I wanted to take my wife away for our wedding anniversary to surprise her. She had never been to Ireland and a friend suggested we visit Ballyliffin. I found the hotel on Tripadvisor and it sounded perfect – and it was. I called them directly and was asked when I made my booking what the purpose was for my visit. I mentioned it was our wedding anniversary and thought nothing else of it.

We flew from the UK into Derry. I asked the hotel if they could arrange a taxi to collect us and they were waiting at the airport as we came out of the departure lounge.
On arrival at the hotel the lady on reception wished us a happy anniversary and said if we wanted we could have the bridal suite as it was not booked that night. My wife asked if it was the room with the balcony. It was not and as she likes rooms with balconies she asked if we could have that and was delighted when it was available.
The hotel lounge is ideal for afternoon tea as it has a lovely fireplace and big windows overlooking the sea. There are two very good restaurants at the hotel, my wife preferred the fine dining but I liked the gastro pub which had really good food and a friendly atmosphere.

Breakfast was a cold buffet and hot food cooked to order which was huge. The bacon, eggs and sausages were really tasty, proper meaty food served on hot plates.

There are interesting places to visit in the area and the beach is great for a brisk walk. I do play golf but not on my wedding anniversary, however the golf course is very good and we have already booked to return next year so I can play golf while my wife relaxes in the spa.

My wife and I have just returned from a three night stay in the Ballyfiffin Lodge in Donegal.
It was our first visit to this establishment and our expectations were exceeded.The receptionist made us feel very welcome from the outset, and we were relaxed in no time. In fact, all the staff were personable, and made every effort to make us feel at home. We needed some assistance with directions for local walks, and the guidance we got was first class.
The Leisure Center was one of best we have visited, with a well laid out Gym, and the Pool area "ticked all the boxes". My wife was very impressed with the Spa, and noted that it was good value, compared to our home city.
The restaurant had reasonably good food, at competitive prices, whilst the atmosphere in the bar was very warm. The satuday night entertainment really turned a good night into a great one.
The room we were allocated was first class ( with fantastic views), so much so that we would request it when we visit again.
All told, this was a most pleasant experience, and we are already planning a return visit to this Ballyliffin hotel in the Spring.

I was in Derry on business and my suppliers had booked a dinner at this hotel with overnight accommodation and while there I decided to extend my stay for an extra night and see some of the countryside;
Ballyliffin is short drive from Derry, around 40 minutes through pretty countryside and the village itself is totally unspoilt.
The hotel is up on the hill with wonderful sea views and sunsets. The first thing I noticed was how lovely the gardens were even at this miserable time of year.
Upon arrival I was greeted by a lovely lady receptionist who was very welcoming, all of the staff throughout my stay were friendly, smiling and helpful.
The room spacious and bright; the wardrobe had ample hangers, extra blankets and pillows, which weren’t needed. There was a desk to work at and another table and chairs to sit and admire the wonderful views out of the window. The bed was really comfortable and the bathroom had huge fluffy towels and a powerful shower over the bath.
The event I attended was very good indeed. This was a large function catering for many people but the food was hot and plentiful and the service excellent. The room that leads into the main function room was lovely for a pre dinner drinks reception because it has views over the sea.
On my second night I ate in Mammy Pats, the fine dining restaurant was closed (I believe it is only open at the weekends). The menu at Mammy Pats is imaginative and varied and the food and service faultless.
The spa at this hotel is really excellent. The treatment menu is extensive and the products they use are fabulous. I had a day of total pampering after working out in the very well equipped gym and superb swimming pool. My therapist was charming and gave me a really good massage and thorough facial. The dry floatation bed is to die for and did wonders for my bad back.
There is a lot to do and see in the area, the beach is a short walk from the hotel and even in winter, wrapped up warmly a walk along the beach is a must.
I would definitely return to this hotel. I have looked on the website and they have some really good offers for leisure breaks. Being a short flight from the UK and drive from the airport it is an ideal location for a relaxing getaway for couples or friends looking for a spa or leisure break with great food and lovely accommodation at an excellent price.
Many thanks Ballyliffin Lodge and Spa – I will be back.

I recently had my weddingin the Ballyliffin Lodge Hotel and can only say that it was the most memorable day of my life. The staff were so friendly and helpful, I dealt with a lady called Breda who was the wedding co ordinator she guided me through all areas and made the whole procedure so easy. The food was beautifully presented and there were plenty of vegtables which was great particularly for the men. The Hotel itself was perfect for our wedding, it felt as if I had my own private residence for the day everbody was so friendly and so helpful. Our wedding suite was out of this world and the rooms were all lovely. My parent's were delighted with the Hotel. We are already planning to return for our first anniversary. Thank you to all the staff at the Hotel for making it a most memorable experience.