This November, Dromoland Castle will close for six months to undergo the largest redevelopment in its 63 years as a hotel. The 16th-century estate in County Clare is scheduled to reopen in June 2027, unveiling a comprehensive and carefully considered transformation that updates accommodations, public spaces, wellness facilities and culinary offerings while remaining true to the property’s historic character.
© Dromoland Castle
A central element of the redesign is the glass-enclosed Atrium, which reimagines the castle’s historic courtyard as a year-round social hub. Designed to be a light-filled focal point, the Atrium will host morning coffee, afternoon tea and evening cocktails, providing guests with a versatile indoor-outdoor experience regardless of Ireland’s famously changeable weather. The space aims to become a natural meeting place for guests and a refined backdrop for seasonal programming and intimate events.
Outside the main castle, the newly renovated Walled Garden Collection brings together 13 distinct accommodations created within the converted former stables. Thoughtfully situated within centuries-old walled gardens and overlooking a yew tree gallery dating to 1740, these rooms are intended for families and larger groups seeking privacy and a close connection to the estate’s historic landscape. The conversion preserves the character of the original stable structures while introducing modern comforts and circulation that respect the garden setting.
© Dromoland Castle
Complementing the Walled Garden Collection is The Heritage Collection, which will occupy a full floor in a wing opposite the castle’s main entrance. This new offering includes 16 guestrooms and five suites, each designed to reflect the property’s country-house tradition. Once the project is complete, Dromoland Castle will offer a total of 121 accommodations, including two private lodges tailored to guests seeking longer-term stays and a more secluded experience within the estate grounds.
The redesign carefully preserves the castle’s architectural framework while celebrating Irish craftsmanship and regional materials. Connemara marble—the nation’s distinctive green stone—will feature in select areas, paired with bespoke metalwork, natural linens, wool textiles and sumptuous velvets to create interiors that feel both authentic and contemporary. In addition, the project includes a collaboration with Ulster Carpets, the Northern Irish company known for significant ceremonial commissions, to produce custom floor coverings that complement the castle’s refined interiors.
© Dromoland Castle
Wellness features prominently in the renovation, with new and enhanced experiences built around the estate’s natural assets and existing offerings. Guests will continue to enjoy immersive activities such as forest bathing in ancient woodlands and guided meditation in the Whisper Room, while spa services will expand to include signature treatments such as those by Dr. Barbara Sturm. For summer guests, a highlight will be the introduction of glass-fronted saunas positioned on the shores of Lough Dromoland, the property’s private lake, providing a serene setting for relaxation with views across the water.
Alongside these physical updates, the redevelopment will refine culinary spaces and service flows to support enhanced dining experiences, event capacity and daily guest life. Across public areas, accommodations and wellness facilities, the overarching goal is to preserve Dromoland Castle’s historic soul while introducing modern comforts and sustainable design choices that will serve visitors for decades to come. When it reopens in June 2027, the castle will present a refreshed, cohesive vision that honors its past and elevates the guest experience for the future.