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Dromoland Castle, a five-star hotel in Co.Clare, will begin a €55 million redevelopment this November, its largest investment since becoming a luxury hotel 63 years ago. The Castle itself will close from November 2026 until June 2027 to facilitate the works. Dromoland’s 18-hole championship golf course, clubhouse, leisure centre and private Lodges will remain open throughout the redevelopment.
The plans include the addition of 25 guestrooms and suites, increasing the total number from 96 to 121, alongside the estate’s two private lodge experiences. The redesigned rooms and suites will combine contemporary luxury with traditional Irish country-house style, using materials including Connemara marble, linen, wool and velvet.
New accommodation will include the 13-room Walled Garden Collection, set in converted former stables beside the estate’s historic gardens, with each room featuring its own entrance and patio. The 16-room Heritage Collection will add a further five suites, with selected rooms featuring private balconies overlooking the estate.
New dining concepts will be led by recently appointed Executive Chef Kevin Fleming, who brings 20 years of international experience. His menus will focus on seasonal Irish produce, combining local ingredients with a contemporary approach.
A key addition will be the 3,200-square-foot glass-enclosed Atrium, opening in July 2027. The historic courtyard will be transformed into a social space for coffee and light bites during the day, with cocktails and live music in the evening.
A new Grill restaurant will feature an open kitchen and live-fire grill, showcasing Irish meats, seasonal vegetables and other local produce. The estate’s third Walled Garden will also return to use as part of a new Dromoland Farm concept, growing produce for the hotel’s kitchens.
The Earl of Thomond restaurant will return to a more theatrical style of fine dining, with refurbished surroundings and a renewed programme of tableside service, including flambéed Crêpes Suzette and Pressed Duck.
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- Image credit: Dromoland Castle
Public areas throughout the hotel will also be redesigned, including a refurbishment of the Brian Ború Hall ballroom and event space, along with the addition of two new meeting rooms for corporate and group events.
Dromoland Castle is expanding into wellness as a core part of its next phase, centred on a new thermal expansion of its Castle Spa. The additions will include rituals focused on sleep, recovery, emotional wellbeing and vitality. A standout feature will be two glass-fronted saunas on the shore of the estate’s private lake, Lough Dromoland.
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- Image credit: Dromoland Castle
The property is also broadening its cultural and outdoor programming beyond existing offerings like falconry, archery, boating and whisky tastings, with new additions including Irish language lessons, embroidery workshops and art classes.
Read our full review of our stay at Dromoland Castle here.
For more information, visit https://www.dromoland.ie/.