Dromoland Castle, one of the top luxury castle hotels in the world, have announced a renovation programme valued at €20 million. The multi-award winning castle, situated in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, is one of the most celebrated baronial landmarks in Ireland. The investment programme has been planned to preserve and perfect this historical building and the 330 acres of surrounding land. These extensive renovations will cement Dromoland Castle’s status within the ranks of the world’s finest Five Star hotels.
Dromoland Castle is synonymous with providing an exclusive castle experience combined with luxury five star surroundings to both Irish and International guests. To ensure the continued development and enhancement of this jewel in the Irish tourism landscape, the Board of Directors at Dromoland Castle committed to a four-year development plan which is currently near completion.
Commenting on the restoration investment, Mark Nolan, Managing Director of Dromoland Castle, said “We are delighted to announce the details of the significant restoration programme that is well underway at Dromoland Castle. Working with the architects and conservationists, we have sought to carefully integrate any new features with the original historic structures of the castle. Many of the public rooms, such as the Drawing Room or Lower Gallery still look and feel as they would have done when Lord Inchiquin’s family lived here in throughout the 1800’s.”
“This restoration programme will combine all the modern luxuries expected of a five star property with the unique welcoming atmosphere and sense of history that a stay at Dromoland Castle offers our guests. During this time, we have made every effort to ensure there is no disruption to our guests and have continued to welcome visitors, providing the highest standard of service.”
Dromoland Castle and the Inn at Dromoland currently employs over 400 staff, with most of the workforce being based in County Clare. This figure is due to rise after the investment project, with the appointment of new positions, including additional doormen and gatemen. Throughout the renovation process, a further 250 jobs have been created by the castle, ranging from specialised stone labourers, to local architects, builders and interior design teams.
The renovations consist of extensive restorations and upgrades, including:
- Complete refurbishment and interior design upgrade of all castle bedrooms
- Brand new luxury en-suite bathrooms for each bedroom
- Upgrade to all mechanical and electrical works; upgraded heating, replacement of all piping and the construction of a new energy centre
- Specialised conservation stone façade repair works to the castle exterior and towers
- Improved sound insulation and double glazed windows to all bedrooms and public areas throughout the castle
- Extensive roof repairs and increased conservation standards to prevent deterioration
- New castle courtyard and limestone steps at the main entrance of the castle
- Wide-ranging enhancements to Dromoland Golf and Country Club, including new pathways around the hotel’s 18-hole parkland course, the purchase of a fleet of new golf buggies and a golf academy
Dromoland Castle is the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin. A family of royal blood, the O’Briens are of direct descendant of Brian Boru, the High King of Ireland. Throughout the early 1960’s the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel, while keeping all of the appeal of the ancestral home. The castle and Inn welcome over 100,000 residential guests to stay every year. Over 60% of residents come from outside Ireland which benefits both the local and national economies through the provision of tourism.
John O’Brien, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Dromoland Castle said, “The Board is united in our pride and sense of legacy of the Castle and the need to maintain it to the highest of standards. The restoration project has been carried out in harmony with the authentic integrity of such a historic destination, with a view to delivering on the highest benchmarks of comfort and modernity required by our guests. The Hotel continues to prosper and is in an excellent financial position. We are of course very aware of changing trends in hotel accommodation and service worldwide, and we will continue to aspire to offer an authentic, welcoming and genuinely Irish experience to all our valued guests, now and in the future”.
Dromoland Castle offers guests an exceptional experience, where without leaving the grounds guests can enjoy; a horse and hound welcome, the exceptional parkland 18-hole golf course and country club, private boating in lake Dromoland, archery, clay shooting, falconry, dinner in the famed Earl of Thomond Restaurant, a private horse and carriage historical garden tour, afternoon tea, the tranquillity of the Spa at Dromoland, and much more. The Castle also further contributes to local tourism by offering their guests private chauffeured trips to the Cliffs of Moher and Bunratty.
For more information and prices see www.dromoland.ie.
