Dromoland Castle in Ireland [In-Depth Hotel Review]

Imagine spending a night in a majestic castle. It has all the elements of a captivating tale, doesn’t it?

Fortunately, turning this dream into a reality is possible.

Many breathtaking castles worldwide have been converted into luxury hotels, providing visitors with enchanting and unforgettable stays. It’s estimated that there are around 30,000 castles in Ireland. Dromoland Castle stands out among the vast array of Irish castles as a genuinely enchanting destination that captivates all who visit.

For centuries, Dromoland Castle has opened its doors to visitors, but it wasn’t until 1962 that this historic ancestral home of the O’Brien family transformed into an extravagant resort hotel ready to welcome guests. This castle has hosted dignitaries, world leaders, and celebrities, including John Lennon, Muhammad Ali, Bono, John Travolta, and Bill Clinton.

Even more impressive is that Dromoland Castle is part of Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts program. This meant that I could enjoy many extraordinary perks during my stay.

When organizing a family vacation to Ireland in November 2023, my main objective was to create an unforgettable experience for my wife and daughters. I was absolutely set on booking a stay at this magnificent castle, where we could immerse ourselves in the opulence of royalty for a night or 2!

Read on to explore the captivating experience of staying at this luxurious 5-star castle and find out how to book your stay.

Location

Situated on a sprawling 450-acre estate in County Clare, Ireland, Dromoland Castle is conveniently located within a 2-hour drive from the popular cities of Cork, Galway, Killarney, and Limerick.

The drive from Dublin Airport (DUB) to Dromoland Castle is around 150 miles and takes approximately 3 hours. Shannon Airport (SNN) is only 8 miles away and an easy 15-minute drive from the castle.

If you’re considering visiting Ireland and want to immerse yourself in the countryside’s breathtaking scenery along the west coast, Shannon Airport (SNN) would be a more convenient option.

If you’re considering a broader road trip, flying in and out of Dublin (DUB) could offer a more flexible alternative. By choosing this option, you’ll have ample time to fully experience and appreciate the stunning scenic drives and a wider range of Aer Lingus flight options to and from the U.S.

The castle hotel is an ideal base for seeing the famed Cliffs of Moher and the breathtaking scenery of The Burren. It took us less than an hour to drive from the castle to the Cliffs of Moher, and the trip was enjoyable.

Booking

When I was ready to book my regal castle stay, I headed directly to the Dromoland Castle website to check nightly rates. Since I knew the resort was part of the American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts program, I also checked the nightly rates on AmexTravel.com.

Considering the similar rates on both sites, I decided to book my stay through AmexTravel.com. I was particularly drawn to this choice because I knew I would benefit from the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program.

The Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program is available to cardholders of The Platinum Card^® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express.

Elite Benefits

Guests who book a stay at Dromoland Castle through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program receive the following benefits:

• 12 p.m. check-in (upon availability)
• Room upgrade at check-in (upon availability)
• Daily breakfast for 2
• $100 food and beverage credit to be used during your stay
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• 4 p.m. checkout guaranteed

When booking through AmexTravel.com, the cost for my 2-night stay in a Queen Anne Classic room, the entry-level room at the castle, was approximately $451 per night, including taxes and fees.

Because our family consists of 2 adults, 2 children, and 1 toddler, I needed to book 2 Queen Anne Classic rooms to accommodate us all, totaling $1,804.

After securing our rooms, I reached out to the hotel in advance to inquire about the possibility of securing connected rooms, and they were more than happy to accommodate our request.

Knowing it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for my family and me, I felt at ease spending that much money on something special.

Hot Tip:

Amex Platinum cardholders who book via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts earn 5x Membership Rewards points on their stay and can utilize the card’s prepaid hotel credit of up to $200.

Checking In

With a generous 9-day trip to Ireland, we embarked on a road trip from Dublin to the island’s captivating and untamed west coast. Departing from the charming town of Killarney in southwest Ireland, a popular starting point for the breathtaking Ring of Kerry scenic route, we took off on a leisurely drive to Dromoland Castle, which took us approximately 2 hours.

We spotted a beautiful castle waiting for us within the castle’s outer walls.

Upon driving up to the castle, a roundabout leads to the castle’s side door (which serves as the main entrance for guests).

A kind, elderly gentleman offered to park my vehicle and assisted us with our luggage.

The Lobby

Once you’ve climbed the stairs, you’ll find the lobby area beyond these sturdy oak double doors.

As you enter the lobby, a wooden dining table catches your eye. It showcases area information and a guestbook for visitors to sign. The elegant chandeliers hanging from the ceiling add a touch of sophistication.

The reception area was beautifully decorated with a festive Christmas tree and ample seating for guests.

Personally, I was drawn to the coats of armor.

Upgraded Rooms

After handing over my photo ID and credit card, the associate checking me in had some exciting news. Thanks to booking my stay through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program, both rooms were upgraded to Deluxe rooms!

These rooms were an upgrade from the Queen Anne Classic rooms I initially booked. Out of curiosity, I checked the cash cost per night for each room during our stay and discovered that the room rate was €1,200 (approximately $1,313 per night) per room.

Furthermore, the rooms were interconnected, allowing my family to stay together easily.

The check-in associate was very helpful, giving me a booklet about Dromoland Castle’s history and providing detailed information about the perks I’d receive since I booked through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts.

She also handed me a packet containing a map of the property, details about the amenities and dining, and my room keys inside.

After a quick check-in, we swiftly went to our upgraded rooms, excited to explore the castle.

Amenities

While Dromoland Castle is an ideal base for seeing the Cliffs of Moher and the numerous jewels of Ireland’s west coast, tourists staying at the castle will most likely want to spend a few days taking advantage of the many amenities that the 500-acre estate has to offer.

Leisure Center

The leisure center of the castle is part of the Dromoland Golf & Country Club and is open to all castle guests. It consists of a 55-foot indoor pool, a sauna, a steam room, and a Jacuzzi.

In addition to the pool, guests can use the sauna room before or after their swim or workout.

Or enjoy a relaxing session in the steam room to eliminate toxins from your body.

The gym is also located in the Leisure Center.

The fitness center is equipped with a variety of equipment, such as ellipticals, treadmills, free weights, and a home gym machine.

If you’re staying at Dromoland Castle and looking to get some exercise, the gym is more than sufficient for a complete workout.

Guests can also easily rent free tennis racquets, fishing poles, and bicycles at the Leisure Center counter.

The Leisure Center is open to castle guests from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Golfing

Located on the premises, the castle features an impressive 18-hole, 6,824-yard, par-72 championship golf course.

The course’s hilly terrain and lovely water features will captivate you when you arrive at the estate.

Additionally, there is a putting green and a designated space for chipping practice. Green fees to play 18 holes range from €75 (~$82) to €195 (~$214), depending on the season. Guests without clubs can conveniently rent them from the pro shop.

I bought a few items at the pro shop to take home as a souvenir, but unfortunately, I didn’t have enough time to play a round of golf.

Archery

Archery has a rich history dating back to the late Paleolithic period, and there is a unique thrill in the act of drawing a bow and releasing an arrow at Dromoland Castle. Furthermore, archery is a fantastic family activity that everyone in your group can enjoy.

At Dromoland Castle, the price for archery is €45 (~$48) for a single person, €40 (~$43) for 2 individuals, and €35 (~$37) for 3 or more participants. Reservations are required.

Falconry

The falconry experience was one of the highlights of our time at Dromoland Castle. In my view, this is an essential element of the Dromoland Castle experience.

I booked a reservation in advance for this activity since I had read that it was a favorite among the castle’s guests. On the first day, we met Dave, the head of the Falconry School at Dromoland Castle and handler of the castle’s captivating falcons, hawks, and owls.

We were absolutely amazed by this experience. We had the opportunity to experience hands-on learning with these birds, as we were each given gloves to hold them and watch them fly to and from our arms on Dave’s command.

Next, Dave kindly took us to the area where the birds are kept. His team provided us with a thorough explanation of the unique characteristics of each bird.

This activity is a must-do if you’re visiting Dromoland Castle. The price for participating in the falconry experience varies depending on the number of people in your group.

For 1 person, you can expect to pay €120 (~$130); €160 (~$172) per person for 2 people, €75 (~$80) per person for 3 people, €70 per person for 4 people (~$75), and for 5 or more people, it comes out to €60 (~$64) per person.

Fishing

Guests may cast their reels off at Dromoland Loug, a picturesque lake on the castle’s premises. The lake has trout, perch, and other types of fish, making it a peaceful pastime to enjoy at the hotel.

Fishing and the rental of a rod and reel are complimentary for castle guests and can be obtained from the leisure center. However, if you’re new to fishing, you can hire a guide for €100 (~$108) for 3 hours. The guide will assist you with casting, setting bait, and reeling in fish (if you need it).

Clay Shooting

Clay pigeon shooting is a popular activity that allows you to take aim at flying targets. This fun-filled, year-round activity can be found on the lush grounds of Dromoland Castle.

Hotel guests who enjoy a bit of friendly competition can have fun honing their aim, timing, and “kills.” Rest assured, clay pigeons provide enjoyment for people of all ages and skill levels, as they are not actual birds.

The clay pigeon sessions usually last 1 hour and come with 30 clays, depending on how many people are in your party. The cost of clay shooting is €75 (~$81) for 1 person, €72 (~$78) for 2 people, and €35 (~$38) for 3 or more people.

Spa

At the Castle Spa in Dromoland, you can indulge in various relaxing therapies, such as rejuvenating facials, invigorating massages, and unique signature treatments.

The spa offers 6 treatment rooms, including a twin suite, an Amber and Quartz Crystal bed, and a serene relaxation space called The Whisper Room.

To ensure a smooth experience, making a reservation in advance through the spa’s website is recommended. You can also browse the spa menu to explore the available services before your arrival.

Horseback Riding

In partnership with top local equestrian centers, Dromoland Castle offers horseback riding on Irish fields and lush meadows.

These equestrian facilities provide indoor venues for all ages and abilities. Prices vary by time and location but start at €100 (~$108) per person.

Pony and Trap Rides

If horseback riding seems a bit daunting, you can elect to be transported around the estate in a 2-wheeled pony trap ride while exploring the intriguing history of the castle and its former occupants.

Guests can choose between a 30-minute (€80) or 60-minute (€100) ride, and the castle will arrange it for you.

Estate Walks

Getting up early before everyone else and exploring the hotel grounds is one of my favorite things to do on vacation. This is a fascinating activity at Dromoland Castle!

On the 450 acres of land surrounding the castle, there is an estate walking path through rolling land and woods where many deer can be seen. There is even a marked deer path where guests can get close to these animals (be prepared for them to run away!).

I went for a walk each morning during my stay and saw a herd of deer on the deer walking path, which was only a few steps from the castle.

Go Karts

One of the standout features of this castle hotel is the wide range of activities available for guests of all ages, including the adrenaline-pumping thrill of go-karting.

There are 3 pedaling go-karts on the tennis courts available on a first-come, first-served basis, providing a fun and exciting experience for both kids and fun-loving adults. One afternoon, my daughters had an absolute blast chasing after me and attempting to bump their go-kart into mine. It was such a fun and exciting experience for all of us.

On-Site Guest Transportation

Golf carts are available to transport guests around the property, a convenient amenity offered by Dromoland.

Additionally, the castle hotel provides a house car for guest transportation. Moreover, the guest car happens to be a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Getting around the property on foot is a breeze, but when the weather is bad, it becomes more of a challenge.

The house car and golf carts at Dromoland Castle are fantastic amenities that guests will find incredibly convenient. We made the most of this benefit by frequently traveling between the castle entrance and The Fig Tree Restaurant at Dromoland Golf & Country Club when going to and from dinner.

Charlotte & Co. Boutique

The boutique store offers a variety of clothing and handcrafted items created by talented local artists.

It was named after Lady Charlotte, who established an embroidery school in the county where Dromoland Castle is situated and married Edward O’Brien, whose family lived in Dromoland Castle.

We had the pleasure of finding some lovely Christmas tree ornaments and gifts for our loved ones at this charming store.

Business Center

The business center is just a few steps away from the welcome desk.

In the small room, guests will discover a desk with a desktop and printer for use if they need to work while on vacation.

Wi-Fi

The Wi-Fi occasionally experienced some spotty connectivity issues. The Wi-Fi speed in the room was strong. However, when strolling through the castle grounds, I occasionally observed that the service was a tad slower than usual. That’s understandable, considering the castle’s somewhat remote location.

Parking

At Dromoland Castle, self-parking is not available. However, valet parking is complimentary. Whenever I returned to the castle from venturing out, my rental car would be quickly whisked away upon arrival. In the same respect, we never waited more than 2 minutes for our car when we called the front desk to retrieve it.

The Rooms

The castle has 97 bedrooms that combine modern style with opulent elegance, all while providing plenty of space and comfort. Our upgraded Deluxe rooms were located on the wing nearest to the steps of the hotel’s main entrance, along a corridor past the front desk and the Charlotte & Co. boutique.

It’s worth noting that our interconnected rooms were located inside the castle’s original walls.

The original castle was converted into a hotel, and a second building attached to the castle and facing the main entrance was built. Given my interest in history, I was delighted our rooms were in the castle’s original structure, even if the second building had equally lovely accommodations.

Despite the ancient nature of the castle, the rooms were anything but.

Bedroom

Upon entering both rooms, we immediately noticed the spaciousness and modernity. The contemporary design seamlessly blended with classic elements, creating a comfortable yet stylish atmosphere.

I really liked the color scheme, with a mix of blue and white wallpaper, cream-toned carpet, and a variety of soft tones complemented by pops of color to enhance the room decor.

Both rooms were the same size, 34 square meters (about 365 square feet) each. However, my twins’ room was configured with 2 double beds, while the other room for my wife, our toddler, and I had 1 king bed and a crib.

Our king bed was incredibly spacious, and the mattress provided the perfect balance of support and comfort. My twins mentioned that they also slept soundly on their twin beds. We enjoyed staying at 2 other 5-star properties during our weeklong trip to Ireland. However, the beds at Dromoland Castle stood out as our absolute favorites.

A stuffed animal puppy with a Dromoland Castle ribbon wrapped around its neck was placed in the baby’s crib, which was a sweet gesture.

Likewise, there were 2 more stuffed puppies on each of the twins’ beds.

There were 2 nightstands on each side of the bed, equipped with international plug outlets, a complimentary bottle of water, an in-room phone, and a notepad with a pen.

Although our room didn’t have a view of the lake, it did overlook a courtyard. In the warmer months, this courtyard features a lovely garden. Unfortunately, there was no garden due to our late November visit and the chilly weather. Nevertheless, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful views of the castle from our bedroom window.

The room had a Type G power socket, popular in Ireland and the U.K. Fortunately, the room had an American plug socket, so I didn’t need to take out my converters.

A wooden desk with a glass top bordered the bathroom’s shared wall, complete with a lamp, a mirror, and a booklet with property information.

Each room featured a Nespresso coffee machine and complimentary biscuits for snacking.

Additional in-room goodies and wine were available for purchase and were situated just behind the complimentary shortbread cookies.

The wall unit’s designated center section housed a well-sized TV and offered an abundance of drawers and cupboards to accommodate our belongings.

In addition to the numerous drawers in the wall unit, a spacious closet was available for hanging clothes or storing luggage discreetly.

The room also had all contemporary comforts, such as a hair dryer (located inside the drawer below the TV), iron, and ironing board.

Inside the wall unit was also a handy mini-fridge equipped with various refreshments and alcoholic beverages available for purchase. There were also a couple of glassware sets available for our use.

The TV had over 50 channels, along with on-demand movies and music we could stream from our own devices.

A small center table facing the TV was flanked by 2 mustard-colored leather chairs, perfect for snacking and watching TV.

And finally, a personal safe was positioned atop the TV compartment to protect our valuables.

Bathroom

The marble bathroom was roomy and equipped with a bathtub and shower combo.

The bathtub/shower combo was perfect for our family with young children and a sight that parents will appreciate when staying at a hotel.

In addition to being roomy, the shower had a rainfall showerhead, which I have always valued in a hotel shower.

Behind the bathroom door hung a cozy bathrobe and plush slippers.

The shower, sink, and bathtub were stocked with Voya toiletries.

Voya is an Irish skincare company renowned for its organic luxury skincare line.

Additionally, a set of bathroom amenities for kids was supplied, including shampoo, shower gel, and body lotion. Once again, this was a thoughtful and appreciated detail by the castle hotel.

Overall, our bedroom and bathroom were incredibly comfortable, and we all raved about the quality of the beds and inviting ambiance with plenty of room to relax.

Food and Beverage

Although a short drive to the small town of Ennis is an option for grabbing a bite to eat, it may not be the most appealing choice. That’s because Dromoland offers its guests a limited but outstanding selection of dining options.

Earl of Thomond

People who love food adore Earl of Thomond, the castle’s main restaurant. This is the “fancy” restaurant at the castle for dinner. With Venetian silk, glittering lights, and a view of the whole estate, the area has the sense of an opulent castle dining hall.

This is where guests could enjoy breakfast, afternoon tea, or dinner.

Every morning, we ate breakfast here from an extensive breakfast menu, including a buffet option and à la carte made-to-order items we could order from. Breakfast was served from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

I ordered The Castle Breakfast Omelette with ham and cheddar cheese on both days.

My girls loved their Cinnamon French Brioche Toast.

By booking our stay via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, we could take advantage of the buffet along with ordering an entrée from the main menu for breakfast. The buffet is also available to guests who’ve paid a rate that includes breakfast.

We picked up a variety of baked goods, including scones and croissants, along with an assortment of marmalades.

Chia seeds, puddings, and abundant components to create your own granola bowl were available.

There was also a kids’ area where youngsters could choose from numerous Kellogg’s cereal products.

Cold cuts of all kinds rounded out the buffet selection.

Because I booked 2 rooms through Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts, we received 4 comped breakfasts each morning, which saved me hundreds of dollars in food costs.

We also enjoyed Mrs. White’s Afternoon Tea at Earl of Thomond (served daily from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.).

It was a great time for the whole family, as my girls had never tried tea.

We enjoyed a variety of finger sandwiches and savory delights.

Plus, we indulged in some tasty sweet treats, including freshly baked fruit scones served with cream and raspberry preserves, along with mouthwatering desserts.

The afternoon tea cost €49 (~$53) per person. That wasn’t cheap, but we thought it was well worth it because who knows when we’ll be able to have afternoon tea in a real castle again.

At Dromoland Castle, guests can stroll up to breakfast without reservations. However, reservations are a must if you wish to indulge in afternoon tea or dinner at The Earl of Thomond.

The Fig Tree

We absolutely loved The Fig Tree. After dining there the first night, we couldn’t resist going back the next day for dinner. It was just that delicious.

The restaurant is in the castle’s Golf & Country Club area and provides a warm and relaxed atmosphere for golfers, locals, and hotel guests to enjoy lunch or dinner.

It offered various dishes, from sandwiches and steaks to salads, fish and chips, and chowder. Whatever you’re in the mood for, you can find it at The Fig Tree.

The restaurant featured a kids’ menu with various pastas, burgers, and fish and chips.

The Fish and Chips, which cost €24 (~$26), and the Grilled Irish Angus Beef Burger, which cost €25 (~$27), were the 2 best things I ate.

We were impressed by the variety of menu options and the extensive wine list. The service we received during both of our dinner visits was exceptional.

If you don’t make a dinner reservation in advance at Earl of Thomond, chances are you’ll end up dining at The Fig Tree if you stay at the castle.

The restaurant is conveniently located within a short walking distance from the castle doors.

In case of inclement weather or if you don’t feel like walking to or from the restaurant, the hotel and restaurant staff will happily arrange a complimentary golf cart or the castle’s house car to give you a ride.

The Fig Tree Restaurant is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

The Gallery

The Gallery is a relaxed open space located near the Earl of Thomond restaurant, featuring cozy fire-side sofas and multiple seating areas.

Guests can enjoy light bites at any time or opt for a morning tea or coffee accompanied by various pastries instead of a complete sit-down meal.

I appreciated the flexibility of The Gallery’s seating arrangements, allowing guests to order from the menu and choose their spot in the hallway or the room with the Christmas tree.

The Gallery menu is served from 12 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. each day.

The Cocktail Bar at Dromoland

The Cocktail Bar at Dromoland is a charming, small, and intimate space that was formerly the magnificent library of the O’Brien family.

In addition to a large selection of handcrafted signature cocktails, the bar serves beers, wines, and spirits and sells cigars.

In-Room Dining

We really enjoyed the 2 main restaurants at the castle so much that we never got room service. The castle hotel does, however, offer a full in-room dining menu available 24 hours a day. So, whether you wish to have breakfast in bed or keep warm inside your relaxing room, you can call for room service anytime.

Service

Most of the time, when I stay in a hotel, I think the staff provides good service if they are at least nice and friendly. At Dromoland Castle, the service goes beyond being nice and friendly. Every staff member we came across was genuinely helpful and showed a sincere concern for our happiness. From the very beginning, engaging with numerous staff members from various departments revealed that the service went beyond being merely satisfactory — it was meticulously tailored to cater to our needs.

Final Thoughts

Staying in a castle for 2 nights was an incredibly memorable experience for my family. Dromoland Castle surpassed all expectations for a truly enchanting castle hotel experience.

Booking this castle hotel through the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts program provided us with valuable on-site benefits such as complimentary breakfast, a room upgrade, and late checkout. Our time spent at Dromoland Castle was unforgettable.