Ireland is known for its fresh Guinness, its friendly pubs and its bright green landscapes. And also, its castles, whose historic charm can instantly transform a visitor's travel experience from "average" to "enchanting."
One of those castles -- Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland -- has just completed a $23 million renovation and refurbishment, it announced yesterday.
Built in the 16th century, Dromoland Castle is surrounded by over 450 acres of quintessential Irish scenery, including a championship parkland golf course. Intended to preserve its historic character while also updating it for modern generations, the castle's refurbishment was overseen by members of the Irish Georgian Society, whose charge is protecting and preserving Ireland's architectural heritage. Incorporating a mix of traditional craftsmanship and new technology, the project encompassed the castle's 97 guest rooms, its dining and lounge areas, its public spaces, its spa, its indoor pool and its stone façade, all of which were restored and revitalized.
"We've been refurbishing the property for over a year, ensuring the finest comforts while staying true to our noble roots," said Dromoland Managing Director Mark Nolan. "Given the impressive scale of the space, we've successfully mixed patterns and textures to create harmonious and luxurious rooms. Natural light from generous windows allows the rich color scheme to work by day, while ensuring the rooms are just as cozy and welcoming in the evening, lit by antique chandeliers. We embraced change while honoring and protecting the symbols of legacy."
Four More Castles for Conferences
Thanks to a purpose-built conference center that's located onsite for groups of 20 to 450 people, Dromoland Castle is an ideal and luxurious backdrop for fairytale-inspired meetings and events. But so are these four castles, each of which is set up for groups:
• Dublin Castle: If you're looking for all the character of a historic castle, but the convenient location of an urban venue, Dublin Castle in Dublin has you covered. Although there has been a castle on this site since 1204, the present structure dates back to the late 17th century. Used by the Irish government for prestigious state functions, including Ireland's presidential inauguration, the castle -- which is actually a palace -- has hosted such prestigious guests as Benjamin Franklin, the Duke of Wellington, Queen Victoria, Charles Dickens, Princess Grace of Monaco, John F. Kennedy, Nelson Mandela and Queen Elizabeth II. For meetings and events, the castle has nine distinct venues for groups of up to 4,000 delegates, including external spaces for live music or theatre events.
• Cabra Castle: Located on 100 acres of parkland in County Cavan, Ireland, Cabra Castle is a 17th century Irish castle that was converted into a hotel in 1991. Along with its own golf course, the property has 105 guest rooms, six recently refurbished cottages for up to 10 guests each, and meeting facilities for groups of up to 220 delegates. Although guest rooms have all the trappings of a contemporary hotel, period features and furnishings -- old stone walls, for example, four poster beds and roll-top baths -- create an authentic, Old-World feel that offers groups a welcome escape from modernity.
• Ashford Castle: Named the second-best resort hotel in the United Kingdom and Ireland by Travel + Leisure magazine, Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, is an 800-year-old castle that once was home to the Guinness family. Along with 83 guest rooms and suites, the castle offers a private cottage, 350 acres of ancient woodland, a falconry school, a spa, four dining rooms, a bar, a rooftop cigar terrace and five meeting spaces for groups of up to 120 -- including a 32-seat cinema. Fancy an intimate wine dinner? You can host it one of three private dining spaces located beneath the castle, where secret passages once used by servants are now the perfect backdrop for unique wine tasting experiences.
• Adare Manor: Located in County Limerick, Ireland, Adare Manor occupies 840 acres of pristine Irish parkland that's dotted with medieval ruins and walled gardens. Recently revitalized thanks to a two-year restoration, the castle was built in 1860 as a Neo-Gothic "calendar house," so named because it has 365 stained-glass windows, 52 chimneys, seven lobby pillars and four towers that represent the annual tally of days, weeks and seasons. Located on the banks of the River Maigue, it has 104 guest rooms, a La Mer spa, a Tom Fazio-designed golf course and meeting space for groups of up to 350 guests -- including a 28-seat cinema, a boardroom for up to 30 and 4,800-square-foot ballroom. In May, the property also opened The Carriage House Restaurant and Terrace, a new venue that's located a short walk from the Manor House, where there is a restaurant for up to 68, a terrace for up to 70 and a private dining room for up to 22.
