Dromoland Castle Hotel

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.

Our family and young children arrived in July to this lovely castle. We were so warmly greeted by the entire staff including Devin who introduced us to the property. We stayed in the lodge which is a house on the hotel grounds- a superb option if you are traveling with a number of people. The lodge was stocked with essentials and the housekeeping was excellent. Devin arranged a pick up for dinner though we used our golf carts the rest of the stay. The breakfasts were great and with superb service. Dinners were excellent, again with superb service and food. I am spoiled now. We had lunch and cocktails in the bar which is a cozy place and the kids loved the hot chocolate with marshmallows. All the staff were amazing and so nice to our children. We went fishing on the lake with Clem which was so much fun-Clem has so many stories he will keep you entertained- we went two days. The kids did archery with Dave and had a great time- he was an excellent and very kind instructor. We played golf on the beautiful course, and went swimming at the indoor pool. The grounds are amazing as well as the castle. This was a very memorable stay- a beautiful place, with the nicest people. Hope to return.

We absolutely loved our visit to Dromoland Castle and could not recommend it enough. The staff were warm and friendly upon arrival and were fantastic throughout. The experiences we had were so much fun - archery and sporting clays and a bike ride around the grounds for a couple of us; golf for the other two. (The parkland course was magnificent and very challenging) We didn’t take advantage of the spa but the workout room was well equipped and easily accessible. We also ate really well. If you’re looking for a more casual and less expensive dining option we liked the Fig Tree restaurant (inside the golf club) and if you want real indulgence, then splurge at the Earl of Thurmond restaurant inside the castle. The meals we had at both were delicious. Breakfast every morning was also a treat with a large assortment of options. The rooms were great too. Large bathrooms, comfy beds and in our case, the windows in our room at the top of the turret offered us expansive views of the grounds. (Ask for room 501. The stairs are worth it) All in all, Dromoland Castle is a must visit if you’re headed to the Emerald Isle.