Dromoland Castle

Newmarket-on-Fergus,
Co. Clare.
Dromoland Castle enquiries
www.dromoland.ie

• Famous historical castle from 11th century.
• Sumptuous luxury and very fine dining.
• Outstanding service and setting.

It is one of Ireland’s greatest golf destinations, a gourmet hotel, and a spa haven and undoubtedly among the top hotels in the country. Does Dromoland Castle have it all? Well, we feel it probably does, and then some. Very family-friendly, steeped in Irish history, acres of beautiful grounds, full of activity options and just down the road from Shannon Airport; Dromoland Castle in County Clare is unquestionably one of the best hotels in Ireland.
Those of us who went to school in Ireland remember learning all about Brian Boru in history class. He was our hero – the last High King of Ireland, and the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, were his direct descendants and they lived and ruled from Dromoland Castle for nine hundred years. In every room at the sumptuous Dromoland Castle you are reminded of that impressive history, from suits of armour to family portraits, castle turrets and tasteful antiques, staying here was a real experience for us.

ACCOMMODATION AT DROMOLAND CASTLE

We had a lovely ground-floor room in the main part of the castle, the Conor Stateroom.
With two double beds, a large sitting room area, flat screen television, desk with complementary internet access, fluffy robes and lovely Dromoland slippers we also had a very spacious bathroom with the best pressure in the shower you could imagine, separate bath and lovely toiletries; we were well comfortable! On thing I loved were the two large sash-windows which we could open wide and enjoy the pure fresh country air while looking out at the magnificent grounds. There was also a full turn-down service, drawing the curtains, replacing towels and leaving us chocolates while we were enjoying our dinner later on.

THE SPA AT DROMOLAND CASTLE

Having settled into our room, we made our way down to the new spa where there were a range of treatments from the Anne Semonin range and the new Voya organic products. There are six individual treatment rooms and a full range of treatments. We opted for a massage each using the mineral-rich seaweed oils from Voya. There is a lovely hydro-pool at the Spa, which was very inviting, but we just opted for a spell in the relaxation room then back to get ready for dinner. We hadn’t eaten since breakfast and were very hungry!

DINING AT DROMOLAND

Dinner at Dromoland was indeed a fine dining experience in every sense. We took ourselves to the cocktail bar for a perfect martini while Tony the Maitre d’ and Pascal the Sommelier brought us the menu and wine list respectively. Starter choices included Scallops, Lobster, Foie Gras and other delicacies, but my eye was immediately drawn to the Seared Tuna with chilled Gazpacho, orange pickled vegetables and poached Quail egg. Our other choice was an interesting twist on the lovely St Tola goat’s cheese as it was served in a chilled ragout of Asparagus with tarragon foam. Main courses included plenty of fish, with salmon, John Dory, Halibut and Sole; beef, lamb, duck, veal and poussin. We chose the John Dory and the Fillet of Irish Beef. An interesting South African blended white wine Pascal’s recommendation, and by the time we were seated in the lovely Earl of Thomond Restaurant it was nicely chilled and a basket of breads and a parsnip soup Amuse Bouche began to arrive. Service was impeccable from start to finish. As the restaurant began to fill up, we noted that every single table was receiving the same flawless attention. Seasonal asparagus with the pan fried John Dory was perfect and each of the dishes was well balanced with local and seasonal flavours.

It was interesting to note that Head Chef David McCann not only caters for classical fine dining enthusiasts but also offers extensive choices for vegetarians and a healthy children’s menu. There is also the option of dining at The Fig Tree restaurant which is located at the Golf and Country Club where chef Derek McCoy provides a range of options. Next time we visit we are going to try the famous Afternoon Tea, which is a real treat that I enjoy with family on special occasions.

While one of us had to drive to Dublin early the next morning, a tray of fresh fruit, pastries, cereal and coffee was delivered to our room pre-dawn. Well fortified for the journey, she made it to the Capital in less than two and half hours! I meanwhile, enjoyed a leisurely breakfast of poached eggs and fruit and green tea in the restaurant while reading the newspaper. There is a particularly homely ambiance at Dromoland Castle amid the splendour, luxury and unique history. It is not surprising that so many people from both Ireland and abroad like this property so much. It is just the type of hospitality experience that left us feeling we too would return at the first opportunity.
For the best rates at this hotel visit www.dromoland.ie