We have always been in love with any building that can tell a story. To think who may have occupied the space before and the tales the walls could recall; it is truly fascinating. That is why Solis Lough Eske Castle and Spa has always been somewhat of an obsession of ours.
This historic wedding venue’s story first begins in the 1400’s. The O’Donnell Castle in the town was built by the first Red Hugh and his wife Lady Nuala. They also brought the Franciscan Monks to Donegal. The Abbey was built in the same year, 1474. There were two Red Hughs.
Red Hugh and Lady Nuala’s ownership of the castle changed when they were badly defeated in the Battle of Kinsale in 1601. As Red Hugh went to Spain to seek help to resume the fight (and ultimately died there), other chieftains were forced to exile. The O’Donell Castle and their lands fell under the hands of English Captain, Basil Brooke, who carried out major reconstruction and added a wing, known as the manor house. Brooke eventually moved to Lough Eske where he built Lough Eske Castle.
In 1894, General George White purchased the property. The most infamous of the White family was General Henry White, who developed a great love for Lough Eske and even requested to be buried close to the lake.
The current Lough Eske Castle was constructed in the 1860’s but was destroyed in a fire in 1939. The newly renovated Lough Eske Castle provides a testament to the incredible history of Lough Eske.
