Jackson’s Hotel Conference and Leisure

The four-pearl Jackson’s Hotel has two personalities: part of the property is traditional and dated, while another section is fresh and stylish. The grounds are beautifully landscaped with herb gardens, flowers, and water features. The hotel has a private walled garden where guests can eat during warmer months and children can run around without too much worry. A bright and fresh lobby has an upscale country house atmosphere; decor includes oriental carpets, millwork, carved wood, slate floors, and richly upholstered sofas and chairs. There are a number of deer heads mounted on the walls, which, in addition to the large fireplace, ramps up the rural ambience. The lobby and new wing of the hotel are quiet, with lovely views of the River Finn, and there are plenty of spots from which to watch the river flow while enjoying a cocktail or a good book. The other half of the hotel, billed as the traditional side, offers a motley collection of mix-and-match furniture and decor that can feel quite dated. Locals are fond of the hotel and often hold weddings, celebrations, and other events on the premises. Each year, Jackson’s goes all out with its Christmas Wonderland, featuring elves, Mr. and Mrs. Claus, movie night with the elves, a visit to their toy workshop, and a surprise visit from St. Nick in kids’ rooms at bedtime. It’s events like this that give Jackson’s a warmth and inclusiveness, and despite its flaws, plenty of couples and families pass through.

Jackson's Hotel is located between the main street of small town Ballybofey and the River Finn, near picturesque Drumboe Woods. There are a number of scenic walking trails in the woods, as well as the ruins of historic Drumboe Castle. In the immediate area, there are a few shops as well as residences, and there is a golf course within two miles. Jackson's is very accessible for drivers, and a good spot for exploring northwest Ireland and picking up the Wild Atlantic Way (about 40 minutes from the hotel). Donegal is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and scenic Glenveagh National Park is a 45-minute drive from the hotel. The closest airport is in Derry, across the U.K. border into Northern Ireland, about one-hour from the hotel by road.

Rooms at Jackson’s Hotel vary depending upon their location in the older, traditional wing or the newer building. Traditional rooms are done in an outdated style, with lots of floral wallpaper, unattractive carpeting, and heavy satin drapes. They are clean and spacious, but not stylish in the slightest. Pets are welcome in the older rooms. Rooms in the newer wing -- Executive Rooms and Suites -- are far more modern and appealing, with striking wall treatments and handsome dark wood furniture -- some with lovely views of the River Finn. Family rooms and connecting rooms are available upon request. Many rooms, especially in the older wing, pick up some noise from the hotel’s bar in the evenings, so light sleepers may want to request rooms away from the busier common areas. Not all rooms are accessible by elevator, though; guests with mobility issues should mention it upon booking. Standard features include flat-screen TVs with satellite channels, mini-fridges, electric kettles, and free Wi-Fi. Bathrooms, like rooms themselves, are a mixed bag. Newer rooms have bright red or white mosaic tile walls, contemporary raised sinks, and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads, while older rooms have plain tan tilework and cramped wood vanity sinks.

Jackson’s Hotel features a Leisure Centre, complete with a large indoor pool that is reserved for adults during the evening hours. This space also has a sauna, steam room, and hot tub, in addition to the Wild Orchid Spa, which offers hot stone and Thai massage, facials, aromatherapy, reflexology, and other treatments. The fitness center is bright and roomy, with plenty of modern cardio and weight equipment, and a flat-screen TV on the wall. For kids, there is a children’s pool area, the Jumping Jacks kids' club (summer only), an arcade and game room with pool tables and foosball, and the annual Christmas Wonderland extravaganza (which is obviously seasonal). The Garden Restaurant serves a modern, a la carte Irish menu in a pretty dining room with views of the manicured gardens, river, and woods. The buffet restaurant serves lunch and dinner, and Joe’s Lounge Bar serves a light menu in a classic upscale pub-like setting, complete with tufted red leather booths. Breakfast -- a standard Irish fry up -- is not included in room rates. During the warmer months, Joe’s serves food and cocktails outdoors in the garden, as well as private barbecues, cooked to order. The bar has plenty of flat-screen TVs for watching sports. On the weekends, Jackson’s offers live music and dancing in the hotel nightclub. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.