COUNTY CLARE: I really loved being queen of the castle

Apr 29 2008 by Mary Murtagh

Dromoland Castle in County Clare _320

MACCA got married in one and Jeremy Irons calls his home so when I got the chance to stay at a lavish Irish castle I could hardly say no.

Dromoland Castle in County Clare is the stuff of film sets, romantic novels and history books.

Its imposing turrets, long galleries and boating lake are just what you expect from your very own Celtic castle weekend break.

Even a cursory look at the Dromoland Castle website will quicken your pulse.

The sweeping drive, 410 acres of grounds, picturesque golf course (if you are of that persuasion) and spa treatments all entice.

We arrived late on a Friday night in drizzle (well, it is Ireland). Shannon Airport is only 15 minutes’ drive away, so getting there could not be easier.

Beautifully lit at night, it was a magical place to pull up outside. Reception was all deep carpets, rich coloured textiles and dark wood.

Our room was lavish with a view over the boating lake. No expense had been spared. The bed was huge and dressed with top-quality linen, bathroom luxurious with Molton Brown toiletries, and in our sitting room area was a decanter filled with Irish Mist liqueur.

This delicious aged Irish whiskey blended with honey and herbs rapidly became my new favourite drink.

I didn’t fly over water just to watch television but I am reliably informed that the set is all singing and all dancing.

There are soft bathrobes and slippers to slip into and when you return to your room at night you find your bed turned down and a chocolate on your pillow.

Are you getting the picture that this is a top-notch indulgent place to stay?

The whole castle, which guests pretty much have the run of, is beautifully decorated with paintings on the wall, rich furnishings and full of friendly staff.

Breakfast was one of the highlights. You are seated in a bright room overlooking the grounds at tables dressed with linen and silverware.

There was a buffet table laden with delicious freshly baked bread, slabs of cheese, platters of cold meats, smoothies and giant bowls of chopped fruit.

You start there and if you can face it you then order from the main breakfast menu which has pancakes, a full Irish breakfast, Limerick ham and French toast on it.

I fancied everything and had to adopt a marks out of five system to choose my most favourite of my favourites. I am happy to report that everything that passed my lips was simply delicious.