The first master of Dromoland ended up on the gallows. Although Donough MacMurrough O’Brien was hanged in Limerick for sedition in 1582, the property remained in the family. The current structure was built in 1835, around the same time as nearby Adare Manor. Also similar to Adare Manor, the family could no longer afford the upkeep of the estate in later years and was finally forced to sell it to an investor. With gently rolling fairways that wind through stands of old trees and around a large lake, the 18-hole golf course is considered to be the Augusta of Ireland, not least because of the outstanding and fast greens. In the ancient regional dialect, Dromoland means “hill of litigation,” but the only conflict faced by current guests of the luxury hotel is whether they would prefer to be spoiled at the spa or in the Michelin-star restaurant.
