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Dromoland Castle in County Clare, Ireland, is preparing to close on 9 November 2026 as work begins on a €55 million redevelopment, marking the largest transformation in its 63-year history as a luxury hotel.
The 16th-century property, situated near the Cliffs of Moher and Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, is scheduled to reopen in June 2027 following an extensive programme of improvements to its accommodation, restaurants, public spaces and wellness facilities.
The project will also introduce new cultural experiences and leisure activities, with the redevelopment designed to strengthen Dromoland Castle’s position within Ireland’s luxury hospitality market.
A central feature of the transformation will be a new 3,200 sq ft glass-enclosed atrium, scheduled to open in July 2027.
The development will convert the castle’s historic courtyard into a year-round hospitality space, providing an additional setting for morning coffee, afternoon tea, evening cocktails and live entertainment.
The redevelopment will also expand the hotel’s accommodation offering, with the number of rooms and suites expected to increase from 96 to 121.
Among the additions will be the Walled Garden Collection, comprising 13 accommodations within the estate’s converted former stables.
Situated approximately five minutes’ walk from the castle, the accommodation will provide a more private setting for families and multigenerational groups.
The converted stables will overlook the property’s historic walled gardens, including a yew tree gallery dating back to 1740.
An ecological assessment undertaken as part of the redevelopment identified a local bat population, prompting the inclusion of a dedicated 755 sq ft bat loft within the project.
Further accommodation will be introduced through The Heritage Collection, comprising 16 guestrooms and five suites in a wing opposite the castle’s main entrance.
Selected rooms will feature private balconies, while the wider accommodation redesign will incorporate materials and craftsmanship reflecting Ireland’s historic country-house traditions.
Interior features will include Connemara marble, bespoke metalwork, linen, wool and velvet, alongside carpets produced in collaboration with Northern Irish manufacturer Ulster Carpets.
The hotel’s existing collection of historic artwork, portraits and furnishings will also be complemented by contemporary Irish pieces, including works by Limerick-based artist Noel Donnellan and botanical artist Anne Marie O’Leary.
Wellness will form another substantial element of the redevelopment, with new facilities designed to extend the estate’s existing spa and leisure offering.
Glass-fronted saunas are planned for the shores of Lough Dromoland, the property’s private lake, providing a setting for thermal experiences alongside outdoor swimming.
The hotel will also introduce four wellness programmes focused on sleep, recovery, emotional wellbeing and vitality.
These experiences will combine thermal treatments, therapist-led sessions and personalised wellness activities, building on existing services including forest bathing, guided meditation and skincare treatments.
The redevelopment will also introduce changes to the hotel’s food and beverage offering under Executive Head Chef Kevin Fleming.
Fleming, who was recently appointed to the position, brings more than 20 years of culinary experience across Europe and the Middle East.
At The Earl of Thomond restaurant, the refreshed dining experience will incorporate traditional tableside service, with dishes and drinks prepared or finished in front of guests.
Planned offerings include Crêpes Suzette, Irish coffee, Chateaubriand carved to order and a dedicated cheese service.
A new Grill Room will also be introduced, featuring an open kitchen and live-fire grill, with a menu focused on seasonal Irish ingredients and dry-aged meats.
The changes are intended to develop the hotel’s dining experiences while retaining elements of its established hospitality traditions.
Alongside accommodation, dining and wellness improvements, Dromoland Castle will expand its programme of cultural activities and experiences.
Guests will be able to participate in Irish language lessons, embroidery workshops, estate history tours and gun dog demonstrations.
These additions will complement existing activities including falconry, archery, boating and whiskey tastings, providing further opportunities for guests to explore the estate’s history and surrounding countryside.
The redevelopment represents a substantial investment in one of Ireland’s established luxury hotel properties as the country’s hospitality sector prepares for increased international attention in 2027.
Although the main castle hotel will close during the construction programme, the estate’s championship golf course, clubhouse, leisure facilities and private lodges are expected to remain operational.
The project will culminate in the reopening of Dromoland Castle in June 2027, with the new glass-enclosed atrium scheduled to follow in July.
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