Those considering Dromoland as a travel destination will find a combination of castle history and activities offered to guests by Dromoland Castle. The present main building was rebuilt and designed by the Pain brothers. Today, Dromoland Castle is a five-star luxury hotel with a golf course. When choosing accommodation, you can take both its historic character and the facilities on the castle grounds into account.
Castle history and historical connections
Dromoland Castle was the ancestral seat of the O’Brien family, whose lineage is traced back to Brian Ború, the Irish High King. The walled garden of Dromoland Castle contains a gate from Lemanagh Castle dating to around 1600. This brings together the family history and a specific architectural feature with its own connection to a castle. The castle is also surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and woodland.
Experiences requiring advance reservations
On the castle grounds, Dromoland Castle offers its guests a falconry experience with falcons, hawks and owls, led by experienced instructors. Advance booking is required. Archery lessons take place in an area surrounded by ancient woodland, with the castle as a backdrop; reservations are also required for these. The two activities have different focuses: falconry centres on the birds and guidance from experienced instructors, while archery centres on the lesson in the described woodland and castle setting. Advance reservations are part of planning for both.
County Clare as a travel region
Dromoland Castle is located in County Clare, amid the Wild Atlantic Way. The Cliffs of Moher are also in County Clare: at O’Brien’s Tower, they reach a height of more than 700 feet and extend for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coastline. The visitor centre includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewpoints, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The two distance figures refer to different things: almost 14 kilometres refers to the coastline, while 800 metres refers to paths within the visitor centre.
Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Fanore Beach is used by surfers, swimmers and walkers; lifeguards are on duty there seasonally. Inis Cealtra, also known as Holy Island, is located in Lough Derg on the Shannon. Its history as a monastic settlement dates back to the 7th century. The coastline, walking trails and cultural heritage thus offer different points of interest for exploring County Clare.
Getting there in the regional context
County Clare is accessible via a road network as well as bus and rail connections; Ennis is connected to the national railway network. When planning your accommodation in Dromoland, check the connection to your specific destination.
Discover more destinations: Clonlara, Corofin, Clarecastle, An DĂşn Beag, Doolin, Baunkyle, Lisdoonvarna, Murroogh.
For the broader travel overview: County Clare.
