The Lough Erne Resort is located 5 miles outside of the town of Enniskillen in southwest Northern Ireland, a mere 2 hours from Belfast and Dublin Airports. It is situated on a peninsula of land that is enveloped by the lake of the same name. This 120-bedroom property has two 18-hole championship golf courses, The Faldo and the Castle Hume, a Thai Spa, beautiful ‘turreted’ lodge accommodation and more substantial houses. Opened in 2007 the property has hosted many significant events including the 39th G8 Summit in 2013 and as the first resort in Northern Ireland to achieve an AA 5* grading.
Accommodation at Lough Erne is divided into Traditional, Lakeview, Traditional Suites, Lakeview Suites, Loughside Cottages, and Golf Village Self Catering accommodation. Traditional rooms are precisely that, very much in keeping with the lakeside surroundings, the décor is very traditional with beautiful vibrant colors in the soft furnishings and bedding, heavy woven throes, very comfortable beds, and beautifully appointed bathrooms. The Lakeview Suites are our favorite rooms for the apparent reason. Again, these rooms are a blend of the old and new, but the striking views across Lough Erne are what makes them truly special.
For golf groups, we highly recommend the Lodges. A variety of one, two- and three-bedroom lodges are available all just a short stroll from the main building. These self-contained accommodations offer a dining area and kitchenette, en-suite rooms within the privacy of your lodge. They are incredibly spacious and are great spaces for entertaining, private dinners or just a good old card game in the evenings. All bedroom’s accommodations are afforded similar amenities such as complimentary Wi-Fi, bottled water, satellite TV’s, tea and coffee making facilities, etc.
There is a range of excellent places to dine at the Lough Erne Resort. In the main building, you will find the ‘Catalina Restaurant’ which falls under the stewardship of well-known Irish Chef and native Fermanagh-man, Noel McMeel. This fine dining restaurant is a multi-award winner having been the first hotel restaurant in Northern Ireland to be given 3 AA Rosettes for the quality of its food. Noel is passionate about supporting local producers and has been a long-time advocate that the artisan produces that exist in his part of the world are some of the best in the world. The restaurant has some stunning views across Castle Hume Lough and has a classic elegance to its décor. The ‘Blaney Bar’ is in the hub of the property serving light-bites and snacks all day. The Blaney is also where you will find a fabulous selection of local beers, ales, and stouts as well as a fantastic whiskey collection and great cocktails.
Golfers are well catered for in the main clubhouse where the Loughside Bar & Grill serves a vast array of golfers’ fayre from breakfast rolls right through to fish and chips, seafood platters and delicious burgers all-day.
In terms of relaxation, the Thai Spa at the Lough Erne Resort has it covered. A range of traditional Thai therapies are available in the beautiful surroundings of the spa that includes a 14m infinity pool, “Sabai Sabai” Relaxation Room, Crystal Steam Room, Sauna, Jacuzzi and Tropical Rain Showers. A range of golfer specific treatments is also available. The resort has a list of dedicated walking trails around the resort that can account for some 10-miles of trekking and guests can hire boats for the lake as well as fishing equipment and guidance from a resident gillie if required.
The two golf courses at Lough Erne is a great test. The Faldo Course, in particular, is as beautiful a course as you will find, and equally challenging. Many of the holes are played along or over Lough Erne itself, and visually it is stunning in places. Guests can avail of buggies or caddies for the experience, and the facilities are world class with a great Pro shop, changing facilities, short-game areas and several putting greens dotted around the resort.
The Lough Erne Resort is a great base to consider for golfing in the north-west of Ireland with the courses at Donegal (Murvagh) under an hour away, Co. Sligo (Rosses Point) 1hr 10minutes drive and Nairn & Portnoo an hour and a half drive.