Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot – Dromoland Castle from Preferred Hotels & Resorts
Dromoland is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland. It was the ancestral home of the O’Brien’s, Barons of Inchiquin, one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood. They are direct descendants of Brian Boroimhe (Boru), High King of Ireland in the 11th century, renowned for his defeat of the Danes in 1014. Originally a defensive stronghold, the structure was rebuilt in the 16th century around the time that
the Chief of the Clan O’Brien was forced to surrender his royalty to King Henry VIII and thus be demoted to Baron of Inchiquin and First Earl of Thomond.The interior public spaces boast classic baronial country house features, including paneled corridors graced with portraits of esteemed ancestors, sparkling chandeliers, tasseled draperies, gold cornices, priceless antique furniture, and coats of armor. These impressive yet welcoming spaces, including the entrance gallery, lobby, drawing room, main lounge, and dramatic high-ceiling dining room, appear much as they did when
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Lord Inchiquin’s family was in residence. Nestled into the original castle walls, the 1670-square-foot staterooms and suites are located off the main and Shakespeare galleries. Each room is unique in design and dimension with its own intimate seating and dining area. The charming Queen Anne guestrooms originally built in 1736 by Sir Edward O’Brien were recently renovated. The new rooms are outfitted with bespoke wool carpets (sourced from Europe’s top design studios), wallpaper by both Zoffany and Osborne & Little, and upholstery designed by the French fabric house Pierre Frey all based on 18thcentury botanical drawings. The deluxe rooms are located throughout the castle and overlook the lake and Dromoland gardens. Each of these rooms has been individually designed and decorated with guests ‘comfort in mind. The overall design concept is for a contemporary look with a classical feel. Expect formal gourmet cuisine at the award winning Earl of Thomond restaurant while the Fig Tree Restaurant in the
golf clubhouse offers a more casual option. For activities, Dromoland Castle hotel contains a spa, a championship golf course, and an impressive roster of activities that includes falconry, fishing, horseback riding, and clay shooting. Conveniently located near the Cliffs of Moher, the Aran Islands, and other Irish attractions including Bunratty Castle your chance to experience a window on Ireland’s past. Built in 1425 it was restored in 1954 to its former medieval splendor and now contains mainly 15th and 16th century furnishings, tapestries, and works of art which capture the mood of those times. Enjoy the sights, sounds tastes, scents, of Bunratty Folk Park as you stroll from house to house or around the charming village street complete with school, post office, doctors house, hardware shop, printers and of course McNamara’s pub! Dromoland Castle Hotel is a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Legend Collection, the ultimate portfolio of exceptional properties in the world’s most remark-
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able destinations. Globally sophisticated and culturally refined, the singular properties within this collection feature exquisite accommodation, stellar and intuitive personal service, renowned dining, and exceptional spas, setting the stage for the most unforgettable experiences. All guests of Dromoland Castle Hotel are eligible to enroll in the “iPrefer” guest loyalty programme, which extends points redeemable for cashvalue Reward Certificates, elite status, and special ben-
efits such as complimentary Internet to members upon every stay at more than 550 participating Preferred Hotels & Resorts locations worldwide. For best rates visit www.preferredhotels. com. Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio Network and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe.com