The 16th-century Dromoland Castle in County Clare, near the Cliffs of Moher and Wild Atlantic Way, will unveil a transformation spanning accommodation, wellness, dining and cultural programming.
Debuting in July, a 3,200-square-foot glass-enclosed Atrium will turn the historic courtyard into a year-round space for coffee, afternoon tea and cocktails with live music.
A five-minute walk away, the Walled Garden Collection will comprise 13 accommodations in converted former stables for families and multigenerational stays. It will overlook a yew tree gallery dating to 1740. A bat population has prompted a 755-square-foot bat loft.
The Heritage Collection will add 16 guestrooms and five suites opposite the main entrance, some with balconies. The castle will offer 121 accommodations, up from 96, including two private lodges. Rates start at €650 / £544 per night.
The redesign will celebrate Irish country-house tradition through Connemara marble, bespoke metalwork, linen, wool and velvets. Select areas will feature Ulster Carpets, commissioned to produce the Coronation carpet for King Charles III at Westminster Abbey. The art collection will add Irish works by Noel Donnellan and Anne Marie O’Leary.
Wellness will build on forest bathing, meditation in the Whisper Room and Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare, making Dromoland the first hotel in Ireland to offer the brand. Next summer, saunas will debut beside private Lough Dromoland, linking thermal experiences with wild swimming. Four rituals will support sleep, recovery, emotional wellbeing and vitality.
Under Executive Head Chef Kevin Fleming, with over 20 years’ experience in Europe and the Middle East, The Earl of Thomond will revive tableside dining, including Crêpes Suzette flambé, Irish coffee and Chateaubriand carved to order. The new Grill Room will feature an open show kitchen and live-fire grill showcasing Irish produce.
Alongside falconry, archery, boating and whiskey tastings, cultural programming will include Irish language lessons, embroidery workshops, estate art and history tours, and gun dog demonstrations.
