Hotel review: This fairytale five-star castle majors in happy-ever-afters
You’ll find this legendary estate in a scenic patch of south Clare countryside, just a short skip from Limerick city.
Dromoland. The very name seems to elicit a kind of brand luxury that supersedes any county boundaries.
But, for the record, you’ll find this legendary estate in a scenic patch of south Clare countryside, just a short skip from Limerick city.
Winding down its woodland and fairway-flanked driveway, Dromoland Castle emerges across the lake and fluttering bulrushes with legendary impact prompting, in my case, an audible “wow” moment.
Perhaps, given the 16th century castle’s legend and lore, there’s an otherworldly serenity to the setting here.
- 9/10
Despite Dromoland’s imposing stature, particularly from the lakeside approach, the hotel’s entrance lobby — embellished with chandeliers, suits of armour, plush furniture, and an extravagant profusion of fresh flowers — is a surprisingly intimate affair.
Characterful corridors adorned with oil portraits of its former denizens lead beyond the lobby to public areas such as a discrete octagonal cocktail lounge and sumptuous rose pink drawing room, all which make for supremely inviting hangout hubs.
Make no mistake, these lavish interiors are not for those with an aversion to maximalism, though you’d imagine anybody would be converted by the luxury here.
- 8.5/10
Dromoland offers the kind of exceedingly polished welcome that makes guests feel like returning, or in my case, the prodigal son.
Aidan, the affable porter, is having absolutely none of my backchat when I offer to carry my own bag and there’s a warm insistence to simply relax.
In fact, “Would you care for anything else?” is a mantra which permeates throughout.
The only minor slip? Being served wine in the drawing room without a coaster — quickly rectified by a vigilant bar manager.
- 9/10
Dromoland offers 97 rooms, ranging from classic Queen Annes to luxurious suites that feel presidential by default.
I stayed in a brand new wing suite — a sumptuously decorated space, with a luxurious bedroom featuring a gilded white marble en suite plus an inviting lounge with a fireplace, bar cabinet and turret views.
- 8/10
In addition to tea and Nespresso standards, all guest rooms include welcome chocolates, while mid-level state rooms and suites receive a Burren Perfumery gift.
A turndown service includes a handmade chocolate and an eye mask from the castle’s spa.
There’s also a larder of local products available for purchase.
- 9/10
Dromoland’s signature restaurant, The Earl of Thomond, offers both à la carte and five-course table d’hôte menus in its almost Versailles-esque dining room.
Since breakfast is served in the same setting, I opted for The Fig Tree — Dromoland’s casual dining restaurant located a short stroll away at the golf clubhouse.
It’s a very convivial setting offering excellent, well-priced food and wine.
Dromoland’s breakfast was an occasion, not a meal.
Along with an impressive buffet showcasing local produce, my cooked-to-order plaice served with a lemony caper sauce was sublime.
- 9.5/10
Complimentary activities include tennis along with boating or fishing on Lough Dromoland while the 450-acres make for perfectly relaxing wandering or running, if the mood takes you.
Dromoland’s 18-hole championship course draws large appeal.
- 8/10
The pool and sauna are below par for a five-star and need revitaliaing while calmer colours could bring more life into those Queen Anne rooms.
Left-accessible rooms are available on the same floor as all of the castle's other public areas
Yes
Yes. Children’s activities include go-karts, archery, tailored menus, and kids' clubs during peak holiday periods.
Service dogs only.
Rooms from €405.
- Dromoland Castle
- Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare
- dromoland.ie
- The Hotel Examiner was a guest of Dromoland Castle and Ireland’s Blue Book.
