We had never ventured to the Inishowen peninsula and we were in for a treat.
Perfect for families Redcastle Hotel is located on the Western shores of Lough Foyle with spectacular views across the Wild Atlantic.
The spectacular Peninsula is home to world class golf courses, breathtaking beaches and nature walks all huddled in close proximity to the hotel.
Just four stories in height the hotel does not overpower the stunning scenic views, rather it adds to them.
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The nine hole golf course surrounding the property adds to the feel of a secluded natural space.
We arrive after a 3.5 hour drive from Dublin.
Our brood loves checking out the rooms.
Our six year old Erin declares, “This has to have loads of stars, it's gorgeous.”
Our adjoining family room is newly renovated with modern furniture.
We love the fact our teen and two little girls have their own space and telly (just in case we run out of family fun activities)
The kids ooh and ah as they are welcomed with little cups of hot chocolate and cookies.
If you have kids you’ll know the pool takes centre stage on any staycation.
The gorgeous pool area was one of the best we have ever encountered as the kids could use the jets too which added to the excitement.
I’m obsessed with pools with a view and this one overlooked Lough Foyle.
Our girls were enthralled by the jets and it was hard to get them out of the pool after an hour.
For the parents the sauna and steam room are located in the pool area and for fitness fanatics there’s a fully equipped gym adjacent to the Voya spa and swimming pool.
I would highly recommend dining at the Edge restaurant.
We got a super spacious table overlooking the sea.
The menu had a strong emphasis on local produce.
My starter was melt in the mouth, Donegal crab salad tartlet, Elderflower Jelly, apple, cucumber and fennel, delicate and delicious.
I’m obsessed with fish and my main course of pan fried sea bass, fennel ginger and white bean veloute, dill and pickled mussels was top notch.
My partner and his son were licking their lips after going for the chargrilled aged Irish sirloin steak and breast of free range chicken.
We love taste testing a mix of deserts.
James, our teenager, loves chocolate and raved about the 72% chocolate and hazelnut delice, toffee popcorn served with a raspberry and rose sorbet.
My partner John discovered that lavender is super delectable served with honey creme brulee and homemade shortbread.
I was in heaven eating my desert, yoghurt mousse, passion fruit curd, cashew and coconut granola and cardamon.
The kids menu is aptly called ‘Young diners menu’ and was both nutritious and tasty.
Cheesy garlic flatbreads were a winner for our pair, followed by fish and hand cut chips and a breaded chicken escalope, creamy mash and veg served with pan gravy.
For dessert a selection of ice cream, fresh strawberries and 100 and 1000’s was a firm favourite.
We were really so impressed with the food at Redcastle Hotel, it’s a must-dine experience.
There is so much exploring we discovered on our two night stay.
For rainy days there’s Leisureland, Indoor Activity Centre in Redcastle.
You can get creative and paint a pot at Moville Pottery or visit the Doagh famine village less than 30 minutes from the hotel.
Our girls are obsessed with animals so we took a trip to Wild Ireland Animal Sanctuary only 18 minutes drive from the hotel.
We encountered brown bears, wolves, lynx and wild boar on our journey through the forest.
We learnt how many of Ireland’s lost wildlife have been rescued and found sanctuary in this wonderful place.
Donegal never ceases to thrill and we couldn’t leave the county without a visit to Malin Head, the most northerly point of Mainland Ireland, located in the townland of Ardmalin on the Inishowen Peninsula.
The most exciting part of visiting this wild and rugged spot was encountering the Wild Alpaca Way.
Brainchild of Donegal man John McGonagle, he has 40 Alpacas who help guide adventurers from the beautiful Knockmanny Bens at Ireland’s most northerly point Malin Head.
You can enjoy the spectacular views from Malin Head to Glashedy Rock to the Isle of Doagh and beyond with your very own Alpaca as company.
The incredible views here grabbed the attention of Hollywood producers who came to shoot Star Wars: The Last Jedi in 2016.
Every nook and cranny of the Inishowen Peninsula is simply striking and the people are so warm.
The county is a throwback to when Ireland oozed ‘the land of the thousand welcomes’.
- Redcastlehoteldonegal.com
- Inishowen Peninsula, Moville, Co. Donegal, Ireland.
- 00 353 74 938 5555
- www.wildireland.org
- www.wildalpacaway.com
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