Solis Lough Eske Castle is one of those destinations that seems so perfect it can’t be real. From the service and staff to it’s picturesque location (just check Tripadvisor!), Solis Lough Eske has it all! With such a dream spot, we have always been curious about the goings on of such a beautiful spot. Luckily, Mark Langford gave us a little tour inside Solis Lough Eske Castle….
Hi Mark, working in a castle must mean there’s a lot of history to it. Any interesting stories from the walls of Solis Lough Eske?
Absolutely! I’ve worked here for three years now & still get a buzz when driving up the sweeping front drive along Lough Eske & see the front of the Castle. The history here is amazing, from having one of the previous owners, a General White buried here on the grounds to the Lucian Freud portrait of our Owner Pat Doherty in the Lobby Lounge. Not to mention the fact that a couple of the girls wont go near the Oak Boardroom (a private dining area in our basement) on their own as they swear there is a ghost of a lady in a red coat down there.
You have mentioned before that you’ve worked in Solis Lough Eske Castle for 3 years. What made you decide you wanted to work there?
I’ve worked in the hospitality industry since I left school in the 90’s, but when the opportunity to work at Lough Eske Castle came up I jumped at it. Solis is a fairly unique brand, having been created by Horste Schultze after he left the Ritz Carlton group, having developed it from its beginnings. It is the rest of the team at Lough Eske that have made it such an enjoyable place to work as there is a sense of belonging & purpose here that I’ve never experienced anywhere else.
You’ve mentioned that there’s another Mark in the office… Must be confusing!
That’s right. The other Mark looks after the social media side of things for Lough Eske Castle & group bookings. Then there is myself who looks after weddings & other non corporate events. I think it’s more of a pain for our boss Paul when he calls for one of us & we both answer!
A little birdie in our office mentioned you were from Melbourne… What brought you over to Ireland?
It’s a bit of a cliché, but my wife is from over here. We met in Oz back in the day & I came over here to propose & get a taste for Ireland before we settled down back in Melbourne. That was 12 years ago & I couldn’t be happier! Donegal is an amazingly beautiful place & it would take a lot to shift us now.
If you could have any Best Man at your own wedding, who would it be?
I had my best friend, Nic, from when I was growing up as my best man & I wouldn’t change it for anyone.
Solis Lough Eske Castle must have so many picturesque locations for wedding photos. Do you know of any good secret spots?
There is a huge Celtic cross where General White is buried, which is a bit off the main drive, which is a dramatic location for photos.
Lastly, what advice would you give to a couple celebrating a wedding in Solis Lough Eske?
The day will fly by & have come & gone before you know it, so if possible, try & have a small event the next day for your close friends & family like a BBQ or Hog Roast. These events really make the experience something special for you & your guests.
