We stayed 2 nights at the Fort Royal. The grounds are just fantastic, and the house is lovely. The service was also friendly and helpful. Our room was surprisingly modern in appearance, and had a great bed. I have two gripes: some of the other guests were quite loud, and kept us from sleeping. The management doesn't seem to manage this issue, or to try to encourage guests to speak quieter. In addition, I think the Fort Royal is somewhat overpriced. However, having said that, we had a lovely time here.

We have just returned from three days at Fort Royal and I would like to say what a special place it is.
Having read the previous review on my return, I don't agree and consider the complaints a little petty.
We had a lovely room overlooking the lough and were able to stroll down to the beach directly from the front lawn.
We had dinner all three nights and would definitely recommend it to others.
If you like to stay in small quiet hotels, with lovely grounds and good food, then I would highly recommend this place.
The big question we ask ourselves when we stay somewhere new is , will we come back ?
and the answer is a definite yes.

if your under 70years old dont stay here.
if you are looking for good fresh food, dont eat here.
If you cant haul your luggage up two flights of stairs, dont stay here.
if you want to have a shave with an electric razor in the bathroom dont stay here.
if you want a cup of tea in your room dont stay here
if you want a seperate shower to your bath dont stay here
if you want a fresh smell dont stay here

My husband and I visited Fort Royal for the third year in a row. It is a charming small hotel with lawns that roll directly on to the beach, beautiful manicured gardens and a charming walled kitchen garden. The service is what sets Fort Royal apart from any other hotel you will stay in, the welcome is genuinely warm, the staff are local and attentive, and the owner Tim Fletcher is a wonderful host as well as a talented chef. The food is locally sourced and beautifully cooked, breakfast is delicious with fresh fruit, porridge and of course a full cooked breakfast if you prefer. The orange juice is freshly squeezed. The drawing room offers real fires, books about the locality and views across Lough Swilly - at night the lights on the opposite shore reflect on the lough - magical! You will enjoy this hotel if you appreciate good food, good service and beautiful surroundings. Families with children will appreciate the proximity to the beach, the surrounding woodlands and the facilities at the hotel including tennis and golf. You can also easily walk into the local village and get great entertainment in the Beachcombers Bar, or an outstanding meal in the Water's Edge restaurant. A place to come back to time and time again.