Dromoland Castle: Gateway to the Wonders of Ireland's West

Built in the 16th century, it was the ancestral home of the O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the eleventh century.

Lavish interiors, an historic setting, and gourmet dining complement the deluxe accommodations of the Castle's 99 spacious guestrooms, while Dromoland Castle Golf and Country Club, The Spa at Dromoland, and a range of classic sporting pursuits offer relaxation and stimulation alike. Together with the warmest of Irish welcomes and impeccable service, these attributes render Dromoland Castle the ultimate in Irish vacation destinations.

Easy though it may be to forget the wider world while in residence at Dromoland Castle, many and varied wonders await just beyond the estate. The Shannon region is among the most beautiful and enthralling in all of Ireland, offering experiences for travelers of every inclination. To highlight just a few, all easily accessible from the Castle:

In these times when air travel seems only more challenging with each passing day, Shannon International Airport truly is a wonder. A mere five hour flight from the U.S. and a six mile drive from Dromoland Castle (if worlds away in every other regard), the airport is efficient, convenient, and unique in all of Ireland: it offers U.S. Customs and Border Patrol pre-clearance for passengers returning to the U.S., whether on commercial or, as of March 2010, private aircraft.

The practicalities dispensed with, Dromoland Castle guests are blissfully free to explore. The nearby cities of Ennis (six miles distant), Limerick (19 miles), and Galway (48 miles) are excellent places to begin. The smallest, Ennis, has a history closely entwined with that of Dromoland itself: the O'Briens left their seat of power in Limerick during the twelfth century to build a royal residence at Ennis and, later, an extensive church grounds subsequently donated to followers of St. Francis. Today this small, fun, and friendly city welcomes guests to its narrow streets, quaint shops, traditional Irish music festivals, and surprisingly good restaurants – many opened in the 1950s to satisfy the sophisticated palates of the flight crews frequenting the new Shannon International Airport.

Limerick city, now a bustling urban center, dates back to the Viking settlement in 812 – at least. The Normans' redesign in the twelfth century contributed King John's Castle and St. Mary's Cathedral, among other notable architectural and historical features. Cromwell besieged the city in 1651, and the Williamites followed suit not once, but twice. In addition to its rich history, easily explored by a visit to Hunt Museum or a guided walking tour, Limerick boasts scenic river vistas, shopping galore, sophisticated dining, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

Arty, exciting, and prosperous, Galway city is known for its arts, literature, jazz, and oyster festivals, among others, as well as its casual but chic dining and boutiques. Its history dates back to 1124, although it wasn't granted mayoral status by the English crown until 1484. It has always thrived on international trade, however; in the Middle Ages, it was the principal Irish port for Spanish and French trade, and Christopher Columbus is known to have visited. Nicknamed “Ireland's Cultural Heart”, Galway is renowned for its urban energy and numerous festivals, celebrations, and events, many of them sure to please Dromoland Castle visitors who continue the tradition of international trade!

Having enjoyed some of Ireland's finest cultural and entertainment venues, visitors may well be ready to explore the Shannon Region's wilder side. How convenient, then, that farther on from Limerick and Ennis, traveling northwest, or returning south from Galway city, one encounters some of most splendid coastal scenery in the world (with more than a few traditional Irish pubs along the way). The Burren (meaning “Rocky Place”) is a remarkable limestone plateau that spans 100 square miles. Its majestic grey mountains and rolling green hills, over 2,500 sites of pre-historic tombs and monuments, and extraordinary flora and fauna will delight walkers, nature enthusiasts, anthropologists and geologists alike.

The Burren trails down to the Atlantic Ocean, where the renowned limestone Cliffs of Moher ascend up to 1,220 feet above the sea, creating an awe-inspiring five miles of scenery between O'Brien's Tower and Hag's Head. Just offshore are the legendary Aran Islands – Europe's western-most point and the muse of artists and writers from time immemorial. Inis Mor, the largest of the three, is home to the Iron Age fortress of Dun Aenghus, perched on the edge of a cliff more than 300 feet tall. Inis Oir, the smallest, was settled by monks in the fourth century A.D. Numerous ferries and cruise boats and an air taxi service will transport explorers directly to or within close view of the islands.

Those keen on world-class golfing will thoroughly enjoy Dromoland Castle's own award-winning parkland course. Guests seeking to explore more of western and southern Ireland's playing challenges will find other unforgettable courses near at hand. These include the unique inland links-style experience at Dromoland's sister property, Castlemartyr Resort in County Cork, as well as other famous courses such as Doonbeg, Ballybunion, Old Head, Fota, and Kenmare.

The younger set will find entertainments tailored to their tastes as well, and conveniently close to Dromoland Castle. These include Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, which features the most complete and authentic medieval fortress in Ireland – the setting for nightly medieval banquets with costumed entertainers, fine food and wine, and honey mead. Set on 26 acres, the park vividly recreates village life in the nineteenth century; its 30 buildings, Regency period walled garden, and many tastes, scents, sights, and sounds will educate and charm adults and children alike. Also nearby is Stonehall Visitor Farm, with 45 acres hosting exotic and farm animals, nature walks and trails, an indoor pets corner and two indoor play areas.

Whichever of these, or many other, adventures guests choose to enjoy during their visit, they will be warmly welcomed back at Dromoland Castle to round out the day by relaxing in the drawing room, rejuvenating at the spa, enjoying a gourmet meal, or simply retiring to their luxurious guests rooms…there to dream of another day experiencing Ireland at its finest.

Dromoland Castle is located at Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland. The hotel can be contacted at 011 353 61 368144 or 1-800-346-7007; website www.dromoland.ie.