Adare Manor has been ranked 28th and Dromoland Castle 46th among the 50 Best Hotels in Europe by international travel site Big 7Travel.
Adare Manor was praised for its historic charm, service, and impressive golf course.
The stately country manor, a 19th-century neo-Gothic castle previously owned by the 2nd Earl of Dunraven, was transformed into a hotel in the 1980s and underwent a major renovation in 2017. .
Big 7 Travel’s ranking highlights hotels across Europe based on unique experiences, exceptional service, and luxurious amenities, with Adare Manor standing out for its blend of history, modern comforts, and fun activities.
The Big 7 Travel website reads: “A stately country manor with bags of history, charm, magnificent scenery, and faultless service: we adore Adare Manor. The 19th-century neo-Gothic castle was in the family of the 2nd Earl of Dunraven until it became a hotel in the 1980s, and it got a huge makeover in 2017. No expense was spared, with Ireland’s only La Mer spa and modern integrations in the rooms. But there are nods to Adare’s past in every corner – ornate fireplaces, walls adorned with 19th-century art, and stained-glass windows. Ask any member of staff anything you’d like to know about the manor, they’re highly knowledgeable and eager to share its lore. Although gawping at the views from your freestanding tub and exploring the 842-acre estate could easily take up all your time, there is so much to do here. Adare Manor is no typical stuffy (and often spooky) country manor, it’s a fun one. Horse-drawn carriages take you around the grounds in style, or you can try your hand at fishing, falconry, or archery. Adare is also home to Ireland’s most impressive golf course: it’s set to be the location of the Ryder Cup in 2027.”
Dromoland was described as a place where fairytales come to life, the castle hotel in Clare, Ireland, was praised for its atmosphere, food, activities, old-world charm, and modern facilities.
The estate, once home to the royal O’Briens and transformed into a luxury hotel in 2019, offers sumptuous contemporary bedrooms, velveted lounges, suit of armour, and stoic portraits, blending old charm with modern amenities.
The hotel features grand dining at the Earl of Thomond restaurant and casual classic dishes at the Fig Tree restaurant, a spa with outdoor hot tub, falconry, an 18-hole golf course, whiskey tasting, and foraging excursions, providing guests with a mix of luxury and fun experiences.
The Big 7 Travel website reads: “an Irish fairytale comes to life at Dromoland Castle. The estate was the home of the royal O’Briens and became a hotel in the 1960s. It was transformed into the luxury hotel that it is in 2019, which is apparent in the sumptuous, contemporary bedrooms and modern facilities. However, it hasn’t lost its old-world charm, with velveted lounges, suits of armour, and stoic portraits dotted around the hotel. The main restaurant, Earl of Thomond, is grand and formal, with white glove service and twinkling chandeliers. However, the casual Fig Tree restaurant satisfies with casual but delicious classic dishes to reflect the modern traveller. The spa is not to be missed, with an outdoor hot tub (the prime seat for enjoying the countryside scenery), and superb treatments – they use cream and gels made from ingredients from the Irish Sea. There’s a huge dose of fun here, too. Try your hand at falconry, practice your swing on the 18-hole golf course, attend an obligatory whiskey tasting, and seek out herbs and vegetables on a foraging excursion.”
