Travel review: Dillons Hotel, Letterkenny

The Sat-Nav took us straight to the hotel’s car park, which is located just before the hotel on Letterkenny’s one-way main street.

On arrival to the hotel, we were impressed by the cosy lobby, which features leather armchairs, plush sofas, bright red and gold carpeting and wood panelling, with plenty of natural light filtering through broad windows.

We were met by a friendly receptionist, who directed us to our room, booked us in for dinner and shared some information on where we could go for a pre-dinner walk.

A third of the hotel’s bedrooms have recently been converted into two-bedroom deluxe rooms (essentially two bedrooms behind one door) and luxury suites that provide families and friends with all the space and comfort required for a group getaway.

Entering the suite, an involuntary gasp escaped my mouth as took in its proportions, which were palatial enough to accommodate a seating area equipped with a sofa, armchair and coffee table in front of a TV.

The bathroom was fitted with an impressive waterfall shower and the walk-in wardrobe was the biggest I had ever seen in a hotel.

We admired the features of the room before heading out again to discover Letterkenny.

We went out the door of reception and went left down the main street before we came to Market Square, then wandered up the street to explore the incredible cathedral.

We had heard that there was a beautiful ancient oak woodland near Letterkenny, so made the short journey to Ballyarr Wood, where we enjoyed a crisp autumn walk.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped at Letterkenny town park, a place I have passed hundreds of times but never been in; we were so impressed with the vast park, equipped with a big grassy area, wide paths and a skatepark for children.

Back at the hotel, we made our way through the bar area to the hotel restaurant, where we were greeted by two lovely staff members, one of whom took us to our table beside the window, where we could watch the hustle and bustle of the main street.

Committed to using only the finest locally sourced ingredients, the hotel’s restaurant procures its produce from only the best suppliers. Fish is sourced from Albatross Seafoods in Killybegs, fresh fruit and vegetables from Liam Dogherty in Letterkenny and meat (including the 100% Irish beef) from E&B O Donnell in Letterkenny, infusing even the simplest of dishes – from the kids’ menu to the extensive Grill options – with standout quality.

I ordered the Chicken Noodle Soup which had delicious chunky vegetables, juicy chicken and beautifully soft bread on the side.

My partner had the black olive tapenade and smoked Applewood cheese bruschetta which had excellent flavours and just enough cheese. We ordered a bottle of house Sauvignon Blanc, which was simply divine.

For mains, we both had the 10oz. Sirloin Steak, served with beer battered onion rings, tomato and a generous serving of pepper sauce.

The steaks were notably high quality cuts of Irish meat, from E&B O’Donnell in Letterkenny, and were cooked to perfection.

After all this, we didn’t think we would have room for desert but I was too tempted by the creamy Baileys panna cotta to resist. It was served with homemade shortbread biscuits, which were melt-in-the-mouth delicious and perfectly complimented the pana cotta.

My partner had fresh strawberry and white chocolate cheesecake with a honeycomb crumb and Chantilly cream, which was superb.

The restaurant had a lovely atmosphere and was enjoyed by a mix of locals and tourists alike. The staff were exceptional and incredibly friendly and attentive, happy to answer all our questions and also have a bit of fun.

After dinner we enjoyed a nightcap in nearby Blake’s Bar, a typical bustling Irish bar with live music almost every night. We brought a pack of cards and sat at a small table at the bottom end of the bar beside the music. The bar was almost full, which was surprising for a Sunday evening, but we had a spectacular night of fun with the locals.

We awoke the next morning feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, having had a peaceful night’s sleep in the big, comfortable bed. We headed down to the bottom floor in the lift for breakfast, where we ordered coffees and hot breakfast, before helping ourselves to the continental breakfast buffet. Again, staff couldn’t be faulted for their welcoming friendliness and willingness to help.

After checkout we explored the Donegal County Museum, before making the journey back home.

I would highly recommend a night away in Dillons to experience the warm, hospitable service for yourself. The convenient location to everywhere in the north west makes it the ultimate base for a great adventure.

Factfile: Dillons Classic Escape from: €182 total for two people sharing (Double or Twin). It includes an overnight stay, breakfast, a main course dinner from the Grill Menu, complimentary cocktail of the month and complimentary wi-fi. To book a room, visit dillons-hotel.ie.

​Daire Ní Chanáin was a guest of Dillons Hotel.