Our Irish Wedding Adventure ~ Lough Erne Golf Resort (Post 5 of 12)

by Danielle Andrews Sunkel

Upon arriving at Lough Erne Golf Resort we were struck by the vast amount of green around it. Not one, but two Golf Courses! The Photo above shows just a section of the beautiful main building which backs not only onto their Champion Golf Course, but also Lough Erne (Lake). The photo below shows the private 2 bedroom, self-catering cottages.

We were warmily greeted outside by the best Bellman in history, Neil. The main lobby is so beautiful and soothing with dark wood, muted walls, plush seating everywhere, including in front of several open fires!

We were given a quick tour of the leisure facilities and their authentis Thai Spa, where we immediately booked our Spa appointments for that evening (purely for research, you know).

(Photo from Resort website)

Neil then brought us to our room, giving us a little tour along the way, he showed us around our gorgeous suite and taught how to work the tricky terrace doors, LOL. One thing I really liked was a little pamphlet titled, “50 Things to do”. It listed 10 things to do in the rain, 10 things to do in the sun, 10 things to do with children, 10 things to do with a car, 10 things to do without a car. What a fabulous idea!!

The view was absolutely stunning from our terrace suite. Here is a photo I took:

When we informed him we had Spa appointments, he showed us these handy back stairs which led directly in to the spa so no one would see us go downstairs in our bathrobes and slippers. He was so wonderful our entire stay, that we insisted on getting a photo with him at tea the next day.

Down the stairs and in to the Spa we went. Lough Erne possesses the only authentic Thai Spa in Ireland. We were led in to a room with beautiful music, candles, relaxing lounges and treated to an exoctic fruit juice shot while we waited for our Thai Masseuses. I had a head, neck and back massage and Tracey was treated to a scalp massage. After our fabulous treatments we were brought to another peaceful room where we were treated to green tea and assorted fruits, set at our individual chaises, we were invited to stay as long as we liked. If we didn’t have dinner reservations, I wouldn’t have moved the rest of the night. It was the perfect ending.

As if we weren’t already spoiled enough, we headed to Lough Erne’s Catalina Restaurant for what we affectionately call, “The BEST Dinner of our Lives!!” Chef Noel McMeel’s amazing menu is based on foods found directly in the County of Fermanagh. Collette McMeel (no relation to Chef), was the sweetest hostess and sat us in front of terrace doors overlooking the Golf Course. We started our feast with a selection of homemade breads (Tracey’s favourite was the curry bread!), Irish Crab salad and Scallops.

For the main course Tracey had the Mixed Grill which is a selection of all the local meats and I had the Fillet of Fermanagh Beef Rossini, we had to savour every single bite as it was just that good. Our dishes came with entree sides, but little copper pots arrived on the table with seasonal mixed vegetables and the best darn scalloped potatoes in the world! For dessert I had a souffle, while Tracey had a selection of Irish Cheeses with Port. With our coffees came homemade fudge and hand-dipped chocolates. We thought our friend, Alanna McQuaid (Lough Erne’s Canadian Groups Representative), was exaggerating when she said Catalina’s was the best restaurant in the world, but My Goodness, she was spot on!

The next morning we went to Catalina’s for a fabulous Irish Breakfast plus buffet, then went for a walk around the grounds.

We then met with Events Manager, Tricia Ellse, who showed us the many places available to have Wedding Ceremonies and Receptions at the resort. Ireland’s Marriage Laws are such that on-site Civil Marriage was only made legal in 2007. Marriages must take place in a licensed area, if a venue would like to offer multiple Ceremony areas, they must license each one.

I particularly loved their private outdoor terrace for cocktail receptions and the main walkway for the bride and groom to enter from.

All in all, we had a fabulous time at Lough Erne Golf Resort. The people who work there are so warm and friendly, they truly make you feel welcome and valued. The venue is absolutely beautiful and it has all the luxuries modern couples demand with a comfortable, luxurious old-world atmosphere. For more details about the resort, be sure to visit their website.