Dromoland Castle

The course at Dromoland Castle was originally designed by Brook Wigginton and opened in 1961. However, the upgrades by Ron Kirby and Joe Carr just after the turn of the millennium improved the layout. It is now a Par 72 course that measures just over 6,800 yards from the back tees. There are a range of tees, though, to allow golfers of all abilities to enjoy a round on the championship course.   Dromoland Castle achieved championship status in 2022, when the Ladies European Tour visited. The course hosted the KPMG Women’s Irish Open for two years, with Klara Spilkova of the Czech Republic and Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Sonderby being victorious at the venue.   The 7th is one of the signature holes at Dromoland, and the first to feature a water hazard. The 180-yard par 3 plays from an elevated tee, making it shorter than the carded distance. How much shorter, though? The closing hole on the front side is a risk-reward par 4, with just 300 yards to the green. There is water in front of it, so you must be confident you can carry it that far. If not, then lay-up and it could still bring about a birdie opportunity.   10 and 11 are both dog-legs to the right around the lake in the centre of the property. The 15th is just 272 yards from the back tees and offers another drivable par 4 option. The penultimate hole could be anywhere between 225 and 155 yards depending on which tee box you’re playing from, while the final hole at Dromoland is a stunner.

The par 5 18th plays around the lake, another dog-leg to the right. Find the fairway, and there is a chance of birdie, but there is plenty of trouble around. Water stays on the right all the way down to the green, with the castle as the sublime backdrop to the hole.

Check out our full piece on the golf course at Dromoland Castle here.

Dromoland Castle’s accommodation offering is incredible, and well worth the five-star rating. There are nine different rooms and suite types within the castle itself, starting with the Queen Anne Classic and Queen Anne Deluxe Rooms. These have been recently renovated to add another layer of luxury and comfort. There are then Deluxe and Staterooms, both of which come with a Viscount level as well, for those extra touches.   There are three types of suites available at Dromoland Castle. The standard Suite is housed within the original walls of the castle, while the Brian Boru Suite is named after the country’s only High King. A bedroom, sitting room, dressing room and bathroom are all a part of the Brian Boru Suite. The final offering is the two-bedroom Grania O’Brien Suite, which supplies the largest space at Dromoland Castle. For larger groups, there is also the option to stay in the brand new Dromoland Lodge – a luxury five-bedroom, five-bathroom property. There are incredible views of the estate, and it comes with private airport transfers, daily breakfasts and a golf buggy to explore the estate with.   When it comes to gastronomy, Dromoland also has you covered. The Earl of Thomond is a Michelin-star restaurant, while there are also the Fig Tree Restaurant, The Gallery and the Caskin Bar.

Away from the golf course, there is a wide range of activities for guests of Dromoland Castle to enjoy. The 500-acre estate offers up the chance of fishing on the lake in the centre of the property, along with paddle boarding. Archery, falconry and clay pigeon shooting also come under the outdoor branch of activities available.  Runners and cyclists will enjoy the trails around the estate, while the Woodland Fairy Trail will keep the keeps enchanted for a few hours. For those who want another sport to play, there are both tennis and pickleball courts to add to the golfing landscape at Dromoland.  Fancy an afternoon of relaxation and pampering? The Castle Spa can provide exactly that. There are six treatment rooms available, with products from Dr. Barbara Sturm, Seabody and OSKIA being used. From massages to facial treatments, there is something for everyone at the Castle Spa.

Where is Dromoland Castle?  
Dromoland Castle is located near Ballinacragga, between Ennis and Shannon in the west of Ireland. Limerick is just 20 miles away, while Ireland’s capital – Dublin – is 150 miles to the east. 
What is the nearest airport and station to Dromoland Castle?  
Shannon Airport, the third busiest airport in the country, services the region. Dromoland Castle is just ten miles from Shannon Airport, which is a hub for Ryanair. More than one and a half million passengers flew via Shannon in 2022. For more international flights, Dublin Airport – the nation’s biggest airport – is the obvious choice, but it is three hours away by car.   Ennis is the nearest train station to the resort, with trains from Limerick coming each hour. Dromoland Castle sits 15 minutes away from Ennis via road.  
What golf facilities does Dromoland Castle offer?  
Along with the championship golf course, Dromoland Castle is also home to its own Golf Academy. The state-of-the-art driving range features the latest TrackMan technology, allowing golfers to practice with the use of data on screens in each bay. The technology also allows guests to play games and rounds on some world-famous courses.  The practice facilities at Dromoland Castle also include a pair of greens which are made of the same grass you will find out on the course, and to USGA specifications. There is a 500 square metre putting green, along with a chipping green with practice bunkers. One of the bunkers at the short game area has a riveted face and is modelled on the famous bunker on the ‘Road Hole’ - the 17th on the Old Course at St Andrews.  Dromoland is also the home to a beautiful golf shop. Only opened in 2019, and located near the 1st, 10th and 18th holes of the championship layout, the shop offers a range of Oscar Jacobsen, Galvin Green and Peter Millar along with plenty of other brands. What other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Resorts list are nearby?
Dromoland Castle is one of three resorts that feature on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list in the region. Adare Manor and Trump International, Ireland are both close by, both within a 30-mile drive of Dromoland Castle. Does Dromoland Castle offer golf lessons? Along with the practice facilities, there is also the opportunity to take some coaching during a stay at Dromoland Castle. From 30-minute individual lessons to group coaching and even residential stays which include tuition, there are lessons for everyone at Dromoland.  
What are the green fees at Dromoland Castle?  
The price of a green fee at Dromoland Castle changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. There are also stay & play packages available at the resort.   For more information on current green fees at Dromoland, visit their website here (opens in a new tab). 
What accommodation is on offer at Dromoland Castle?  
The array of accommodation at Dromoland Castle is nothing short of glorious. With nine types of rooms and suites available at the Castle itself, along with the five-bedroom, five-bathroom Dromoland Lodge (perfect for larger families and groups), there is something for all parties at the estate.  Visit Dromoland Castle's website here (opens in a new tab).  Go back to the NCG's Top 100s Homepage.