SOMEWHERE SPECIAL FOR MOTHER’S DAY
Local Women Editor Kim Kelly celebrates Mother’s Day with her teenage son Dara at Lough Erne Resort, with a little luxury, a lot of laughter, and the most precious gift of all – time together.
Finding something special to do on Mother’s Day when you’re a single mum with a teenager in tow is a bit of a challenge – but I think I’ve found the perfect place.
I wanted to go to a luxury hotel with a spa – but I wasn’t sure that my 16-year-old son Dara would enjoy it and would complain of being bored. Turns out he’s his mother’s son and he absolutely loved it
As soon as we drove through the gates of Lough Erne Resort for a pre-Mother’s Day stay on a Monday night at the end of January, any doubts disappeared. He thought it was ‘unreal’ and he’s right!
This stunning lakeside escape is like stepping into another world—one where stress is left at the door and relaxation takes over.
It’s not just a hotel; it’s like another world—where luxury and amazing food are top of the agenda. The resort is about a two-hour drive from Belfast and slightly off the beaten track, but absolutely worth it. From the moment we arrived, the warm welcome from the staff set the tone for our stay. The friendly and accommodating atmosphere made us feel instantly at home.
We stayed in a beautiful two-bedroom lodge, where the bedrooms are housed in a charming tower. With a spacious living room, gorgeous bathrooms featuring roll-top baths, and stunning views of the still lake surrounded by serene walkways, it felt like our own private sanctuary. I loved it so much I didn’t want to leave—but spa treatments were booked!
We visited the amazing Thai Spa—Dara’s first spa experience. As a complete beauty junkie who has tried every treatment going, I can assure you this is something special. We both had an hour-long Thai massage.
I explained to my masseuse that I had knots in my shoulders. She worked intensely on my back, and by the end, I felt both relaxed and invigorated.
The spa itself is an oasis of tranquillity, featuring an infinity pool overlooking the lake, a Light Therapy Sauna, a Crystal Aroma Steam Room, and a Jacuzzi. Post-massage, I settled onto a lounger in the relaxation area, sipped green tea, and waited for Dara. He reported that his massage was ‘unreal’ – are you seeing a pattern?
The bar areas at Lough Erne are full of old-world charm, with the gorgeous smell of a turf fire filling the air. I can imagine American tourists being in their element, with the blend of traditional ambiance and five-star luxury. It’s the perfect place to sit with a pre-dinner drink and people-watch. The place was buzzing—not just with golfers, but with plenty of locals, which was a pleasant surprise.
Then came the part I had been looking forward to the most—a visit to the Catalina Restaurant, where executive chef Gabriele Bagni works his magic. Having dined here before, I knew we were in for a treat. The welcome was exceptional, with staff greeting us like long-lost friends. They were never intrusive but seemed to know exactly what we wanted, right down to the unprompted glass of Prosecco that hit the spot perfectly.
Words can’t adequately describe the next hour. The best food I have ever tasted was placed before us, starting with homemade bread and locally sourced oils. I enjoyed a vegetarian starter while Dara opted for fish. For mains, I had cod, and Dara had chicken—both dishes were exquisite, and we shared them eagerly, hardly pausing to talk as we cleared our plates. That’s unheard of for me! For dessert, Dara didn’t take much convincing to order the cassis soufflé (unreal apparently!) I indulged in a cheese board and even a glass of Port. On a Monday evening, no less—how decadent!
After a fantastic night’s sleep, we watched the sunrise over the lake. In the morning, there was time for a brisk walk around the resort’s expansive grounds. If you visit Lough Erne, be sure to bring your trainers—it’s the perfect place for a morning run. Following our exercise, we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of Eggs Benedict back in the Catalina Restaurant where again the emphasis is on locally sourced, high quality produce.
Lough Erne Resort isn’t just a romantic retreat or a golfer’s paradise—it’s a haven for quality time, even for a mother and her teenage son. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or simply a place to reconnect with loved ones, this lakeside gem delivers in every way. Dara may not have expected to love it—but he did. And as for me? I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Mother’s Day than with a little luxury, a lot of laughter, and the most precious gift of all: time together.
Lough Erne Resort, Belleek Road, Enniskillen. Tel: 028 6632 3230 See www.lougherneresort.com for more details.
