Lough Eske Castle Hotel Celebrates Coveted Georgina Campbell Award Win

Lough Eske Castle, the five-star castle hotel and spa set in the heart of County Donegal Ireland, is celebrating after receiving a coveted Georgina Campbell Award for Best 5 Star Hotel of The Year. 

Set within woodland and formal gardens near Donegal Town, Lough Eske Castle combines historic character with contemporary luxury, offering accommodation, spa experiences, weddings, meetings and fine dining in a restored castle setting, with exceptional customer service.

Photo credit: Lough Eske Castle

Established in 1997 by leading Irish food and travel writer Georgina Campbell, a published author who has also contributed to guides by Fodor's and Egon Ronay, the eponymously named Irish Food & Hospitality Awards are among Ireland's longest-running and most coveted hospitality awards that have attained their status by remaining independent and objective: assessments are conducted throughout the year anonymously, with businesses unable to enter or propose themselves.

The aim of the Awards remains recognition, where it is deserved, across a broad range of destinations and to lead customers - both local and international – to genuine, hospitable experiences where they will enjoy a warm welcome, good service and great food, that 'speak of the real Ireland'.

This year's Awards were hosted by noted hotelier Francis Brennan and presented by Georgina Campbell, at a Gala luncheon held at Intercontinental Hotel Dublin, on Tuesday 22nd September. Simon Petka Director of Sales and Marketing at Lough Eske Castle was on hand to receive the Award for Best 5 Star Hotel on behalf of Lough Eske Castle.

Photo credit: Lough Eske Castle

Donal Cox, General Manager of Lough Eske Castle, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this coveted Georgina Campbell Award, which is a wonderful endorsement of the standards we strive to deliver every day. Recognition belongs to our entire team, from the kitchen and restaurant to housekeeping, spa, front office and events, whose dedication and professionalism create truly memorable experiences for our guests. We are also proud to showcase the warmth, produce and hospitality of Donegal, and this award inspires us to continue raising the bar.”

Clement Gaffney, Group Chief Operating Officer of The Harcourt Collection said, “This Award is a proud moment not only for Lough Eske Castle, but for The Harcourt Collection as a whole. It reflects the strength of our independent hotels and the shared commitment across The Harcourt Collection to delivering authentic hospitality, exceptional service and memorable guest experiences, rooted in each property's unique sense of place. We are delighted that Lough Eske Castle has been recognised on a national stage and congratulate General Manager Dónal and the entire team on this very well-deserved achievement.”

The Awards are underpinned by several core principles designed to protect independence and highlight genuine excellence in Irish hospitality and gastronomy, encompassing not solely the end product, or room, but the full customer journey and experience.

The Award recognises the standards of food, service and guest experience delivered at Lough Eske Castle, including the work of the team at Cedars Restaurant, and further strengthens its reputation as one of Ireland's leading luxury hospitality destinations.

The Award adds to Lough Eske Castle's growing list of national and international accolades and follows recognition at the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards as one of the top 10 hotels in the UK and Ireland, further reinforcing its position as a leading luxury hotel.