Dromoland Castle has figured among the most luxurious hotels in Ireland since it became a lodging establishment in 1962. Dating back to the 1540s, this beautiful structure originally served as a royal seat for the O'Brien clan, who were direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe, or Brian Boru, as he was also known. Boru was the High King of Ireland in the early eleventh century.

An older castle originally stood on the site of the O'Briens' beloved Dromoland Castle, and over the centuries, various renovations were made to the revamped site. In the early 1700s, for example, a second castle house was erected on the Dromoland Castle grounds, and approximately 100 years later, the present main building was built. The Pain brothers, who were famous architects of the day, designed the present main building, and the cost to fund the project was a significant one.

Dromoland Castle, as is true of Bunratty Castle, calls the Irish region of County Clare home. This county is also home to Ireland's second busiest airport, the Shannon International Airport, and this can be of great benefit to prospective guests who are coming from abroad. Regardless of how you get to this renowned European resort, you will know that you are in for a wonderful lodging experience from the moment that you arrive. Dromoland Castle offers a romantic, fairy-tale appeal, and its impressive scale is complemented by extensive grounds. Old World elegance meets modern convenience throughout, and there is no shortage of fun things to do when you're not taking it all in.

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Surrounded by 375 acres of land, the Dromoland Castle in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare is a true destination in and of itself. Guests can engage in a number of things to do on the ample grounds, and these activities include horseback riding, playing tennis, hunting, and fishing. Golfing is also possible, thanks to the eighteen-hole course. This course is part of the highly respected Dromoland Golf and Country Club and has been dubbed by some as "the Augusta of Ireland."

When Dromoland Castle Hotel guests aren't enjoying activities like these, they can dine at one of two restaurants, unwind with some drinks at the bar, get some exercise on the tennis courts, or take to the walking and jogging trails. Visiting the Leisure Centre is also an option when it comes to filling down time, and those who like to be pampered will be happy to know that the Dromoland features a luxury health spa. The Leisure Centre features a pool, a hot tub, and a sauna, while the spa boasts six treatment rooms and a sumptuous outdoor hydro spa hot tub. Helping to round out the facilities at the dynamic Dromoland Castle Hotel is a well-equipped conference center, and anyone who is trying to plan an unforgettable Ireland wedding should know that there are some fantastic options in terms of venues and services.

Many famous people have stayed at Dromoland Castle, and should you wish to join the list of past guests, there are 100 tantalizing rooms and suites to choose from. The decor is elegant and stylish are words that could be used to describe the decor in the Dromoland Castle Hotel guest units, and standard amenity highlights include interactive TV, music and movies on demand, broadband Internet access, cozy slippers, soft robes, a hair dryer, an iron, and a safe to store valuables in. Regardless of which room or suite you secure, a full Irish breakfast will be included in the rates. Room service can be taken advantage of for an added fee.