Describe the best wedding that happened at Lough Eske Castle?
One of the most memorable weddings at Lough Eske Castle was a stunning, fairytale-inspired celebration that truly showcased the castle’s charm and the couple’s unique love story. What made this wedding so special wasn’t just the beautiful setting, but the warmth and emotion that filled every moment. It was a day full of love, joy, and celebration, and it felt like everyone present was part of the couple’s journey. The castle’s staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything went smoothly, making it a seamless and stress-free experience for the bride and groom. It was a perfect example of how Lough Eske Castle can turn a couple’s dream wedding into reality - where history, beauty, and romance come together in the most unforgettable way.
What is your No. 1 wedding planning tip for couples?
Our number one wedding planning tip for couples is to prioritize what truly matters to you and stay focused on those key elements. It’s easy to get caught up in the endless details and opinions from family and friends, but your wedding should reflect your unique vision and personalities as a couple.
What’s your favourite personal touch you’ve seen at a wedding?
One of our absolute favorite personal touches was when a couple used the surrounding landscape and history of the venue to create a truly unique experience for their guests. At Lough Eske Castle, they created a “Memory Walk” along the castle grounds, where each guest was invited to write a message or a memory of the couple on a tag and hang it on a tree that had been specially decorated for the day. It was a beautiful way to incorporate the natural beauty of the grounds, while also involving loved ones in a meaningful way.
Guests loved it because it felt like they were contributing to the couple's story, and the tree became a symbol of the love and support from everyone who was part of the celebration. Plus, it was such a lovely contrast of nature and the castle’s historical elegance. The walk added an extra layer of intimacy and personal connection, and it's something that the couple can look back on in years to come as they visit the tree and read the messages left for them.
It was a lovely, creative way to bring the venue’s natural beauty into the celebration while giving guests a way to participate and leave something personal behind. It’s always those little, thoughtful touches that make weddings at our venue feel so unforgettable!
Describe Lough Eske Castle in 5 adjectives
Elegant, romantic, picturesque, historic, and enchanting.
Where’s the best photo spot at Lough Eske Castle?
One of the best photo spots at Lough Eske Castle has to be the castle's front steps, which offer a stunning backdrop of the grand façade and manicured gardens. The beautiful architecture and lush surroundings create a dramatic and timeless setting for your wedding photos.
For something more natural, the lakeside near the castle provides a serene and magical atmosphere, especially during golden hour when the light reflects off the water, creating a dreamy, romantic vibe. It’s perfect for capturing intimate moments with the scenic beauty of the Donegal countryside.
Both locations showcase the castle’s charm and beauty, and each offers its own unique feel for different styles of photography!
Have you had any celebrity guest or wedding at Lough Eske Castle?
Yes, Lough Eske Castle has had the honor of hosting some high-profile guests and weddings over the years! The castle’s elegance and stunning setting have made it a popular choice for celebrities and notable figures looking for a luxurious, private venue for their special occasions. While we respect the privacy of our guests, it has been widely recognized as the destination for some memorable celebrity events and weddings.
What’s your favourite canapé?
Oh, that's a tough one - there are so many delicious options! But if I had to pick, my absolute favorite canapé would be the smoked salmon and dill blinis. They’re light, flavorful, and the perfect blend of elegance and local taste, with the salmon being sourced from the freshest ingredients. The soft, buttery blini paired with the richness of the smoked salmon and a hint of dill is always a crowd-pleaser.
It’s such a classic, yet refined choice that works beautifully as a starter or as part of a wedding reception, especially when paired with a crisp white wine or champagne. Plus, it's a wonderful nod to the region’s culinary heritage - everything at Lough Eske Castle is made with love and locally sourced ingredients, and these canapés are no exception!
What’s your favourite midnight treat?
Ah, the midnight treat! One of the most fun parts of a wedding celebration, and at Lough Eske Castle, we do it right. My personal favorite has to be the mini fish and chips served in cute little cones. It’s such a nostalgic, comfort food treat that guests love after a night of dancing and celebrating. The crispy fish with golden fries is not only delicious but feels like a perfect way to round off a magical day, especially with a little twist of tartar sauce on the side.
There’s something so special about a warm, hearty snack that brings a smile to everyone’s face after all the excitement. Plus, it’s a great way to give guests an extra energy boost before they hit the dance floor again!
What is Lough Eske Castle most unique feature?
Lough Eske Castle’s most unique feature as a wedding venue is the perfect blend of historic charm and natural beauty. The castle itself, with its centuries-old architecture, provides a sense of grandeur and elegance, while the surrounding grounds - lush gardens, serene lakeside, and dramatic Donegal landscape - offer an incredibly picturesque and tranquil setting.
What part of your business are you most proud of?
We are most proud of the exceptional level of personalized service we provide at Lough Eske Castle. It’s not just about being a beautiful venue - it’s about making each couple’s wedding day exactly what they’ve dreamed of. From the moment a couple arrives, they know they’re in expert hands. Our team works closely with them to understand their vision, and we go above and beyond to bring it to life.
Whether it’s curating a bespoke menu, designing personalized décor, or offering guidance on the tiniest details (like the perfect lighting or arranging a surprise for the couple), we ensure every aspect of the day is flawless and unique to them. It’s truly a joy to see couples’ faces light up when they realize how much care and attention we put into making their special day one they’ll never forget.
The combination of our experienced team, the stunning venue, and our commitment to personalization is something that makes Lough Eske Castle stand out - and that’s something we are incredibly proud of!