Harcourt Developments has announced the unveiling of the first phase of a €20 million investment in its hotel portfolio: the Harcourt Collection at Lough Eske Castle, in Co. Donegal.
The first phase includes a multimillion-euro investment into Co. Donegal’s only five-star hotel. 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 room 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.
“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,” said Dónal Cox, general manager at Lough Eske Castle.
“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-square-metre suite – the team and I also wanted to add a bespoke experience for our guests.”
Donegal Suites
The new additions are named the Donegal Suites and aim to 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 a custom tweed from world-famous local 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, Mc Gonigle Glass Studio, Kevin Callaghan Pottery, the Donegal Natural Soap Company, the Donegal Chocolate Man, Kinnegar Brewing, and artists including Patrick Murphy and David Mitchell.
“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,” said Harcourt Developments’ Doherty.
Harcourt Developments
Harcourt Developments first entered the hotel-and-hospitality sector in 1986, when founder Pat Doherty purchased the Redcastle Hotel & Spa near Moville. Since then, Harcourt Developments has operated hotels in London, Manchester, Belfast, Liverpool, Jersey and Antigua.
Currently, the Harcourt Collection includes the Titanic Hotel Belfast, the Titanic Hotel Liverpool, Lough Eske Castle, the Redcastle Hotel & Spa, and the Carlisle Bay Antigua. Two other properties – the Aspect Hotel Park West and the 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 completed by late 2026.
