Vacation rentals in Lough Eske

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Top-rated vacation rentals in Lough Eske

Guests agree: these stays are highly rated for location, cleanliness, and more.

Guest favorite

Guest suite in County Donegal, Ireland

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 465 reviews

The 'Tupelo Suite' at Graceland on the W.W.W.

The newly remodelled "Tupelo Suite", has been a welcomed addition here at Graceland, for anyone visiting the beautiful, historic, bustling, vibrant market town of Donegal. Whether you are coming for a wedding at any one of our finest hotels including Harvey,s Pt, Lough Eske Castle and the MillPark or exploring the surrounding scenic rugged countryside then an overnite relaxing stay at Graceland mixed with the warmest hospitality provided by your 'Super host' Kevin will suit your every need.

Dec 5 – 12

R1,368 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in County Donegal

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 369 reviews

Seal Cottage+ private sandy BEACH & Wifi, Dogs ok

A detached traditional Donegal cottage in a spectacular location on the seashore +small PRIVATE SANDY BEACH to front. Arrange private Stand Up Paddleboard tuition from your own beach, or surf lessons/ book the private beach sauna at Dooey beach (an easy walk). 1x Kingsize bedroom 1x low loft (Double bed) bedroom (not for toddlers) Good WIFI, woodburner, central heating, Netflix. Well behaved pets welcome (fee applies). 5 mins to village (bike hire, pub food/takeaway, 2x shops open 7 days).

Mar 13 – 20

R3,222 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Treehouse in County Donegal, Ireland

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 366 reviews

The Birdbox, Donegal Treehouse with Glenveagh view

Airbnb Host Spotlight Award - Most Unique Stay 2023 ***Please read the listing profile in full to completely understand the space before booking.*** The Birdbox at Neadú is a cosy, handcrafted treehouse nestled in the branches of beautiful mature oak and scots pine trees on our property. To the front are stunning views towards Glenveagh National Park. A short distance from The Wild Atlantic Way, The Birdbox is ideal for a fun, peaceful getaway or a great base from which to explore Donegal.

Jan 13 – 20

R1,690 ZAR per night

Popular amenities for Lough Eske vacation rentals

Other great vacation rentals in Lough Eske

Guest favorite

Apartment in Donegal, Ireland

4.88 out of 5 average rating, 107 reviews

Donegal Town Apartment with Large Patio and Wifi

Oct 2 – 9

R2,058 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in Kilcar

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 478 reviews

Restored Sheep Farmer's Cottage -Wild Atlantic Way

Nov 2 – 9

R3,012 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in County Donegal

4.92 out of 5 average rating, 301 reviews

Valley View Cottage

Dec 5 – 12

R1,858 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in County Donegal, Ireland

4.91 out of 5 average rating, 398 reviews

The Red Bridge Cottage

Dec 12 – 19

R1,799 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Barn in Rathmullan

4.95 out of 5 average rating, 487 reviews

The Barn

Nov 13 – 20

R2,804 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Shepherd’s hut in Dirlaught

4.84 out of 5 average rating, 141 reviews

Shepherds hut glamping by the sea + shore access

Mar 17 – 24

R2,410 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in Glenlee

4.89 out of 5 average rating, 480 reviews

Puffin Lodge~Private Access to Beach ~Free WiFi

Oct 18 – 25

R1,978 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in Donegal Town, Ireland

4.98 out of 5 average rating, 172 reviews

'Seldom In' Apartment, Donegal Town

Sep 14 – 21

R1,938 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Cottage in County Donegal

4.96 out of 5 average rating, 82 reviews

Cosy country cottage for your 2024 staycation!

Oct 29 – Nov 5

R2,336 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Home in County Donegal

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 84 reviews

The Old Sawmill, Lough Eske

Jan 29 – Feb 5

R7,543 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Apartment in County Donegal

4.9 out of 5 average rating, 31 reviews

G's Barn

Apr 26 – May 3

R1,637 ZAR per night
Guest favorite

Condo in County Donegal, Ireland

4.99 out of 5 average rating, 90 reviews

Maggie's place

Sep 15 – 22

R3,742 ZAR per night

Your guide to Lough Eske

All About Lough Eske

Lough Eske, or "Lake of the Fish," is a small lake nestled in Ireland's Northwest region in County Donegal. Wedged between the Blue Stack and Tawnawully Mountains, this scenic body of water is best known for its dramatic backdrops and excellent angling. It has a shoreline length of nine miles, and a maximum depth of 100 feet. As its name implies, Lough Eske is a hotbed for different species of fish, including salmon, sea trout, brown trout, grilse, autumn fish, and char. The three-mile River Eske is also great for fishing and flows southwest from Lough Eske through Donegal town.

Because of its scenic and unspoiled surroundings, the lake is a popular getaway destination, especially in the summer. You can explore one of many paths on the southwestern shores or along the newly reconstructed paths in Ardnamona Wood, or spend your day on the water. Kayaking and canoeing are popular activities here thanks to the numerous islands that can be explored along the way.

Several day walks and mountain biking trails wind through the beautiful Bluestack Mountains, and also by the beaches close to Donegal. Fifteenth-century castles dot the nearby landscape, adding to the lake’s charm.


The best time to stay in a vacation rental in Lough Eske

Fishing season runs from the first of March to the end of September and is the most popular activity in the area. The weather during this time ranges from lows in the 40s to highs in the 60s Fahrenheit. Fall is a beautiful time to visit for those who are interested in other activities such as hiking, horseback riding, and golfing, as temperatures are in the comfortable 40s to 50s Fahrenheit. The winter is slightly cooler — and also note that it gets dark early here, as Lough Eske is so far north — calling for meals in front of a warm fire at night.


Top things to do in Lough Eske

Fishing

Depending on when you visit, there are all types of fishing to be had at Lough Eske. Spawning spring salmon are best caught between early April and the end of September (catches of up to 20 pounds are not uncommon). Grilse is prevalent from June through September, and sea trout are rife between July and September. Char populates the lake en masse for roughly two weeks at the end of October and beginning of November, when fishers can walk away with 30 or 40 specimens per day.

Ardnamona Wood Nature Reserve

Ardnamona Wood Nature Reserve is a native oak woodland stretching some 46.6 hectares along the western shore of Lough Eske. It’s one of the few old oak woodlands in Ireland, and is of scientific interest for its size and age. There’s a two- kilometer great loop walk that takes you by a wet woodland and rare plants such as Wood Sage, Bluebell, and Foxglove.

Donegal Castle

Visit this beautiful and historic Jacobean-style castle, first built in 1474, and learn the history of the O’Donnell clan. The original castle burned down in the early 1600s during the Nine Years War and was rebuilt after the war by Bastille Brooks, an English captain. The castle was practically in ruins for years but was refurbished back to its former glory in the 1990s. Visit the castle to learn more about its history, and that of the surrounding area, and to wander its picturesque grounds.

Destinations to explore

  1. Airbnb
  2. Ireland
  3. County Donegal
  4. Lough Eske