Dromoland Castle, which has hosted US President’s, international Royalty and entertainment superstars including The Beatles, has been named as one of Europe’s top resorts.
Condé Nast Traveler this week announced the results of its 30th annual Readers’ Choice Awards with Dromoland Castle recognised as the 14th top resort in Europe, with an incredible reader score of 96.82. This also places Dromoland Castle as the 2nd top resort in Ireland.
The multi-award winning castle, situated in Newmarket-on-Fergus, Co. Clare, is one of the most celebrated baronial landmarks in Ireland.
The Castle has seen many distinguished guests come through its doors over the last 50 years, including President Bill Clinton, President George W. Bush, President Nelson Mandela, Chinese President Xi Jingping, the Beatles, Mohammad Ali and Colin Farrell.
This prestigious award win comes off the back of Dromoland Castle’s recent €20 million castle and estate renovation investment, as well as an incredibly successful summer period at over 90% occupancy.
Over 300,000 readers submitted millions of ratings and tens of thousands of comments, voting on a record-breaking 7,320 hotels and resorts, 610 cities, 225 islands, 468 cruise ships, 158 airlines, and 195 airports.
Dromoland Castle MD Mark Nolan said; “Dromoland Castle offers guests the complete five-star experience, in one of the most remarkable baronial castles in Europe. However due to their nature, personalities and attention to detail, I know it is the people of Dromoland Castle who really make a stay here an unforgettable experience for every guest”.
“I am delighted that this week Dromoland Castle has been named as the 14th top hotel resort in Europe, and the 2nd top resort in Ireland, on this week’s annual Condé Nast Traveler reader awards. These are the most recognised awards within the travel industry and decided by over 300,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers,” Mr Nolan added.
The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards are the longest-running and most prestigious recognition of excellence in the travel industry and are commonly known as “the best of the best of travel.” Under Editor in Chief Pilar Guzmán, the Readers’ Choice Awards have become more selective and specific to the passions that inspire today’s travellers.
The iconic 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 1960’s 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.
Dromoland Castle earlier this year announced a renovation programme valued at €20 million. The investment programme has been planned to preserve and perfect this historical building and the 330 acres of surrounding land. These extensive renovations will cement Dromoland Castle’s status within the ranks of the world’s finest Five Star hotels.