The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Dromoland Castle, one of the top luxury castle hotels in the world, has announced a €20 million renovation programme. The multi-award winning castle hotel’s investment programme has been planned to preserve and perfect the historical building and the 330 acres of surrounding land near Newmarket-on-Fergus.
Dromoland Castle is synonymous with providing an exclusive castle experience combined with luxury five star surroundings to both Irish and international guests.
Commenting on the restoration investment, Mark Nolan, managing director of Dromoland Castle, said, “ 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 throughout the 1800s.
“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.
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 1960s 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.
