The beautiful Harvey’s Point Hotel is situated on the shores of Lough Eske a mere three miles from the County town of Donegal in northwest Ireland. The property was opened in 1989 by Swiss born Jody Gysling who originally came to Ireland for a summer holiday, but soon fell in love with the country and its people and acquired some land in 1983 and initially opened a four room B&B. The property now has 64 fabulous Suites in the main building as well as a Lakeside Lodge that accommodates thirteen beautifully appointed cabins. Harvey’s has become renowned throughout Ireland for the levels of its service and attention to detail – as the hotel strapline goes, “Swiss-made in Ireland.” The accolades that the property has collected over the years are too numerous to mention, but their guests have voted the property #1 in the TripAdvisor Traveller Choice Awards in Ireland for 6 of the last seven years.
Harvey’s has a range of fabulous suites to choose from. Their entry level rooms, Executive Suites are a massive 806 sqft in size, that’s 75sqm! They comprise of an entrance lobby for added privacy, bathroom with double bath, and King sized beds, 42″ plasma TV’s, minibars, complimentary Wi-Fi and all have stunning views of the Donegal countryside. Unbelievably from that level, the suites only get bigger. The Deluxe starts at 81sqm, The Premium at 86sqm and The Penthouse is an incredible 160sqm, that’s over 1700sqft! All categories of the suite are tastefully decorated and presented with classical furniture and sumptuous soft furnishings that complement the properties surroundings in perfect harmony. The views from all bedrooms are stunning, either across Lough Eske or towards the Donegal Hills, there is always a changing landscape right outside your window.
In addition to the main building, there are two external options – the Lakeshore Suites and The Lodge. The Lakeshore Suites have beautifully appointed one-bedroom suites located right on the water edge with a balcony overlooking Lough Eske. Again, decorated to a very high standard, either double or four-poster options are available, with these suites being afforded all of the amenities and service of the main house. Located a 2-minute walk from the main hotel, The Lodge comprises thirteen, en-suite, 2-bed ‘compact’ rooms very much in the style of a cruise ship cabin and once booked by a group, can avail of all of the communal areas in the building.
Much of Harvey’s story, history and reputation revolve around the superb quality of its food. The main ‘Restaurant’ offers a full range of daily menus from its open plan kitchen. The restaurant has won numerous awards across Ireland for the quality of its food and the standard of service afforded to guests. The ‘Bar & Grill’ is a funky space in the heart of the hotel that serves everything from fantastic cocktails to barista coffees. The octagonal bar is a real statement piece in the hotel, but also allows for great conversations and is very much a place to be seen! The Terrace is a relaxing space, overlooking Lough Eske, where you can enjoy those drinks undercover while watching the sunset across the lake and hills.
When a property wins a “Georgina Campbell Award” it puts it in a different league from its competitors in the food stakes in Ireland. When that Award is for its ‘breakfast,’ then you want to get out of bed that little bit earlier! Such is the quality of the ‘most important meal of the day’ at Harvey’s Point, that is what we at The Consummate Pro would advise that you do. As the last impression that most guests have of any property, it will leave you wanting to return for more.
Harvey’s Point is a gem of a property. The stunning scenery, tranquillity and simply superb service, will live long in the memory. We highly recommend it as a base for your golf vacation to the northwest corner of Ireland.