DROMOLAND CASTLE

Dromoland Castle is now a five-star hotel, the backdrop for many weddings, and home to a luxury golf course, a spa, and dining options, but this estate was once the ancestral home of the O’Brien family. The O’Brien family are direct descendants of the Irish King Brian Boru, who is known for his defeat against the Danes in 1014. While that was many moons ago, most of the castle’s structure today dates back to the early 1800s, and has been renovated and revitalized many times since then. Seated on a 450-acre property, the castle’s gothic revival façade is quite a sight to behold, as well as the walled gardens, Lough Dromoland, and the estate’s woodlands.

Dromoland Castle

When you pass through the gates of the property and make your way to the castle’s entrance, you will immediately be greeted by doormen and porters who will take care of your bags and your car in one dazzling swoop. Then you will be jauntily ushered into the lobby to check in. I find that many places have a gorgeous historic exterior, but the interior falls flat in terms of splendor, and is completely gutted and modern. However here, I was pleasantly surprised to find that Dromoland Castle’s interior very much matches the exterior, replete with suits of armor, stained glass windows, hidden passages, portraits hung on the walls, and great cozy fireplaces. Barbour rubber boots line the floor against the wall, lived in couches and chairs are scattered throughout, and the area is abuzz with people talking to the concierge team or meeting a member of the staff for an activity. There is a little shop just off of the lobby where I purchased a Christmas ornament in the shape of a crown (Dromoland’s signature emblem), handstitched with the words, “Dromoland Castle” to commemorate our stay.

inside Dromoland Castle

It is quite astounding, as many of the common rooms look as they did when the O’Briens occupied the grounds. Except now there is the addition of dozens of hotel rooms equipped with different world plugs, all the amenities that you could ask for, and not just a little chocolate on your pillow, but rather a hefty chocolate bar with the words “Dromoland Castle” printed in gold. And you won’t have to live off of their delicious chocolate bars alone, for Dromoland has an impressive array of dining options.

As you approach the room where you will be taking breakfast, you will pass long tables piled high with scones, baked goods, cereals, and fruit. Once seated, you can order any hot items that you would like. We were placed at a table in front of a window looking out on the grounds, which was such a lovely way to start the morning. For lunch, take a seat in The Gallery for light bites and sandwiches. There is also an afternoon tea option and lunch at The Fig Tree in the Golf & Country Club. Have dinner in the same room you took breakfast, this time transformed into the Earl of Thomond Restaurant, which received a Michelin star in 1995. When we had dinner here, live harp music filled the room. Please note that the dress code is smart casual.

The Gallery at Dromoland Castle

In between meals, there are plenty of things to do at Dromoland. And while the castle is only an hour away from places like the Cliffs of Moher and Galway, there is no shortage of activities on the property to keep you occupied! Golf looms large at Dromoland, with opportunities on the green, in their simulator room, and in their practice facility. While golfing isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, there is also clay shooting, archery, falconry, history tours, and more that are all offered on the estate. When we stayed there, we even passed a sign for Irish language lessons that were being run by Dromoland’s Sustainability Officer. Lastly, if you want something more relaxing, the castle hotel has an incredible spa with multiple treatment rooms and a lovely relaxation space.

Alvin at Dromoland’s School of Falconry

The impression I left with was one of awe for the incredible level of service that Dromoland Castle Hotel provides. There was not one member of the staff who did not pass by and cheerfully say hello to us. In addition, there was always someone to give a suggestion for what to do in the area or have a chat. There was even a moment where we said in passing that we had to check out and leave the grounds directly after our falconry experience, and when we went to the lobby to collect our bags and car, we were told that our car was already parked directly outside with all of our bags loaded into it. The staff truly anticipates your needs. I highly recommend a stay at Dromoland Castle!

across from the lobby entrance