One of Ireland’s largest privately held companies, Harcourt Developments, are unveiling the results of the first phase of a €20 million investment in its hotel portfolio – The Harcourt Collection, at County Donegal’s five-star Lough Eske Castle.
The first phase includes a multimillion-euro investment into County Donegal’s only five-star hotel, Lough Eske Castle. Set to launch this autumn, the development will deliver 25 new luxurious suites and two double rooms. The additional suites and rooms will give the award-winning castle hotel a 28% increase in rooms inventory, bringing the total number of keys to 124. Designed by Belfast based architects RMI, works commenced in October 2023 and were completed by August 2024.
The new additions are named “The Donegal Suites” and will showcase furnishings, artworks and amenities sourced and created by local craftspeople and businesses. Overseen by Harcourt Developments’ Group Creative Director, John Doherty, interior features include custom tweed from world famous local weavers Magee 1866.
John Doherty comments: “The Harcourt Collection has gone from strength to strength in recent years, with the strongest growth seen in our five-star hotels, Lough Eske Castle and Carlisle Bay, Antigua. We’ve witnessed similar travel trends across our hotel collection* which includes guests seeking luxury experiences, possibly with wider family or friendship groups, for slightly longer periods, and thanks to hybrid working, guests are increasingly travelling in shoulder and off-peak seasons.
“Specifically at Lough Eske Castle, we have seen a continued increase in international visitors to the hotel. This has been supported by increased air access to the Island of Ireland, which has been a key factor in the success and growth of the luxury accommodation sector in Republic of Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way. As Lough Eske Castle is Donegal’s only five-star hotel, we want to ensure the hotel meets this increasing demand, building on its existing award-winning reputation and genuine Donegal hospitality.
“Donegal holds a very special place in the journey of Harcourt Developments, and we are delighted to be welcoming more guests to this beautiful region. This has been a key principle in the building of the additional Donegal Suites, with the interiors developed around a unique custom tweed encompassing Donegal landscapes through texture and colourway, woven by one of Ireland’s oldest and most renowned weavers, Magee 1866.”
In addition to the collaboration with Magee 1866, The Donegal Suites will showcase produce and artwork sourced locally from Sliabh Liag Distillers, McNutt of Donegal, McGonigle Glass Studio, Kevin Callaghan Pottery, The Donegal Natural Soap Company, The Donegal Chocolate Man, Kinnegar Brewery, and artists including Patrick Murphy and David Mitchell.
Dónal Cox, General Manager at Lough Eske Castle comments: “We have found an increased demand for suites that can host multigenerational stays for domestic and international guests, as well as suites suitable for celebratory stays. While our key objective has been to provide luxurious accommodation which includes four poster beds, roll top baths and cosy fireplaces in each spacious 68 sqm suite, the team and I also wanted to add a bespoke experience for our guests. We are truly passionate about what County Donegal has to offer, and we showcase this through artwork, crafts, tweed, and locally made produce to guests during their time in our new Donegal Suites.”
Properties in The Harcourt Collection each offer a unique experience and regularly achieve higher than average occupancy rates, with many guests returning. The strength of each property’s performance lies in the sense of place, individual offerings and standard of hospitality and guest care.
Harcourt Developments first entered the hotel and hospitality sector in 1986, when founder Pat Doherty purchased Redcastle Hotel & Spa near Moville. Since then, Harcourt Developments have operated hotels in London, Manchester, Belfast, Liverpool, Jersey, and Antigua. Currently the Harcourt Collection includes Titanic Hotel Belfast, Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Lough Eske Castle, Redcastle Hotel & Spa and Carlisle Bay Antigua. Two further properties, Aspect Hotel Park West and Grand Central Bundoran, are currently operated by third parties.
Current planned investment activity across The Harcourt Collection will be in excess of €20 million and all phases are currently anticipated to be complete by late 2026.
