This Storied Irish Hotel Just Opened a Private Residence on Its 18-Hole Golf Course
Dromoland Castle may date back to the 16th Century, but the storied property is still finding ways to appeal to modern travelers.
The ancestral home of the O’Brien family, which sits on 500 acres in County Clare, was turned into a five-star hotel in 1962 with the addition of 97 guest rooms and 14 suites. Now, the castle has gained even more secluded accommodations.
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Set on the estate’s 18-hole golf course, Dromoland Lodge gives guests space and privacy in spades. Once a private residence like the castle, the lodge features five bedrooms, a game room, a drawing room, a parlor with a fully stocked bar, a kitchen, and a dining room. The classic decor is coupled with modern conveniences. There is a temperature-controlled wine fridge in the kitchen, for instance.
The spacious conservatory with views of the verdant landscape is a perfect spot to enjoy the daily breakfast that you can have delivered to the lodge. But if you want to venture outside, you can also have brekkie at the Earl of Thomond restaurant in the castle. For dinner, meanwhile, a chef will be on hand to prepare meals for you and your travel companions. Alternatively, you can opt for a “crock pot” menu, where a warm dinner will be waiting after a day spent exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or an afternoon Hawk Walk with a falconer.
Bedrooms inside the residence range from a kid-friendly two-bedder to a lavish primary. All are equipped with large windows that allow natural light to illuminate the colorful wallpaper and furniture.
The lodge comes with a private putting green, but guests will also have access to the other hotel amenities. You can make use of the bikes and boats or hop on the tennis court or pickleball court, for example. You could also opt for a day of relaxation at the Castle Spa, which opened in mid-2023 with six treatment rooms.
Arguably Dromoland Castle’s biggest draw is its history. The hotel runs walking tours with Jane O’Brien (yes, she’s part of the original family) and also offers a genealogy package that allows you to discover your ancestry ahead of your visit to Ireland. (Robb Report‘s deputy editor Josh Condon recently visited the castle and found the roots of his family tree.)
Dromoland Castle is a short 15-minute drive from the Shannon International Airport, meaning it is close to some of Ireland’s natural wonders like the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren. The hotel is also only 30 minutes from Limerick City.
You can book your stay now via the company’s website. The lodge starts at approximately $3,833 a night.
Click here for more images of the property.
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