




http://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/7b/3a/3c/filename-dsc07973-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/7b/3a/20/filename-dsc08027-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/7b/39/ab/filename-dsc08014-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/7b/39/96/filename-dsc07986-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/7b/39/83/filename-dsc08058-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/79/c5/73/filename-p1000991-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/79/c5/63/filename-p1030019-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/72/bf/ee/filename-img-3219-jpg.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/01/f5/26/c8/a-view-from-the-golf.jpghttp://c1.tacdn.com/cds/media/photo-s/02/6d/de/db/filename-040-jpg-thumbnail0.jpg 
- Expansive grounds to explore
- Unique resort activities such as falconry and target shooting
- Close proximity to Cliffs of Moher, Limerick and Bunratty Castle
About Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate
Set amidst 410 rolling acres of the greenest land only found in the countryside of Ireland, Dromoland Castle is one of the country's most unique and beautiful settings in which to stay during a visit to the West Coast. Located near the Western destinations of the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty Castle, Dromoland itself is an actual castle, with a history dating back to the Gaelic royal family. Ninety-nine rooms are set in both and old and newer buildings, lavishly decorated.
The ancestral home of the O'Brien family, Dromoland was rebuilt in the early 19th century and remained in the family until 1962. Opening as a hotel in 1963 and growing and expanding as recently as 1998, the resort features 99 bedrooms and suites in its gothic-styled grey stone walls. The castle dates back to the 1800s with its Queen Anne Court quadrangle of guestrooms dating back to the early 1700s, and the resort's newest offerings found in the Moriarty Wing.
The resort has hosted a number of notables from around the world since it's grand opening, including The Beatles, Nelson Mandela and former president George W. Bush, yet we were most impressed with the number of families strolling the grounds. Dromoland, a five-star, luxury resort, proves itself to be family friendly immediately upon arrival. As we drove up to reception, we slowed to make way for 'tweens darting in front of us in unusual go-cart-style carts, and again when dozens of ducks swarmed our rental car as children tossed bits of bread amidst the flying feathers. In the distance, a father and son were fishing off the banks of the adjacent lake, and once settled indoors for dinner in the rather posh restaurant, children flanked their parents in jackets and dresses. For kids, the idea of sleeping in an actual castle appeals to their love of myths and legends, as well as a touch of Harry Potter, even if he is British. Here is a place to bring the family and stay a bit, reconnect.
Our only regret is we made this a pit stop along our driving tour of the Irish coast. While we explored Bunratty, the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher, we didn't spare ourselves enough time to truly soak in the peace and quiet and simplicity of an estate stay. Be sure to book extra time at Dromoland, for it is truly a magical place.
Written by Lissa Harnish Poirot
Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate Reviews
- Tots (0-2)
- Kids (3-6)
- Kids (7-9)
- Tweens (10-12)
- Teens (13+)
- Bicycling
- Golf
- Hiking
- Museum/Cultural
- Horseback Riding
- Babysitting
- Children's Program
- Connecting Rooms
- Cribs
- Game Room
- Onsite Dining
- Refrigerator
- Pool
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