After lockdown a luxurious family five star staycation was just what the doctor ordered and the incredible Lough Erne Resort, is the jewel in the crown of Co Fermanagh.
With two little ladies under four and a teen boy in tow, it’s always a delight to find a holiday spot that has something for everyone.
We were blessed as the sun shone brightly for our mini break away and Ireland truly is the most beautiful place on earth, whatever the weather.
As we drove through the gates of the magnificent golf course, designed by Nick Faldo, the kids got all excited seeing the stunning round tower tops of what was to be our holiday lodge for the weekend.
There was a statue of Mr Faldo outside our lodge and we had good craic trying out our golf stances in preparation for our weekend golf lesson.
The property nestled on a 600-acre peninsula is stunningly beautiful, situated between Castle Hume Lough and lower Lough Erne.
Our luxurious Inishlougher lodge overlooked the lake which is breathtaking, the reeds glisten in the sun, it’s magical and the minute we got there I went into zen mode.
The beauty of the lodge is the space, I didn’t expect the level of opulence in each bedroom, two double rooms with free standing baths, another with two single beds, the most beautiful antique feel, fully kitted out with divine Espa products.
Not to mention the Egyptian cotton sheets, for moms and dads, you can still have a bit of five star luxury with the kids on board. (Always a bonus)
The sitting room was plush and warm that quite honestly we could have spent the entire weekend cuddling up on the cosy couches with our log faux fire, so inviting.
My little ones were greeted with the resort's signature signet soft toys on arrival and a gorgeous colouring journal to log their stay.
“They’re mini ducks”, my two-year-old beamed.
In 2013, Lough Erne Resort played host to world leaders including Barack Obama when the G8 Summit 2013 took place there and photos of this special time, proudly adorn the reception foyer.
The staff could not have been more friendly and dining in the Lough Side Bar and grill was both kid friendly and stylish.
My partner John and I shared a 20 oz tomahawk of Lisdergan Irish beef, served with home cooked fries, onion rings and pepper sauce, it was melt in the mouth, hands down best steak I’ve had in years.
With a nice bottle of malbec it was a taste sensation.
The young diners menu was gourmet quality too, even featuring fresh melon and raspberry sorbet as a starter.
The girls loved the slider burgers and homemade chicken goujons and our son James chowed down on the freshest hake and home cooked chips.
After the most incredible night sleep, dining at the Catalina restaurant for breakfast was a throw back to the days before buffet breakfasts were the order of the day.
From crispy pastries to duck egg omelettes to kedgeree and the full Irish, the menu was bulging with the most wonderful breakfast experiences.
Fresh orange juice promptly appeared on our tables with impeccable attention to the clean and safe procedures, the friendly staff arrived with fresh breads, coffee and cereal.
I opted for the killybegs natural smoked Haddock - poached Hen’s egg with lemon and melted butter, fresh fish is a must here at Lough Erne.
Executive chef Noel McMeel put Irish cuisine on the global stage with The Irish Pantry.
With numerous awards and a world tour as far flung as China and the States, Noel is in charge of every dining experience at the resort and the food is magnificent, using only the best local ingredients.
Everything in the kitchen from the butter to the salt to the vegetable is traced back to Co Fermanagh.
We love packing in as much activity as possible and after the most delectable breakfast ever, it was time to hit up the lake for adventure.
Caolan and his team at Blue green yonder want the water to be accessible to everyone and are incredibly patient with beginners and kids.
Myself and the girls tried our hand at canoeing and our guide Aimee was super patient with my little ones treating us to see a secret lily pad hidden spot that felt magical.
Swans graced the lough and were within paddling distance adding to the majestic experience of the lake.
John and James gave paddle boarding a bash and managed to fall in a few times but getting back up is all that matters.
There is something so therapeutic about being on the water and the tour through staggering natural beauty and wildlife.
Blue Green Yonder are based at the water activity zone in Enniskillen and are proud to be part of the Enniskillen Blueway, as well as being a vibrant part of the staycation activity scene a Lough Erne resort, the young team of water enthusiasts also offer a number of free activities to preserve and protect nature.
I had been to Thailand many years ago and the spa at Lough Erne is the closest thing I got to the expertise of the Thai masseuses from years back.
You feel like you are being transported to Chiang Mai in Thailand. The aromas of the bergamot and jasmine products fill the air and you immediately relax.
The Thai spa at the resort is truly worth it. I took my time immersing myself in the Sabai Room, meaning “health and happiness”, the Light Therapy Sauna, the Crystal Aroma Steam Room and te Exotic Rain Shower.
Then for the hour long full body massage, the deep tissue body bliss did exactly what it said on the tin, pure bliss.
Dinner at the Blaney Bar was the perfect dining experience with the kids, from chef Noel’s signature chicken wontons to the morish beef burger, the food is top class.
To finish it off Noel served a selection of apple inspired desserts which were melt in the mouth.
The swimming pool of course was a highlight for the kids and with allocated times to each family, you felt really safe in the hands of the Lough Erne staff.
Lough Erne is a favourite of my pals Nathan and Jake Carter too.
As Nathan lives in the country you’ll often bump into him on the five star golf course.
The kids were in awe getting a private tour around the golf course in the buggys and our Erin even hit a few good puts.
Even if you’re not a golf enthusiast the views from the T box on each hole are simply unmissable.
Fermanagh is full of awesome scenery. Lough Navar Forest Viewing Point and Scenic Driving Loop is a must-see offering stunning views over lower Lough Erne, Donegal Bay, the Blue Stack and Sperrins Mountains.
For a weekend treat Lough Erne is simply the best kept secret in Northern Ireland.
See www.lougherneresort.com , 004428 6632 3230, or visit www.discovernorthernireland.com
