The gorgeous Dromoland Castle Hotel has been in existence since approximately 1014 when it was the home and defensive stronghold of the O’Brien Clan, led by a son of the legendary Brian Boru. By the 1700s a second castle was built at Dromoland that was made more for accommodation – the Queen Anne Court formed part of a quadrangle of 29 guestrooms and was rebuilt in 1963 when the entire building was converted to a hotel. Between 1800 – 1836 the Main Gothic building was restored by a set of famous architect brothers, the ‘Pain’s’ and in the process, they used a significant amount of stone from the local quarry, amounting to approx. £80,000 at the time, a vast amount of money in the day. The early part of the 1900s saw the Irish Rising against the British, but miraculously through a great deal of luck and fortuitous circumstances, Dromoland Castle remained untouched despite its aristocratic background and heritage. The Inchiquin family who had owned Dromoland since 1880, lost control of the Castle in 1962 when it was purchased by an American Industrialist who’s grandparents had been born in Ireland, Bernard McDonagh. He transformed Dromoland into a hotel but maintained much of the heritage from the Inchiquin ownership and many of the public areas today were preserved from those times.
Dromoland Castle has been beautifully renovated in the past number of years. A stunning interior matches the beauty of the Gothic exterior. The bedrooms in Dromoland Castle perfect reflect the heritage of the building. There are a variety of room types from the entry level Queen Anne Classic rooms to Queen Anne Courtyard, Deluxe, Staterooms, and Suites. Each of these room types manages to marry the heritage of the Castle with a high degree of luxury and sophistication. ‘Queen Anne’ rooms are light and spacious with bespoke carpets, traditional fabrics, and state-of-the-art technology for modern living. Rooms include Nespresso coffee machines, minibars, Wi-Fi, interactive television, turndown service, and USA 110v sockets. All rooms are en-suite, and the bathrooms are bright with local slate and stone providing a sharp, sleek, yet classic look. The ‘Queen Anne Courtyard’ rooms were built in approximately 1736. They have a separate bedroom and sitting room for space and are bright and airy with King sized beds. ‘Deluxe Rooms’ all have a beautiful aspect over the lake and gardens and are spacious with a slightly more contemporary look and feel. A minimum of 34 sq meters in size these rooms have specially commissioned fabrics and wall coverings and have all of the amenities of the Queen Anne rooms. Their sister rooms, the ‘Executive Deluxe’ are located in the Castle and are bigger again at 38sqm. They provide guests with a stylish contemporary design, unique architectural features, many of which include four-poster beds.
As you move into the ‘Stateroom’ category, you get into the heart of the original Dromoland Castle. Each of these is within the original walls and are unique in size and design. At a minimum of 44sqm, these are spacious rooms with a contemporary décor that still retains a classic feel in keeping with the building. Each Stateroom has a fabulous view of either the lakes or gardens and they are some of the best-appointed rooms in the country. The bathrooms provide guests with double sinks, bath and shower options, underfloor heating and all modern luxuries.
There is a beautiful range of Suites in Dromoland. These rooms range in size from 52sqm upwards and have stunning views of the lake or gardens. Crystal chandeliers hang from the ceilings in the living rooms where bespoke carpets and wall coverings adorn the entire space. The look is classical; the furniture maintains a timeless elegance and the bathrooms are sleek with traditional touches. The highlight at Dromoland Castle in terms of accommodation, however, must be the ‘Brian Boru’ Suite. A beautiful four-poster bed forms the centerpiece of this room. Rich fabrics and luxurious carpets in a duck-egg and gold palate provide the canvas for a suite that affords guests some of the most awe-inspiring views in Ireland. Separate dining, sitting, and dressing rooms are decorated with chandeliers, antique furniture and adorned with cut crystal glasses, china, and stunning artwork. An enticing free-standing bath forms the centerpiece of the bathroom. In totality, one of the most beautiful Suites in the whole of Ireland.
As you would expect, Dromoland Castle takes full advantage of the great rooms and spaces that were bequeathed to it. The ‘Earl of Thomand’ Room is the showpiece of the Castle’s dining offering. The fine dining restaurant that occupies this corner of the Castle is renowned for its elegance and culinary prowess. The ethos is all about local food provenance; the décor is all about making a lasting impression. Stunning Venetian silks, handcrafted chandeliers and panoramic views of the estate make for a unique dining experience. ‘The Gallery’ is one of the most visually striking parts of the hotel and also one of the most popular. The walls are covered with rare works of art and, and the open turf fires provide a very welcoming ambiance. A selection of light-bites and snacks are available in one of the most serene and relaxing surroundings that you will find. However, it is the ‘Cocktail Bar’ that we at the Consummate Pro love about Dromoland. This rare octagonal shaped room was at one stage the family library but is now arguably being put to much better use. The views across the lawns, the open fire, the luxurious red velvet drapes, and wall coverings all combine to create the perfect drinking ‘den,’ a hideaway for a good book or to recount the days’ golf stories.
Dromoland Castle offers a range of facilities to keep you occupied, relaxed and rejuvenated. The spa at Dromoland offers six treatment rooms, an outdoor jacuzzi, massage chairs and relax area. On the wider estate, there is an 18-hole parkland championship golf course, state-of-the-art Academy with nine driving bays, short game area, putting green and all of the latest tech to keep your game under control. You can further avail of many different walks around the estate, falconry, fishing, horse riding, clay pigeon shooting, tennis, and hiking.
One of the most beautiful authentic experience in Ireland, we highly recommend a stay at Dromoland for any of our guests traveling to the Shannon area.