Dromoland Castle Hotel

Where to start? Incredible staff make you feel welcomed, though the grounds and castle are stunning - it’s the entire staff that make the entire experience special. Exceptional accommodations in every aspect. It’s no wonder world leaders choose Dromoland. Thank you Dromoland, we will never forget you

Great service and food let down by a disappointing room and a computer glitch. We had booked a Discover Dromoland package that included breakfast and dinner in the main restaurant. The package cost around €1000 for one night only. We confirmed our stay as requested via the email prompt two days before our arrival. On the day of our arrival at about 13:00, we received an email to say our reservation had been cancelled! Having phoned them, they confirmed this had been sent in error but our dinner reservation had gone missing so they moved us to an earlier time. In the end, they honoured the original time as the error was on their part. We were assigned room 502 which was at the very top of the tallest tower - 100 stairs up from the entrance to our room and no lift. The final 50 stairs were up a narrow staircase that gave me vertigo. The room was far too small for all the furniture that had been packed into it. We could barely move. The furniture was cheap wood effect and the bed very uncomfortable. You couldn’t open the windows and despite the air conditioning it felt very claustrophobic. On the positive side, the service was excellent, as was the dinner in the main restaurant. We also enjoyed listening to the harp player and the live music in the bar. Beware this is a massive hotel, although it doesn’t feel corporate. However for the price we paid I expected more.

Excellent service, my travel mate was a bit sick for a little while, and the staff seemed to genuinely care. They are very friendly and social, and also very helpful and hard working. The castle was also very well cared for and clean. The activities were very fun. The grounds were also beautiful.

Third time staying here and it still feels like a proper treat. I was up from Kinsale on my own to meet some college friends, and based myself in one of the Queen Anne courtyard rooms. Big space, really comfortable bed, and nicely done interiors — not over the top, just spot-on in terms of comfort and style. One of the perks this time was discovering the leisure centre over in the golf club building. Had a great workout one morning, followed by a swim – ideal way to clear the head before breakfast. Speaking of which, the breakfast here is unreal. Genuinely the best I’ve had anywhere – loads of choice, top quality. Because it was raining nearly non-stop, I was glad to find the tunnel that connects the courtyard to the castle itself – no wet run across the gravel for dinner. Staff were brilliant across the board – always someone around, always helpful, but never in your face. Dinner was excellent too – proper food, but not fussy. You could go all out or just graze a bit. The room had a big newly-refurbed bathroom that felt like something you'd find in a fancy spa. I managed the falconry and a carriage ride even in the pouring rain – both well worth doing. Had a great chat with the resident genealogist as well. Clay shooting had to be called off with the weather, but sure you can’t plan for everything. All in all, a class spot. Would happily head back again, rain or shine.

We, and 29 Members of our Family from around the world, gathered here and spent the most exciting and memorable weekend in these wonderful historic surroundings. The Castle is clearly the No. 1 Hotel in all of Ireland and in the top 3 in all of Europe. The friendliness and obliging nature of all of the staff is exceptional. Each of us was treated like royalty. The food, wines and service at all of our meals were of an unparalleled standard. After heavenly nights’ sleep in beautiful bedroom suites, the breakfast buffet in the Earl of Thomond Restaurant, serving everything you could possibly wish for, including Burren Smokehouse Smoked Salmon and the crispiest bacon ever, was extremely generous. Our dinner at the Fig Tree Restaurant was delicious, as were the accompanying French wines. Of note here were the Paul Nicolle, Chablis 1er Cru and the Jean-Baptiste Ponsot, Rully 1er Cru “Montpalais” from the Côte Chalonnaise, the latter of which was a complete surprise to some of us. The service was great. We were engaged the next day in fun-filled activities, such as falconry, archery, clay shooting, horse and carriages rides, go-cart riding, boating, fishing and of course, golf played on the most incredible renowned golf course! The historic walled garden, which contains every cottage garden plant imaginable and which is alive with foraging bumble bees, is well worth a visit. The most exceptional event though was our Birthday Celebration Dinner that was held in the Terrace Room. We began with Laurent-Perrier Rose Champagne and delicious canapes served outside on the lawn. Once all the children family members had gone to bed, we returned to the Terrace Room to experience a four-course food extravaganza accompanied by incredible Italian wines, followed by fantastic dancing and ending with a conga line which proceeded to the Cocktail Bar. Great fun was had by all. This was a never-to-be-forgotten experience and our sincere gratitude goes to all those involved.