Dromoland: Castle History, Golf and Falconry

Here, its present-day use as a hotel is combined with historical connections to architecture and family history. Dromoland Castle is located in County Clare, in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way.

Hotel Location and Castle History

The present main building was rebuilt and designed by the Pain brothers. Dromoland Castle is considered a 16th-century castle and is surrounded by 500 acres of parkland and woodland. Both the architectural history of the main building and the estate’s landscape are therefore central to understanding the place.

Dromoland Castle was the ancestral home of the O’Brien family. Their ancestry is traced back to Brian Ború, the High King of Ireland. Another architectural connection is a gate from Lemanagh Castle, dating to around 1600, which is located in the walled garden of Dromoland Castle. The castle’s history thus encompasses both the present main building and the gate’s connection to Lemanagh Castle.

For context, Dromoland combines current hotel use with several historical themes: the main building, rebuilt and designed by the Pain brothers; the history of the O’Brien family; and the gate from Lemanagh Castle. If you are looking for a hotel, these different connections can help you consider the character of the destination alongside its five-star classification and golf course.

Activities on the Castle Grounds

Dromoland Castle offers guests a falconry experience on the castle grounds with falcons, hawks and owls, supervised by experienced instructors. Advance booking is required for this experience. The activity combines an encounter with these birds of prey with a supervised activity in the surroundings of the castle.

Dromoland Castle also offers archery lessons in an area surrounded by ancient woodland, with the castle as a backdrop. Reservations are required. The two activities have different focuses: falconry centres on the birds and guidance from instructors, while archery focuses on the lesson in the described woodland and castle setting. When planning, take note of the booking requirements for each activity.

County Clare as a Wider Travel Region

The landscapes and attractions of County Clare can also be included in your travel plans. The Cliffs of Moher rise to more than 700 feet at O’Brien’s Tower and extend for almost 14 kilometres along the Clare coast. The visitor site includes 800 metres of paved paths and viewing points, including access to O’Brien’s Tower. The visit also includes a fully accessible visitor centre with a self-guided exhibition and a virtual reality experience at a cliff face.

Visitors can explore walking trails in Burren National Park. Surfers, swimmers and walkers visit Fanore Beach; lifeguard service is seasonal. 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. These examples offer different highlights: paved paths and viewing points at the Cliffs of Moher, walking trails in Burren National Park, activities at Fanore Beach, and the monastic history of Inis Cealtra.

Getting to County Clare

County Clare is accessible by road, bus and rail; Ennis is connected to the national rail network. For your specific journey to Dromoland, check suitable connections and current travel times in advance, as both can change.

Discover more destinations: Lisdoonvarna, Bellharbour, An Dún Beag, Baunkyle, Carrigaholt, Cross, Fanore, Cratloe

For the wider travel guide: County Clare.