lough erne

Lough Erne Resort – Our Review

The June bank holiday weekend was our wedding anniversary. It is the one occasion I really like to mark or celebrate. We were invited to Lough Erne Resort in Fermanagh for the night and how could I possibly refuse a stay in five star luxury hotel?! With kids in tow we departed for Lough Erne via Donegal (!) for the Sunday night of the bank holiday.  I’ll admit from the outset expectations were high, hotel of the year 2017, home to the 2013 G8 summit, five star and award winning chef!!! Could this hotel live up?!!

The location

The hotel is located just outside  Enniskillen in Co Fermanagh, very easy to locate and well sign posted. You enter the hotel via a long driveway which I think forms part of the golf course.  When the entrance comes into view its impossible not to be wowed, its really stunning and the setting on the lake really adds to the charm.  We could see the swans on the lake which really excited the kids.

The room

Check in was smooth and dealt with efficiently and friendly by a lovely lady named Susan or Sandra  I think.  Helpful without being imposing exactly the way I like it.  The kids received swim bags with colouring book and crayons in it which was a really nice touch.  Our home for the night was a beautiful 2 bedroom lodge over looking the lake. It was huge!! We had a separate living space with kitchenette, two full sized ensuite bedroom and a breathtaking view of the lake. I could very easily wile away hours staring at that view. The lake is so calm and serene. Its also part of the golf course and the boys loved watching the golf buggies up and down the course. There were lots of lovely little touches the sawm teddy on the bed for the kids, the little slippers.  My pair felt like total VIP’s.

The Food

We had dinner in the Blaney Bar that evening. The first thing I noticed was the great kids menu.  My pair happily devoured the steak and chips.  The setting is really nice over looking the lake. The vibe is nice and relaxed which is important when eating out with kids. Both the Dada Fairy and I also opted for steak and chips and there was clean plates all round. Service was very good. Special mention to Lauren who was brilliant, attentive, friendly and unobtrusive.  The staff in the bar definitely add to the charm and appeal, all the staff we encountered were so welcoming especially with the kids. Big thumbs up for the wine and chilled glasses too!

There is another restaurant on site – The Catalina, which I understand is Northern Ireland’s first 3 AA Rosette Hotel Restaurant. We didn’t eat dinner there but did have breakfast there which was as you would expect really good.  Again the staff are a big selling point here. Service is attentive without being over done.  Great breakfast selection there was plenty selection for both the adults and the kids.

The Facilities

Unfortunately having only had one night we didn’t get enough time to experience the activities on offer but I did hear from another guest that the pool really was amazing.  There really is lots for families to do onsite you can take an hour-long cruise down the Lough in the region’s famous Water Taxis or head off to nearby Marble Arch Caves – one of the world’s leading Geoparks.

On site there are beautiful walks around the stunning surroundings of Lough Erne on the famous Collop Walk. It goes without saying aspiring junior golfers can practice their skills on the Mini Himalayas putting green or take part in a Junior golf camp. There’s also a host of other family-friendly activities such as fishing, arts and crafts, and a dedicated games room, Ernie’s Den to keep kids occupied and parents relaxed.

I really need to come back to experience the facilities on offer 😉

The Verdict

I was a little worried that as a five star hotel my boisterous pair might seem like  unwelcome guests amongst other patrons and staff! Absolutely not from the minute we checked in the kids were made feel like special guests.  The lodge was fantastic with so much space and the kitchenette while we didn’t use it I can see how helpful it would be if you were staying a couple of nights. We really thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Everything from the setting to the food to the room (s) was wow, spotlessly clean and welcoming.  If I was to start being really picky, the wifi in our lodge wasn’t picking up the signal well however lets be honest you don’t visit a five star resort for its wifi!

I can say hand on heart we will be back.

The cost

For best rate always book direct with the hotel.  For this summer the ‘Fermanagh Family Fun’ package is available which includes complimentary access to the Infinity Pool (children’s swimming daily 8am-11am & 4.30pm–5.30pm), jacuzzi and sauna at The Thai Spa plus an indulgent breakfast each morning by Noel McMeel and his culinary team. It’s available midweek (Sunday to Thursday) from the discounted price of £310 /£280 / £269 per night, based on two adults and two children under 12  based on 2/3/4 night stays and is available 1^st July – 31st August.

 

Note: We were provided with a complimentary stay however all views are my own or the kids. I was not asked or expected to write this review.