With the completion of the dual carriageway from Belfast to Londonderry last year, the drive to Redcastle Oceanfront Golf and Spa Hotel in northwest Donegal has never been easier. Once you arrive in Derry, it’s a pretty straightforward route, following signs for Moville until you arrive at the countryside destination.
Thanks an extensive €500,000 renovation project which saw 94 rooms and suites undergo a complete refurbish, the bedrooms are pristine, modern and fresh.
Furnished in calming blue, grey and neutral tones that take inspiration from the waterside setting on the Wild Atlantic Way, the view from our bedroom window was spectacular. Overlooking Lough Foyle, you can see right across to Magilligan and beyond.
Coffee and biscuits, and Argan Source body lotion, shampoo and body wash, were welcome touches.
In terms of dining options, there’s the award-winning Edge Restaurant, in addition to Captain’s Bar which offers upmarket pub grub, local and international whiskeys, and an impressive cocktail menu. There’s also the hugely popular Afternoon Tea by the Sea which costs €25 – or €28 with a glass of bubbles – and €10 for children.
We dined in The Edge and its focus on seasonal ingredients and local produce is apparent from a glance at the menu which features delights like Donegal crab.
Although no longer a vegetarian, I can’t resist veggie food and ordered the wild mushroom spelt risotto with seasonal greens and golden raisins, and the onion bhaji with coriander, pickled fennel, sesame, soy and curry – both from the plant-based menu – followed by the chocolate and hazelnut delice with honeycomb and coconut ice cream from the main table d’hôte menu.
Bursting with flavour, both courses were divine, enjoyed in a picturesque setting boasting panoramic views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows. A glass of wine in hand, served by attentive and friendly staff – what more could you ask for? An espresso martini nightcap in Captain’s Bar was the perfect end to a memorable evening.
The breakfast buffet was equally impressive. Featuring a piping hot full Irish breakfast selection, there was also an array of fresh fruit, yogurt, cereal, homemade bread and pastries, cheese, and freshly squeezed juice. Special care is taken for guests dining gluten free, who have their own dedicated station and toaster.
Facility wise, the resort has its own private nine-hole golf course, Cara Organic Spa, a gym, indoor heated pool, steam room, sauna and relaxation area.
The spa offers half- and full-day spa packages in addition to individual treatments including facials, massage, seaweed baths, wraps and scrubs as well as parent pampering and couple’s massage.
In addition, the reception team are only too happy to advise guests who want to venture beyond the hotel, and they’ve various brochures on hand to inspire. For example, the Creative Inishowen Arts and Crafts Trail is a guide to the studios and galleries of artists and crafters who live and work on the Inishowen peninsula.
Content to stay put, I enjoyed a dip in the pool and a stroll around the grounds before checkout, fully recharged with a pep in my step.
Currently there are various offers to avail of. Stay three nights for the price of two, including breakfast, from €335 per room. Visitors save 20% on the bed and breakfast rate if they stay for two nights or more thanks to the Stay Longer For Less deal. The Minibreak By The Sea Package, at €219 per couple, includes a three-course dinner in The Edge Restaurant, breakfast, and complimentary access to the pool and leisure facilities. There’s also a November yoga retreat and various other offers.