Dromoland Castle

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Blending old world elegance with modern day comforts, it is one of Europe 's most desired destinations. The Castle's commitment to provide the highest level of service is absolute.

Dromoland's History

Dromoland Castle, one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru) High King of Ireland in the eleventh century. Brian Boru ruled Ireland as High King from his throne in Killaloe. In 1014
Donough O'Brien; a son of Brian Boru controlled Dromoland when it was a defensive stronghold which was similar in structure to that of Bunratty Castle; also an O'Brien stronghold. For the next 900 years a branch of the 0'Briens lived and ruled from Dromoland Castle.

Sir Donough O'Brien moved the most powerful branch of the OBriens to Dromoland in the late 17th century. He was an astute man and managed to avoid declaring for either King James II or King William. He was at that time reputed to be the richest man in Ireland. 
Sir Edward O'Brien, the 2nd Baronet, was revered as a famous racehorse owner and trainer. He built the Turret on the hill opposite the entrance to Dromoland Estate, from where he would observe his horses race. He once gambled the estate on a horse race; mercifully, Sean Buis won the race and saved the estate. Sean Buis is buried under the Temple, 100 yards from the old entrance to the castle.

Between 1700-1730, the second castle/house at Dromoland was built; it was more residential in appearance with a design of the Queen Anne period. The Queen Anne Court, the charming quadrangle of 29 guestrooms, is a century older than the rest of today's castle. It was rebuilt inside and redecorated in 1963 when the castle was redesigned as an hotel. Between 1800-1836, the present main building of Dromoland Castle, with its high Gothic-styled grey stone walls, was rebuilt and designed by the Pain brothers, famous architects of that period. The castle was built by the then Lord of Dromoland, Sir Edward O'Brien, 4th Baronet, at great expense. The cost of cutting and hauling its stone from a nearby quarry on the Dromoland Estate alone was more than �80,000, a huge amount in Georgian times.

By the 1880's the wealth of the Barons of Inchiquin dwindled after a series of Land Acts started at that time. During this period, landlords were compelled to sell their tenanted farmlands, thus the Inchiquins lost their main source of income. They still considered themselves fortunate, as their castle had survived the troubled times of Ireland's revolutionary war against Britain. The homes of many landlords in Ireland were left in ruins during the Irish Republican Army's war against the British forces in 1920 and 1921. In 1921 the IRA leaders in Dublin marked Dromoland Castle for destruction. However, sabotage orders were reversed at the last minute at the urgent request of local IRA leaders in County Clare, who argued that the Inchiquin Lords had been fair and benevolent in dealing with their tenant farmers. Sir Lucius O'Brien, the 13th Baron of Inchiquin (brother of Sir William Smith O'Brien), was remembered respectfully by the people of County Clare for his relief work in the famine years of the 1840s. Although the family's good reputation saved the castle during the revolution, the later loss of income after the forced sale of the tenant farms made the castle and the 2,000+ acre estate increasingly difficult for the Inchiquins to keep. After the death of the 15th Baron of Inchiquin in 1929, Dromoland was supported mainly by the personal wealth of his widow, Lady Ethel Inchiquin, an heiress, whose portrait, painted by Herbert Draper, hangs near the staircase in the castle's hall. 1940-1962
After Lady Ethel's death, her oldest son, Sir Donough O'Brien, the 16th Baron of Inchiquin, and his wife, Lady Anne, daughter of Viscount Chelmsford, a Viceroy of India, managed to maintain Dromoland Castle as a traditional ancestral home for more than twenty years. Lord Inchiquin tried to make the estate self-supporting as a dairy farm, but by 1948 was so financially hard pressed that he began to take in tourists as paying guests. Lord Inchiquin sold the castle, along with some 330 acres of surrounding land, and the hunting and fishing rights to Mr. Bernard McDonough, an American industrialist, whose grandparents were born in Ireland. Conor O'Brien, the 18th baron, and his family live in Thomond House and continue to farm and run part of the estate as a sporting and leisure estate. The pedigree of the Dromoland O'Briens is kept in a vault at Lloyds in London and is 36 feet in length.

In 1936, the castle underwent major renovations to transform the ancestral home into a luxury hotel. When the castle was officially reopened as a Resort Hotel, visitors who remembered it from the days of the Inchiquins marvelled at the preservation of its stately, warm and cheerful baronial country house atmosphere. The public rooms on the main floor of the castle look very much the same now as when Lord Inchiquin's family lived there, although the Lord's octagonal shaped study, under the round tower, is now a pleasant cocktail bar, and his library is now part of the dining room.

Dining at Dromoland is always an occasion

Dining at Dromoland is always an occasion and is a culinary delight. The quality of the food and service is renowned the world over. There is something special for all tastes; a six-course dinner celebration, an afternoon tea in the Drawing Room or a light snack in the Country Club, all can be enjoyed in wonderfully grand but relaxed settings. Combining a wealth of fresh, locally sourced produce with an extensive selection of a la carte, gastronomic and daily table d'hote menus, there is something for everyone.

For something a little bit more unique during the day, the castles chef will be happy to prepare a special picnic basket for a relaxing lunchtime stroll across the Castle grounds. Baskets can be made up of freshly prepared snacks and for those in a more decadent mood - a chilled bottle of champagne.

The Earl of Thomond Restaurant

The Earl of Thomond is an award-winning restaurant of international renown. Offering a relaxed but elegant dining experience under the careful guidance of Executive Chef David McCann, innovative cuisine is served with tradition and a hint of creative flair. Guests can enjoy a relaxing ambience enhanced by the Castle's resident harpist while they dine. For guests preferring the privacy and comfort of their own room or suite, the full complement of restaurant menus is offered. Room Service is available from 7am to 11pm with a reduced night-time menu from 11pm to 7am.

The Cocktail Bar

Formerly the Castle library, the Cocktail Bar enjoys spectacular lake views alongside a gently burning fire. A restful haven for daytime refreshment, and an atmospheric nook by night, guests can retire quietly here by day, or round off a candlelit evening with a few heartily sung Irish ballads.

The Fig Tree Restaurant

The Fig Tree Restaurant, situated close to the golf club offers a wonderful variety of dining from 12 noon to 10pm. With menus tailored toward more informal dining, The Fig Tree offers a wonderful variety of dining from Noon to late evening.

In accordance with the hotel’s reputation for fine cuisine, Dromoland's wine list has been meticulously selected to uphold this standard of excellence. For the knowledgeable; or indeed the curious, the wine cellar is an Aladdin's Cave of interest and atmosphere, especially when toured by candlelight. Also on offer is a wide selection of vintage ports and cognacs to add the finishing touch to your meal.

Afternoon Tea

Afternoon Tea is another long-standing tradition at Dromoland Castle. Served between the hours of 3 and 5 in the afternoon, guests can enjoy a selection of piping hot teas with a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries and breads.

The Gallery Menu is served from 10am to 10pm and is also available through Room Service. Afternoon Tea and dishes from the Gallery Menu can also be taken outdoors on the terrace, beside the old Castle entrance. Mrs. White's Afternoon Tea (Served between 3pm and 5.30pm)

Rooms & Suites

With a reputation built on its unparalleled warm hospitality, guests will understand just what a special experience it is to stay at Dromoland Castle. Relax and unwind in your room: call room service and order a glass of champagne with canap's before dinner or alternatively, dinner can be delivered to you. The staff are also happy to arrange fresh flowers, handmade chocolates or champagne at your request, should the occasion call for it. This charming quadrangle of 28 guest rooms was built in 1736 by Sir Edward O�Brien and is almost a century older than the rest of the Castle. The rooms offer guests a full castle experience, featuring a cottage-style decor which is based on 18th Century botanical drawings complementing the sumptuous upholstery designed by the French Fabric House Pierre Frey.

Queen Anne Rooms

Approximate room size is 590 Sq Ft with a maximum capacity of 2 people with Twin or King Accommodation.
Dromoland Castle's Signature Soft Slippers and Bathrobes 
Interactive Television with Music and Movies on demand 
Broadband internet access for Laptop use 
Trouser Press, Hairdryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Personal Safe, 
American Socket Converters 

Deluxe Rooms

The Deluxe rooms are located throughout the Castle, overlooking the lake and Dromoland Gardens. Each of the rooms has been individually designed and decorated with the guests comfort in mind. The overall design concept is for a contemporary look with a classical feel using a combination of furniture styles ranging from the 19th Century Empire Style to Louis XV, using specially commissioned wall fabric by Canovas.

Average room size 800 Sq Ft with Twin or King Accommodation 
Dromoland Castle's Signature Soft Slippers and Bathrobes 
Interactive Television with Music and Movies on demand 
Broadband internet access for Laptop use 
Trouser Press, Hairdryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Personal Safe, 
American Socket Converters 

Staterooms

Nestled into the original Castle walls, the Staterooms and Suites are located off the Main and Shakespeare Galleries. Each room is unique in design and dimension with its own intimate seating and Dining area. The bespoke furniture featured throughout complements a range of design styles with fabrics specially commissioned by Colefax and Fowler. The lighting stems from a mixture of crystal and nickel lamp bases using rich wood and employing the simple lines of the Louis XV furniture. The beautifully appointed bathrooms offer complete luxury featuring marble and painted furniture.

Average room size 1670 Sq Ft 
Dromoland Castle's Signature Soft Slippers and Bathrobes 
Interactive Television with Music and Movies on demand 
Broadband internet access for Laptop use 
Trouser Press, Hairdryer, Iron/Ironing Board, Personal Safe
American Socket Converters 

Executive Suite

Entirely unique in their design and layout, The Executive Suites offer guests a spacious living room, a lavish bathroom and a grand bedroom from which to enjoy awe-inspiring views across the Castle grounds and beyond. Sumptuous fabrics are set against individually chosen hand-crafted furnishings to bring guests the ultimate in opulent comfort.

Spacious Living room & Lavish Ensuite Bathroom with Luxury Toiletries 
Dromoland Castle's Signature Soft Slippers and Bathrobes 
Evening Turndown Service with Complimentary Handmade Chocolates 
Interactive Television & Complimentary Broadband Access 
24-Hour Room Service 
Hairdryer, Clothes Press, Personal Safe, American Socket Converters 

Maiew Rua Suite

The Maire Rua Suite is a lavish self-contained apartment-type accommodation, exclusive to Dromoland Castle, appealing to those who seek the ultimate in opulent indulgence. Service with The Maire Rua Suite is very different to the rest of the Castle. Guests are sequestered away in total privacy, with an option of an exclusive personal chef working from bespoke menus or a fully stocked kitchen for those visitors seeking a self-catering alternative. With meticulous attention to detail, this special suite has been designed and furnished to cater for the most contemporary standards of living. The suite is comprised of a large expansive bedroom with a seating and dining area, an adjoining kitchen, private patio and a state-of-the-art bathroom.

Presidential Suite

The Presidential Suite is Dromoland Castle�s most significant and historical bedroom. Located on the 2nd floor of the Castle, offering stunning vistas of the Lake and surrounding demesne through its Castle feature window, The Presidential Suite offers the ultimate in distinguished luxury. Featuring a separate living room and a spacious dressing room, the suite also includes a Guest Bathroom, Main Bathroom, a Wet Bar and Business Area. Magnificent chandeliers, drapes, fine upholstery and traditional decor set this special suite apart. The Presidential Suite enjoys all of Dromolands luxuries and also includes:

Feature Window with Stunning Vistas of the Dromoland Demesne 
Separate Sitting Room, Spacious Dressing Room and Wet Bar Area 
Guest Bathroom and a Lavish His-and-Hers Bathroom with Luxury Toiletries.

Golf, fish, play tennis, go boating on the grounds of Dromoland

Dromoland offers guests a wide range of leisure pursuits, most of which can be organised in advance at the hotel. On the estate, guests can enjoy superb golf, tennis, fishing, shooting and boating while the hotel’s beautiful gardens and secluded woodlands offer any number of opportunities for jogging, cycling or for a leisurely stroll. Should your tastes extend to more adventurous pastimes like horse riding or deep-sea fishing, staff at the hotel would be happy to advise and organise on your behalf. For those in search of more luxurious pastimes and a pampering experience, The Spa at Dromoland Castle is the place for you.

The Spa at Dromoland
Launched in 2007, the Dromoland Spa is a luxurious haven of calm and tranquility. Ideally located in the heart of the castle walls, this intimate spa consists of six luxury treatment rooms, two dedicated manicure & pedicure rooms and an outdoor hydro spa covered with a gazebo for all year round use - this has been specially designed to enhance the peaceful, relaxing ambience. Time will stand still while you are immersed in a cocoon of scented fresh flowers and candles, warm mood lighting and the resonating sounds of soft music. Leaving, you will feel calm, relaxed and most importantly, totally refreshed and invigorated.
The Spa features two treatment ranges: the chic Anne Semonin Treatment collection and the Irish product Voya. The Anne Semonin Treatment Collection combines an ingenious blend of aromatic essentials oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with the classic French touch. The Voya treatments are 100% organic and use the natural resource of marine elements to produce a wide range of treatments.
The Anne Sémonin treatment collection combines an ingenious blend of aromatic essentials oils, trace elements and marine ingredients with the classic French touch and a holistic approach to treating the individual needs of your body and skin. Anne Sémonin treatments are designed to be “tailor made” and are focused towards maximum comfort, absolute luxury and outstanding results.
Voya offers exclusively, for the first time an entire range of therapies, all 100% certified organic. All of the certified organic seaweed is harvested by hand everyday in an area of unsurpassable natural beauty, untouched by mankind, the seaweed is carefully selected when ripe. The heritage of this tradition ensures that it is brought to you in a pristine state and used in a variety of organic therapies. Seaweed baths are Ireland’s only indigenous therapy and have been used for generations as a treatment for numerous skin conditions, including psoriasis, and dermatitis due to its huge abundance of minerals and vitamins. All of the products here are made from the finest organic ingredients and with seaweed harvested by hand. The Voya therapies offer a unique experience and you are invited you to enter the Spa's protected environment and begin your journey to restore and restart oneself.