Dromoland Castle Hotel — Attraction in County Clare

My husband and I had the pleasure of staying here, as part of a Tauck Tour. We arrived one day early to get over jet lag. When we arrived at 6:30 am, Michael was so kind, as was the man working at the reception. They explained it was too early to get our room, which we assumed since check in is later in the afternoon. They offered us complimentary breakfast pastries and beverages. Michael brought us to the Drawing Room where we could rest our eyes until the breakfast room opened in another hour. The room was so comfortable and it became one of my favorite rooms at the castle. While we were eating breakfast, Mike came over and let us know our room was ready…it was 8:30 am and we were so appreciative. So nice to take a little nap before we attended the Castle Tour, which was interesting and complimentary. We had signed up to go horseback ride at Castlefergus (which is excellent) and the lady working at reception researched the best taxi rate for us. Before coming here, I emailed the concierge department with lots of questions and they were so patient and informative. So nice that could exchange US dollars for Euros without a fee, just the exchange rate. One day was warm and we loved the lemonades in the room refrigerator, so I asked if I could buy 2 more and they said, no problem, they are complimentary and we will deliver them to your room. One late afternoon, housekeeping knocked while we were in our room, to do the turn down service. We invited them in and asked if they could leave the light weight quilt on, rather than the heavier comforter and they were so nice! The courtyard room was very clean, comfortable and quiet. The shortbread cookies, chips and beverages all complimentary along with chocolates later in the day were appreciated. At another hotel on our tour, they charged for any beverages used in the mini fridge. We were vey spoiled at Dromoland. Since we prefer “regular” food over “gourmet” food, we preferred the Fig Tree Restaurant for dinner. The waitstaff was friendly, especially the young waitress who told us she was going to college to become a doctor. The food was very good and we enjoyed a walk around the Walled Garden afterwards. When we told one of the employees at the castle that we were headed to the Fig Tree, they asked if we had a reservation? No, we responded, but when would we like to eat and they “rang up” the restaurant for a reservation. Also they gave us a ride in the van. It’s a short walk, but we did do a lot of walking here. Breakfast was amazing in the castle at the main dining room. So many choices! One morning we arrived early, sat in the gallery area and one of the employees offered to get me coffee while we waited. It’s just these added touches that make you feel special. My husband participated in Falconry with Jack and I was the spectator. Truly an amazing experience. My husband shares the video with everyone! I could not think of anything negative about our entire experience. One thing to keep in mind is that the area is a little desolate in that there are no other services within walking distance. That said, I’m not sure what you need that they...

Dromoland Castle is in a great location - its own grounds are extensive and there are plenty of good walks close by. When we arrived for our 3 night stay, a concierge parked our car for us and took care of our luggage while we checked in. He then showed us to our room which was fine and overlooked a courtyard. It had air conditioning which was a nice surprise and was quite useful as the weather was unusually warm for May. We had the dinner included rate, so ate in the main dining room each evening. The food was fine, however we were plagued by flies at every meal (even breakfast). We were constantly swatting them away from our food, which spoiled the experience somewhat. This happened at every meal (dinner and breakfast). The views from the dining room across the lake were beautiful and the food was good quality. Ricardo, the sommelier was excellent and very helpful with our wine choices - he was extremely knowledgeable about any wine we had questions about. On the first night, after dinner, we went to the bar to enjoy the live music, a guitarist. He played for a while, then went for a 20 minute break and it was during this break that some rowdy people in the cocktail bar came and took his guitar and started some loud, drunken singing. Those of us in the bar looked at each other in surprise, and despite the large number of staff walking around, no one did anything to stop this racket. Eventually the guitar player returned and went off to try to get his guitar back. At this point, we left and went back to the room. We did let the front desk know about it but the sense was that they weren't particularly bothered about it and said a large group was visiting (maybe for a celebration or a meeting?). There were signs around the castle grounds stating the castle was only available to guests, however, it seems they open it up to other groups, at least for meals and in the evenings. After that experience we didn't go to the bar again. Breakfast was fine, at least the cooked breakfast was. We asked for semi-skimmed milk and were surprised to be told they didn't offer that - it was either full fat or skimmed. This seemed very unusual for a hotel of this rating and I am sure we can't be the first people to request that. I would have liked to try the continental breakfast, but again, I could see flies landing on the uncovered pastries and fruit, so was put off from trying that. There were no windows open during meal times, but my husband said that around the mens bathroom there was a strong smell and he saw some flies there, so perhaps they got into the dining room through open doors. I feel the staff should have addressed this issue during non-dining hours, as it was clear by people swatting them away from food that there was an issue, but nothing appeared to be done.

The castle has quite a lot of rooms and feels quite 'corporate' like a large hotel. It doesn't have that person touch that we experienced in another hotel not far from the Castle (which was also much less expensive).

At checkout, we were charged an additional $25 Euros per night - when we asked what it was for, we were informed it was to help with the upkeep of the grounds. We did not know about this charge - I just checked the website again and went to make a booking to test it out, but still there is no mention of this fee. We booked directly with the hotel so should have been told in advance if additional fees were payable. I think with the high price of rooms, it's a bit much to charge guests additional fees, especially without advising of it in advance.

We have many friends who plan to also make a trip to Ireland and I was hoping we would have been able to recommend Dromoland, but although there were definitely some good things about our stay, there were disappointing aspects too, which should not happen in a hotel of...

Where to begin with this magical destination. As soon as you exit the highway and turn through their gates you instantly realize this place is special. Sitting on 500 acres this property is one of the most stunning we have ever had the pleasure of visiting. ||The castle itself is straight out of a fairy tale. When you pull up and see it with your own eyes, you pinch yourself for being so privileged to stay within its walls. The staff greet you warmly and you are whisked away to your room. Wandering the maze of halls are part of its magic. Once you do find your room you will be met with a comfortable and inviting space. We were in the Queen Ann Courtyard. The bed was super comfy and the shower was glorious. The bathing products were luxurious and the mini bar was stoked full of goodies that were included. ||Outside of your room you will find a really glorious property with loads of amazing things to do and to discover. The location is perfect to visit places like the Cliffs of Moher or golfing destinations like Lahinch but honestly you’ll find it hard to leave once you are here its that lovely. ||We played golf at the property which was spectacular. The golf staff were tremendous. The course had a fun layout and was in great condition. ||We dined at both the Fig Tree and the Earl of Thomond. Both were wonderful. We both have dietary restrictions and they easily accommodated us. There were plenty of choices at the Fig Tree and they changed the fixed menu to some wonderful courses meeting our needs. We really enjoyed all of our meals. ||We also booked the Hawk Walk and WOW was that a blast! It was one of the coolest experiences we’ve had at a hotel. It was so enjoyable to learn all about the birds and the history of hunting and absolutely exhilarating to watch them fly freely through the trees as you walk the property and come rushing back to your outstretched glove. What a really fun experience and no wonder its the #1 thing to do on the estate. ||We also did the Clay Shooting and it was the first time we ever fired a gun and it was so thrilling. Our guide was thorough and made you feel very safe. It was a fun activity to do that didnt take a ton of time! ||Lastly the staff. They were all amazing. From the housekeeping to the wait staff to the golf staff and especially to the staff at the hawk walk and clay shooting, they all do everything to make your time here unbelievably memorable. ||Dromoland Castle is a special place. It feels so magical that its hard to leave. If we are ever in Ireland again we will without doubt...