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Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle has been welcoming guests since the 16th Century. The ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of the last High Kinds of Ireland, we’ve got nobility and hospitality in our DNA. From the imposing baronial façade, to our startling interioirs, you’ll find a world of historic grandeur underpinned by the finest modern comforts. With lavish décor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent bedrooms, this is a place to feel at home. Behind our warm Irish welcome is the belief that every guest is royalty. Stroll the 450-acre estate. Tee off on our world class golf course. Take afternoon tea by a roaring fire. Relax in our intimate spa. Enjoy delicious cuisine. No matter what your preference, at Dromoland Castle there’s no escaping the sense that you are walking in the shadows of kings. The pinnacle of excellence, come in the knowledge that all your expectations will be met.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
HOTEL STYLE
Family
Business
Languages Spoken
English, French, German
Location
Newmarket-on-Fergus V95 ATD3 Ireland
Dromoland Castle Hotel
5,632 reviews
Getting there
Somewhat walkable
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travellers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
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Dromoland Castle Hotel garners accolades for its exceptional service, with guests often feeling like royalty thanks to the attentive and professional staff. The hotel's atmosphere is celebrated for its charming traditional vibe, complete with medieval touches that enchant visitors. Rooms are generally found to be spacious and well-appointed, although there have been some less favorable reports.
Guests consistently commend the property's cleanliness and the luxury amenities offered, such as diverse dining options and activities set amidst stunning grounds. While the experience is deemed unique by many, a few guests feel the cost does not always equate to value. The hotel's central, scenic location is a highlight, perfect for exploring the surrounding area.
Location
Central
Atmosphere
Charming
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Expensive
Cleanliness
Meticulous
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Lavish
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We toured Ireland for one week and started at the Ashford Castle property and very happy that we did. Dromoland was our second stop and both properties couldn't be more different even though they are both castle hotels.
Like Ashford, the grounds are spectacular with pristine 18-hole golf course, small lake, walking trails and activities galore. We checked into a spectacular suite on the third floor with lake views, windows galore and relaxing furniture. Amenities were just OK as they included an aromatherapy kit, chocolate bar and sherry.
What makes Dromoland stand out is their food especially at the Fig Tree restaurant. About a five minute walk from the castle is their spectacular golf pro shop, fitness center, full size pool, locker rooms and the Fig Tree. The Fig Tree is like a country club restaurant with a full menu including traditional Irish items like fish & chips (excellent), organic salmon and meats. However, it also features homemade pizza which is delicious. Excellent wine and spirit list and very reasonably priced. There is a formal restaurant that offers a 9-course tasting menu but that wasn't for us. It was where breakfast was served and was very good.
On site activities include falconry, clay shooting, paddle boating, horse carriage rides and walking tours. The horse carriage ride lasts an hour and you get a history of the property and was well worth the $200 cost.
Overall, it's a property you will fall in love with. Most everything is less than a five minute walk and the walled gardens are very special. Real wood-burning fireplaces abound, beautiful old-style Irish bar that serves up house-made cocktails and excellent service.
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Date of stay: September 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 3 Oct 2024
Dear LGspartan Thank you for your lovely review following your recent stay, I am so pleased that you had such an enjoyable experience from start to finish. The team at The Fig Tree will be especially delighted to hear your feedback. We hope it is not too long before you visit Ireland again and we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to Dromoland. Many thanks again for the kind words. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Very grand entrance through extensive grounds and golf course. A magnificent building. Helpful attentive porters to greet one on arrival, valet parking, help with luggage (necessary because of the 12 steep steps to the front door. Very elaborate foyer including full suit of armour. Sumptuous furnishings throughout. Dinner in both restaurants high quality (be warned that choices are not necessarily as shown on web pages). Breakfast buffet has huge range of foods, well stocked. Sadly cooked breakfast a let down. Saturday morning in main dining room the poor timing meant toast, tea all cold before cooked food arrived...lukewarm Sunday morning in the temporary dining room (gorgeous sun filled room) was a fiasco....3 requests for milk before it arrived, 2 requests for toast which took 17 minutes to arrive and 27 minutes from order to arrival for cooked food. Meanwhile tea and toast are stone cold. This was repeated at 4 other tables in our line of vision.
* don't book in on rugby match days....the TVs are tiny and non HD*
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Date of stay: February 2025
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Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:TVs are tiny.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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This is a castle for everyone! It is a five star accommodation with everything you need right there!! Variety of eating choices and activities to enjoy! The bed and pillows were amazing and slept so well! The morning we checked out was early-before the restaurant opened and they even had “grab and go” breakfast in the lobby and staff available to help with luggage. Love this place! Highly recommend and must on your stay in Ireland!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
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Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 5 Oct 2023
Dear atucker5280 Many thanks for the fantastic review posted recently and for taking the time to share your experience with us. I was delighted to read how much you enjoyed your stay here at Dromoland Castle. I will share your comments with the team, who I am certain will be encouraged by your remarks. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Our night spent at Dromoland Castle will be forever one of my fondest memories of vacation. From the moment we pulled up the driveway, the staff made us feel welcomed and special. Our room was spacious and comfortable. We participated in the clay shooting experience and had a wonderful time – the only issue was that the concierge didn’t inform us to meet the guide at the front desk, so we spent some time wandering the estate to find him. Once we did though, we had a lot of fun with that unique experience. We rode bikes around the entire estate and lucked out with perfectly sunny weather. We enjoyed the 9 course tasting menu in the Earl of Thomond dining room that did not disappoint. From the Maitre’d/head waiter who sat us, to Erik the Sommolier walking us through how the wines complimented the delicious food, to Noelle who cleared our table and we saw at breakfast the following morning – the staff was attentive, welcoming, and made the evening extremely memorable for us. The lovely bar staff helped us both before and after dinner. The following day we enjoyed the delicious breakfast, and the gift shop – where the female sales woman helped give us recommendations for things in the area and helped us buy wonderful souvenirs to bring home. I cannot recommend Dromoland Castle enough for a unique travel experience with unmatched service.
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Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 3 Oct 2024
Dear meghanr231 Thank you for your wonderful review which I will enjoy sharing with all of the team. It gives us great pleasure to receive such positive feedback as it makes all our efforts worthwhile. I hope that we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to visit us again in the not too distant future. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Just home from a fabulous 3 night stay in Dromoland. It has been a few years since we last stayed here but already we are planning a return visit. We had three delicious evening meals in The Earl of Thomand restaurant and we were well looked after by Dennis and all the team. The food was magical, we were full of praise for the presentation of all our courses, and of course the food tasted equally good. The sole as a main course was our favourite? Our breakfast each morning had a vast selection to suit all our tastes and requirements and a big thanks to Dermot and team for doing a great job. Thanks to Katherine and the very professional team in reception, as a repeat quest we stayed in one of the classiest bedrooms in the Castle and it was much appreciated. Everyone, staff & quests, were exceptionally friendly creating a lovely homely & relaxing atmosphere, the concierge team & front of house team also played a big contributory part. A mention also for the folk singers each night in the bar, very enjoyable and I appreciated all our requests being admirably fulfilled. We are not golfers but I’m told Dromoland course is superb and looks in great order I did mange a few good walks through the estate and walled gardens, I needed the exercise considering all our culinary delights! Dromoland Castle is situated close to The Cliffs of Moher, Bunratty Castle, the Burren and a very scenic stretch of WWW and although we had visited these before we thoroughly enjoyed another visit. We were also very lucky with our weather, especially for the Cliffs of Moher. A big thanks to Dromoland Castle and we are looking forward to our return.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 18 Jun 2024
Dear PJKNewry Thank you for your wonderful review which I will enjoy sharing with all of the team. Dermot and Katharine will be delighted with their special mention. It gives us great pleasure to receive such positive feedback as it makes all our efforts worthwhile. I hope that we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to visit us again in the not too distant future. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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I am writing this review as a warning to those intending to travel to Dromoland with their dog. While the castle and grounds are gorgeous, the dog rooms are the least lovely. We were located in what appeared to be the furthest away room (beside housekeeping, so noisy) even though the hotel was far from full.
The dog bed provided was plastic with no cushioning and had a tiny thin airline type blanket that was covered in dog hair. Dogs are not allowed anywhere at all in the hotel apart from the room (food areas are understandable although honestly, if you are 5* and dog friendly I would question that too); so no drinks by the fire or reading in the library.
It was really disappointing and we would not go back. If you don't want dogs, don't advertise as dog friendly!
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Date of stay: February 2024
Value
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Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 30 Apr 2024
Dear OnAir274556 Thank you for your feedback which we were obviously disappointed to read. I am very sorry that you did not entirely enjoy your stay with your dog. Our dog friendly rooms are located in the lower Queen Anne Rooms as they have direct access to the outside area of the Queen Anne courtyard making outside access easily accessible for pets comfort. Because of food safely regulations we cannot permit pets in the public areas where food/drinks are being served but also as a respect for other guests, which would have been documented to you in advance of your stay, the information is also available on our website. I will certainly discuss the matter of dog bedding with the accommodation team, and make improvements where we can. Again, I am sorry that you did not enjoy your stay with us but would like to say we all enjoy welcoming dogs to the hotel. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manger
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Dromoland was our second stay Ireland. Our first was a grand castle farther north and west. and we had no expectations as we entered the grounds. The entrance as we got closer to the castle is magnificent! Once we were out of our car, we were greeted by staff that really took care of everything and got the car parked and bags to our room.
The decor and interior decorating is just what you would expect for a real castle, amazing! everyone we encountered was friendly, professional, and extremely helpful.
The grounds have wonderful walking paths. The bar and restaurant serve everything you might want and they had live Irish music both night we were there.
Thank you to everyone working there for making our stay so memorable. We will definitely be back for a longer stay in the future!
Ned & Kristine Moser Wisconsin, USA
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2023
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 5 Oct 2023
Dear Ned M Many thanks for taking the time to post a review of your recent stay with us at Dromoland Castle and for your wonderful feedback. I have shared your encouraging comments with all the team here who join me in thanking you. We are all genuinely delighted that you enjoyed your stay so much and we look forward to the pleasure of hopefully welcoming you back to stay with us again soon. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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We had booked a two night stay. After reading all the positive reviews we were hoping for something very special indeed. From arrival we were greeted with a very warm genuine welcome. Our room 229 was nice and spacious and extremely clean. It was possibly one of the older rooms as upon looking at other rooms they had more up to date/newer soft and hard furnishings. The bathroom was spotlessly clean with a nice selection of toiletries. Coffee machine was also a nice touch. Daily newspaper was provided and turn down service with a small spa gift every evening. The bed and pillows were comfortable. Breakfast on both mornings was lovely with a selection of cold ‘help yourself’ buffet and a hot food selection from a menu. All pastries and breads were lovely and fresh. We dined in the restaurant on one evening and both had the tasting menu, one of which was the vegetarian tasting menu. The food was delicious, each course beautiful. Waiter accommodated my request for the soufflé for dessert . All staff we attentive , friendly and very knowledgeable in the dining room. There was a lovely harpist playing throughout the meal. Staff throughout the hotel were very polite and hard working- The whole hotel was immaculate and for such an old building it is very well maintained. Open fires were lit throughout the hotel. The cocktail bar is quaint and snug. The cocktail list has everything from the classics to the very rare. I enjoyed two cocktails and both were delicious. I can assure that everyone receives a warm welcome here no matter their budget or preference. The golf course and estate are very well maintained with various activities on offer. The spa is currently being refurbished. 9holes of golf were played and enjoyed and a lovely walk around the estate grounds. The only negative I could think of is the swimming pool and gym are completely separate in the golf club building so you wouldn’t be able to go to the pool in your robe and slippers . Overall we had a fantastic time. We were able to rest, relax and switch off which is what was needed. My husband and I both hope to return. Dromoland Castle deserves all of the wonderful reviews and truly is a 5 star experience .
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Date of stay: March 2023Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:The tasting menu is a wonderful culinary experience
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 29 Mar 2023
Dear NorthStar18014394267 Many thanks for the fantastic review posted recently and for taking the time to share your experience with us. I was delighted to read how much you enjoyed your stay here at Dromoland Castle. I will share your comments with the team, who I am certain will be encouraged by your remarks. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Not much to add to all the previous fantastic reviews but here are a few comments.
App based taxi service is available and costs considerably less than what the Castle would charge. We took a taxi into Limerick and enjoyed a nice walk around town and a lovely dinner at the Locke Bar which was reasonably priced and had live music and traditional dancing. Also they had outdoor seating on the river.
Make sure to eat in the bar room for a casual meal. The bar is one of the best looking I have ever been in and serves some really nice food and drink. We really enjoyed the barman who broke out into both traditional song and Sinatra.
You don’t need a jacket to eat at the Earl of Thurmond restaurant. It was a mix of fancy and casual dress. I wore khakis and a sweater. Food btw for both breakfast and dinner was extraordinary.
Bring extra balls if you play golf. A decent amount of fescue and water. Back 9 was better than the front with the exception of the famous par 3 hole overlooking the castle.
This might sound crazy but my biggest disappointment was the TV in our beautiful room. It’s the size of a laptop and has a poor channel selection.
The shop off the lobby has some really unique stuff to purchase.
We took the train from Dublin to Ennis and then a taxi to the Castle. This was very easy and inexpensive.
Shannon airport is fantastic in terms of ease. 15 minutes from hotel and at gate 10 minutes later. You clear USA customs in Shannon.
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Date of stay: June 2024Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 23 Jul 2024
Dear raincheck10 Thank you for your kind and comprehensive review. I have shared your comments with the team and we are all delighted that you enjoyed your recent stay with us. I am sorry to read that the TV in your room was a disappointment, we take your comments on board. I do hope that we have the pleasure of welcoming you back to visit us again for a future stay. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Simply an incredible stay. The grounds are stunning , the rooms are large and comfortable and the staff is superb . They are very much into paying attention to details to make your time as enjoyable and stress free as possible . Aiden in particular was incredibly friendly and accomodating one of the best parts of the castle . Breakfast was fantastic and all the food and drink options were delicious . Wouldn’t stay anywhere but here again especially for a true 5 star experience . Will definitely be returning
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Date of stay: March 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Mark Nolan, General Manager at Dromoland Castle Hotel
Responded 30 Apr 2024
Dear ericak398 Many thanks for the fantastic review posted recently and for taking the time to share your experience with us. I was delighted to read how much you enjoyed your stay here at Dromoland Castle and your interactions with Aidan the team. I will share your comments with the team, who I am certain will be encouraged by your remarks. We look forward to welcoming you again in the near future. Sincerely Mark Nolan, General Manager
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Dear MEPepp71
If you are not hiring a car yes we would recommend the train from Ennis to Dublin, it is not a direct train however.
Best wishes
Mark Nolan
Friends were traveling with us, when we stayed at Dromoland Castle, in March.
They were returning to Dublin the next day. They had researched the nearest
train station to Dromoland. It is at Limerick Junction, which is South-East of the city of Limerick. The drive from Dromoland took about an hour, maybe a bit less.
We were not aware of any dress code for The Dromoland Afternoon Tea. That said I am grateful we were fortunate to attend. The staff was impeccable in delivering 5 star service and the food offerings and presentations worthy of any baking competition ! I would recommend casual business attire..you never want to feel the staff is better attired. Don’t miss this wonderful effort!
There are more places to choose from in the Newmarket-on-Fergus area.
PRICE RANGE
₹10,886 - ₹40,909 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
dromoland castle ireland, castle dromoland ireland, dromoland castle hotel
LOCATION
IrelandProvince of MunsterCounty ClareNewmarket-on-Fergus
NUMBER OF ROOMS
97
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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