This luxury lakeside spot was faultless – with a minor post-stay side effect

10/10 views, 5-course dinners, and a partner who now thinks he needs to buy a boat…

When it comes to a staycation, it can be hard to find the right spot that doesn’t consist of hours in the car, with a crippling backache by the time you arrive. That’s why our stay last weekend hit the spot.

Having stayed in the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, in Co Fermanagh, years ago, we jumped at the opportunity to head down again, as they celebrated their 50th birthday. The hotel is family-run and sits on the shores of Lough Erne in the Fermanagh Lakelands, with landscaped gardens and views towards the surrounding countryside.

We hit the jackpot with our stay. It was a Bank Holiday weekend, myself and my partner had a rare Monday off together, and the sun had been shining for days.

We packed our car and set off for the Killyhevlin, before my partner realised that we were heading away for the night during peak golfing weather. It took just under an hour and a half to get there from our home in Belfast, and we were greeted by Paislie at the front desk who reminded us of the surroundings, spa details and where to head for dinner and breakfast. Paislie was a joy to speak to.

She was friendly, and professional. And although the check-in was busy, she took her time with us, which stood out.

On arrival to our room, we were staying in the Cole Suite – and wow. It was super spacious, with a bathroom which felt bigger than the downstairs of my house. The view of the water from our bedroom added to the luxurious feel, and mixed with the weather, we could’ve been anywhere in the world but Fermanagh.

And while it was gorgeous to look at, given the heat, we slept with our window open. It was a bit noisy, with some on the waterfront making the most of the summer night with a Bluetooth speaker.

That wouldn’t be something to put us off though, and after a few hours in the spa area (which was a great way to wind down) and a five-course meal in the restaurant, we were lights out pretty quickly that night.

For dinner, I went for the garlic bread starter, and turkey and ham main. I have no complaints whatsoever about the food. It was fresh, hot and tasty, just what you want. My partner opted for the pan fried pork belly to start, and he wasn’t as fussed on this. He did want to branch out from his usual chowder starter and try pork, which I think he regretted. He’s now discovered that he is not a fan of pork.

His main however, definitely made up for it. The pan fried cod fillet came to the table, and I was jealous I didn’t order it because it looked and smelled delicious. And there wasn’t a crumb left. Our desserts were huge portions, so we didn’t scratch the surface on those, after two courses beforehand.

After dinner, we ordered some cocktails at the bar and took them outside. Having been to numerous hotels across Ireland, we think the Killyhevlin’s outdoor area is by far the best. Overlooking the water, with jet skis and boats passing by, it brings a sense of calm to the stay. I brought a book, and my partner was at one point on Facebook Marketplace, ‘researching’ boats for sale.

We both slept well, given how warm the night was, and despite the handful of young music lovers outside. The pillows were comfortable, and I am fussy with bedding, so it was a big kudos from me.

Breakfast the next morning set us up nicely for the day. It was a buffet style, with a wide range of hot food, fresh fruit, cereals and juices. We were especially impressed by our server Naoise, who had the most welcoming and warm vibe, and give every hotel member respect and a friendly hello when taking orders for tea and coffee. Naoise is a credit to the hotel.

Overall, the Killyhevlin was spotless, relaxing, and a 10/10 for its surroundings, which are kept to perfection. It’s a great choice, in my opinion, for couples and families alike. We commented on how much of a variety of hotel guests there was, young and old, large groups and small families. And it’s little wonder the hotel is so popular.

The only downside? I’ve now had to drag my partner away from boat listings for the last week. Not your usual hotel souvenir, but each to their own!

For more information on Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, check out their website here.

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