Set within 43 acres of forested woodland, hugging the shores of Lough Eske, with a backdrop of the Blue Stack Mountains, multi-award-winning Lough Eske Castle, part of The Harcourt Collection, has elevated its offering of five-star luxury with the introduction of “The Donegal Suites”. Open now, these 25 new suites are a true testament to local craftsmanship, heritage, and design. At the heart of these luxurious rooms is Magee 1866, a fifth-generation family business renowned for its dedication to Donegal tweed.

Through a unique collaboration with Lough Eske Castle, Magee 1866 has brought its expertise and artistry to the interiors of these exquisite suites, creating a striking blend of tradition and modern elegance. Magee 1866 and Lough Eske Castle share an enduring partnership, united by a deep appreciation for Donegal's heritage and natural beauty.

Speaking about the collaboration, Rosy Temple, CEO of Magee 1866 says: “Magee 1866 and Lough Eske Castlehave a longstanding relationship as two Donegal companies operating in the same part of the county, and we have worked together on various endeavours throughout the years, so we were thrilled to support the hotel when they showed us the plans for their new suites and wanted to work with us on bringing the interiors of the new wing at the hotel to life in a unique way.”

A defining feature of the Donegal Suites is the distinctive burnt orange and salt and pepper tweed wallscape, specially designed by Magee 1866 for this project. Originating from the “Eske Bunch” collection, named after the firm's weaving mill on the banks of the River Eske, this tweed serves as both a decorative and tactile element within each room.

Rosy Temple continues: “The Lough Eske Castle team wanted these rooms to showcase local design, and this is where we came in. Our distinctive Donegal tweed in this orange colourway, reflective of the county's diverse landscapes, covers a wall of each suite, adding texture and dimension with vibrant flecks of colour dispersed throughout the fabric. It adds a pop of colour to each bedroom, and tweed has a comforting appeal when used in interiors as well.”

Each tweed wallscape is crafted from 100% woollen yarn, a fibre that is not only luxurious but also versatile, biodegradable, and renewable. The organic and intricate design of the fabric mirrors the rugged beauty of Donegal's hills, coastline, and flora, making every suite feel like a one-of-a-kind artistic retreat.

Magee 1866 has been at the forefront of Donegal tweed weaving for over 150 years, ensuring that each fabric reflects the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Designed, woven, and finished by the skilled team at the Donegal mill, every piece of tweed used in the Donegal Suites is a representation of the region's rich textile heritage.

The commitment to craftsmanship extends beyond textiles, as Lough Eske Castle continues to collaborate with local artisans and producers with unique pieces of ceramics from Kevin Callaghan Pottery, and colourful ornamental glass bowls from McGonigle Glass Studio – both located only ten-minutes' drive from Lough Eske Castle at the Donegal Craft Village. With artisanal sweet treats from The Donegal Chocolate Man and locally made whiskey by Sliabh Liag Distillers, the team at Lough Eske Castle have created a fully immersive Donegal experience for its guests.

The Donegal Suites offer guests an unrivalled five-star experience infused with the essence of the region. From four-poster beds and roll-top baths to modern technology and bespoke tweed accents, every element has been carefully curated to evoke a sense of place and heritage. Whether it's the warmth of the woven textures or the stunning views of Lough Eske, visitors will be surrounded by the authentic spirit of Donegal.

Dónal Cox, General Manager at Lough Eske Castle says: “At Lough Eske Castle, we are deeply committed to celebrating the heritage and craftsmanship that make Donegal unique. Our collaboration with Magee 1866 is a true reflection of this, seamlessly blending timeless tradition with contemporary luxury. The Donegal Suites are not just a place to stay they are an experience, an immersion in the textures, colours, and artistry of this incredible region."

As Lough Eske Castle continues to elevate its offering with these beautifully designed suites, the collaboration with Magee 1866 stands as a shining example of how tradition and luxury can seamlessly intertwine. This partnership not only enhances the guest experience but also reinforces the importance of supporting local craftsmanship and preserving the timeless art of Donegal tweed.

The Donegal Suites at Lough Eske Castle are now open, with rates starting from €575 on a bed and breakfast basis. 

For more information on Lough Eske Castle please visit www.lougheskecastlehotel.com, email reservations@lougheskecastlehotel.com or Tel +35 3749 725100.

For more details on Magee 1866 and its craftsmanship, visit www.magee1866.com.

For more information on The Harcourt Collection please visit www.theharcourtcollection.com and for more information on Harcourt Developments please visit harcourtdev.com/