travel
Excellence in Enniskillen
Thanks to its reputation for excellence, the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen is recognised as one of Northern Ireland's top hotels. MM's Editor, Debbie Orme, went along to take a look...
and watching the world go by. I was reminded of those aſternoons a few weeks ago when my daughter and I spent a glorious weekend at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel in Enniskillen. If I'd ever thought that the art of people
W
watching was singular to Parisians, I was seriously mistaken, as it proved to be a totally enjoyable experience for an aſternoon spent at the Killyhevlin. Picture the
scene....and I mean scene.... Tere we were on a rainy, drizzly Saturday
aſternoon, sitting in the Conservatory, me with a glass of chilled Chardonnay, my daughter with her diet cola (special occasion!) in hand, looking out at the river, as boats glided smoothly through the water; their occupants enjoying the last few hours of daylight. Around us was the chatter and buzz
created by more people than I think I've ever seen in a hotel without a wedding. Yet it was all so comfortable. Te chattering voices and laughter created a warm, embracing ambiance and, to top it
hen I used to live in Paris, our weekend aſternoons would be spent on Parisian streets sipping Kir Royales
all off, a pianist sat in one corner, quietly tinkling the ivories. I felt as if I'd gone back in time to a 1920s
hotel or had popped up in an episode of Miss Marple. It was simply lovely. Te enjoyment of my reverie in the
Conservatory was only disturbed by having to go for my pre-booked dinner in the Kove Restaurant where, again, despite the fact that the restaurant was packed, there was no sense of rush or panic, and the waiters and waitresses always seemed to have time for a word in passing. Te food doesn't really need any
words....it spoke for itself ! I started my meal with Seared Donegal Scallops, which were served with curried parsnip purée, Clonakilty black pudding and a cumin
drizzle....my mouth is still watering as I type.... My daughter, meanwhile was delighted to see that Golden Fried Brie Balls were on the menu and she gave them a resounding ten out of ten. A major accolade from a total Brie cheese aficionado! For the mains, Antonia 'went French',
opting for the confit of duck leg, duck fillet and apricot and duck bon bons, while I went for the more traditional Irish dish of slow-cooked Irish ham hock, which was
served with colcannon mash, wholegrain mustard cream and Savoy cabbage. Aſter dinner, we returned to the
Conservatory and mingled with other guests, who welcomed us into their various parties. Aſter a great night's sleep, the following
morning I totally indulged myself with a facial at the Elemis Spa, which is billed as 'a sanctuary of tranquility'. I can more than vouch for this as I actually fell asleep during the treatment! Although it was billed as a 'facial', it also comprised a shoulder and head massage - at least, from what I can remember prior to the zzzzzzz.... Although we were only able to have one
night's stay due to my hectic workload, I could definitely see how you could easily spend three or four days at the Killyhevlin. For a start, it's so close to the town that you could practically reach out and touch the shops, but you've also got Lough Erne, Castle Coole, Marble Arch Caves and Belle Isle in close proximity. So, whether you're looking for retail therapy or head- clearing walks and beautiful scenery, Enniskillen has it all. It may have been a short stay, but the
warm memories of the Killyhevlin will be with me for a long time. Te friendliness of the fellow guests, combined with that of the staff are, I think, one of the main reasons why this hotel makes the two-hour drive more than worth the trip. It may be a four- star hotel, but it provides a five-star service. I was going to end this piece by saying
that there are no downsides to a stay at the Killyhevlin Lakeside Hotel, but there is one... Having to leave. „
MODERNMUM 75
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