REVIEW: Spending the night at Killyhevlin’s Woodland Lodges

The perfect getaway in the heart of Fermanagh.

Why make a reservation? If you're looking to get away from it all, while also still having access to stuff to do and things to see should the want arise. Set the scene Just a few minutes drive away from Enniskillen, you'll arrive at the Killyhevlin Hotel and see the huge grounds spread out in front of you, all of it gently rolling downhill towards the beautiful vista of Lough Erne that the hotel stands alongside. Looking out over the estate, it truly does feel like you're in the middle of nowhere, even though there is a bustling town a very short drive away. The rooms While there are regular hotel rooms in the main building, there are also 20 lodges built on the grounds, divided into two types: the Lakeside Lodges which are directly on the edge of the water, and the Woodland Lodges, which is where we stayed. The beautifully designed and very modern-minded lodges are self-catering, so are fully decked out with an impressively sized kitchen. The two large bedrooms each have their own en-suite bathrooms, and the entire lodge can comfortably sleep four adults. The living has with two large couches and a TV to relax around, but the real centrepiece of these lodges is what you'll find outside. A decking area is equipped with a nice sitting area, a gorgeous view of the lake and woodland area surrounding your lodge... and your own private hot tub! When we were there, the weather was a bit of a mixed bag, but there is truly nothing quite like being your own outdoor hot tub, while it rains, looking out at the sun setting over the lake. It is a properly unique, remember-this-forever experience. Food & drink While the lodges are self-catering, the hotel provides plenty of food options if you don't feel like cooking. A full breakfast buffet is available in the Kove Restaurant, with everything you'd expect from that option, and some things you might not, including a Make-Your-Own-Pancakes device which ensured pancake lovers will be provided with the freshest pancakes imaginable. The Lakeside Grill Restaurant provides light bites and a lunch menu during the day, but the evening brings its own full menu, providing options to cater to just about any and all preferred tastes. It also had some great cocktails, just FYI! And don't forget, as we mentioned before, Fermanagh is the hidden gem for foodies in Ireland, and you're just down the road from many more options should you want to go out and discover them. The service Beyond the accommodation and food, the hotel also provides a full health club including large gym, indoor pool, sauna and steam room, and some spa treatments that can be booked in advance. Elsewhere on the grounds there is a playground for the kids, and a newly installed Paddle Tennis Court, making it the first hotel in Northern Ireland to feature this facility. And, of course, you can simply take on a beautiful stroll around the grounds and nearby lake. The entire hotel is built around making sure that whatever kind of holiday you're looking for, it is catered for here. Where is it? About a two hour drive from Dublin, a 90-minute drive from Belfast, literally a three-minute drive to the bustling town of Enniskillen, and a 20-minute drive from The Boatyard Distillery, which is something we whole-heartedly recommend you check out. Prices from? At the time of writing, a two-night stay in the Woodland Lodge starts at £290 per night, but if you book before 30 April 2022 for mid-week stays between Sunday and Thursday from now until June 2022, you can use this link to get £15 off per person for your two-night stay including a four-course dinner on one night (more T&Cs to be found through that link), or you can use this link to get 15% off a mid-week Lodge stay (again, more T&Cs to be found through that link). Images via Killyhevlin website