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Dromoland Castle, one of Ireland’s most well-known luxury hotels, sits within an easy 15-minute drive of Shannon’s international airport. A castle with a history originating in 1014, built for the royal O’Brien clan, the hotel now offer visitors 100 rooms that cater to the most discerning visitors and for those looking for a true Irish hotel experience.
Dromoland, which is owned privately by a small investment group, is set on 1,500 acres of lush Irish forest. Exploring the property you might stop to roe around the beautiful lake on sight, hunt in the woods with Pickles the barn owl – a part of the castle’s falconry program, or even tee off at Dromoland Golf and Country Club.
Rooms at Dromoland are spacious, elegant and comfortable. They are outfitted with interactive televisions, plush bathrobes, slippers, amenity kits, cozy beds and commanding views of the property. With views of the bright green hills and luxuries like marble bathrooms so large you can easily cartwheel your way around them, it’s difficult to pry yourself out. But, you must.
Dromoland offers two main restaurants, the elegant Earl of Thomond – serving dinner, and Fig Tree, in the golf club, which serves delicious casual fare. Earl of Thomond is a true fine dining experience, with an international menu that focuses on local ingredients. The wine list is incredible here. Fig Tree is a casual respite away from it all, cooking Irish specialties for guests as well as international comfort food.
Service at Dromoland is stellar. There’s nothing better than walking into the lobby after an afternoon of exploring the property and being greeted by a friendly face who has remembered your name. My favorite activity was sitting by the roaring fire late in the afternoon, indulging in afternoon tea with scones and sandwiches, all while soaking-in the ambiance of the room around me.
Dromoland is special and place that cannot be missed by those in County Clare. Even if it’s for one evening, you simply cannot miss the experience.
