Dromoland Castle

The origins of Dromoland Castle date back to the 15th or early 16th century, when Thomas Mac Anerheny erected a tower house on this site. In 1551, Murrough O'Brien, the first Earl of Thomond, owned the property. His son Donough MacMurrough O'Brien inherited the estate but was executed for rebellion in 1582, after which Sir George Cusack confiscated the castle. Turlough O'Brien killed Cusack and reclaimed the castle, leading to an unclear dispute with Conor MacDonough O'Brien. After Conor's death in 1604 and a period under Robert Starkey, Col. Conor O'Brien of Leamaneh recaptured the castle in 1642. His son Donough inherited it after Conor's death in 1651. Sir Donough, the 1st Baronet, died at the castle in 1717. His grandson Edward, the 2nd Baronet, had the building converted into a castle. Further renovations followed in 1822, financed by Edward's marriage to Charlotte Smith. The current building was completed in 1835. In 1962, Donough O'Brien, the 16th Baron Inchiquin, sold the estate along with 350 hectares of land due to financial difficulties. It was acquired by Bernard McDonough and transformed into a luxury hotel.

Dromoland Castle is located in Newmarket-on-Fergus (Cora Chaitlín) in County Clare (An Clár), in the Irish region of Munster (An Mhumhain). It stands at an elevation of approximately 21 meters above sea level.

Today, Dromoland Castle houses an exclusive hotel. The historic castle is therefore fully accessible, offering visitors the opportunity to stay in an ambiance of history and luxury.

• Ballyhannon Castle (Castle), approx. 2.0 km away
• Knappogue Castle (Castle), approx. 5.1 km away
• Clare Castle (Ruins), approx. 5.2 km away
• Danganbrack Castle (Ruins), approx. 5.7 km away