with my readers. All opinions and observations are 100% my own.
Would you splurge on your budget to stay in a castle? We did. . .
Ireland series:
- Travel Planning for Ireland
- Lodging Tips: Accommodations for Ireland
- How to Save Money in Ireland
- An Ireland Road Trip Photo Essay
- Newgrange – A Prehistoric Site
- Walking through the Titanic Belfast
- Reasons to Stay at a Bed and Breakfast in Ireland
- Treated like a “President” at Solis Lough Eske Castle
- Ireland’s Tourist Musts: Giant’s Causeway and Cliffs of Moher
- The Perfect Pour: Review of the Guinness Storehouse
- Making Friends with Irish Locals
- Touring Ireland’s Glenveagh Castle
- Why I am Glad We Detoured to See Kilkenny
- Dublin – Pubs and Beyond!
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