Lough Eske Castle – Donegal’s 5-Star Lakeside Retreat
Hidden within 43 acres of native woodland on the shores of Lough Eske, this restored 17th-century castle is widely regarded as one of Ireland’s finest secluded escapes. The journey from Dublin Airport to Donegal is one of the longer routes (approx. 3.5 hours), making a private chauffeur essential for arriving relaxed. Instead of navigating narrow roads or changing buses with luggage, you can recline in a Mercedes S-Class or V-Class and watch the landscape shift from the bustling east coast to the wild, rugged beauty of the Blue Stack Mountains.
Snapshot for Planners
- Distance: ≈ 265 km / 165 mi
- Typical drive: ~3 hours 30 minutes (via N2 / A5 / N15)
- Route: Smooth motorway and national roads crossing through County Monaghan and Tyrone (Northern Ireland) before re-entering Donegal.
- Comfort: A 20-minute refreshment stop is included on request.
Fleet & Prices (One-Way)
- Mercedes Viano / V-Class (up to 7 guests, 7 suitcases): €530
- Mercedes S-Class LWB (up to 3 guests, 2 large cases): €580
- Rates include all tolls, fuel, and cross-border insurance.
Turn the Drive into a Tour (Optional Stops)
Since the route passes through historic Ulster, you can break up the journey with a cultural stop:
- Ulster American Folk Park (Omagh): An immersive open-air museum telling the story of Irish emigration. (Add 1.5 – 2 hours).
- Castle Leslie Estate (Glaslough): A quick detour for coffee or lunch in one of Ireland’s most prestigious estates.
- Enniskillen Castle: If taking the alternative scenic route via Fermanagh.
Stopover fees: 1 hour +€60 / 2 hours +€100.
Why Lough Eske Castle?
- The Spa: Located in the castle garden’s original glasshouse, featuring a thermal suite and infinity pool.
- History: The O’Donnell clan stronghold dating back to the 1400s, rebuilt in 1861 in Elizabethan-Tudor style.
- Dining: The Cedars Restaurant offers fresh Donegal seafood with views of the woodland.
Your Chauffeur Route
Your driver will typically take the M1/N2 north from Dublin, crossing into Northern Ireland near Aughnacloy (no stops required). The road winds through the rolling hills of Tyrone, bypassing Omagh and Strabane, before crossing the River Foyle into County Donegal. The final stretch skirts the Blue Stack Mountains before turning into the quiet, tree-lined estate of Lough Eske.
Book Your Transfer
Start your Donegal retreat the moment you land. Book your private transfer from Dublin Airport to Lough Eske Castle today for a seamless, door-to-door experience.