Newmarket-on-Fergus Dromoland Castle

My wife and I were invited to a friends wedding at Dromoland Castle, and we ummed and aahed over whether to stay there or at the much cheaper Clare Lynch Inn next door. We are VERY tight with our money normally, but as we had had no holiday this year we opted to stay for 2 nights (my wife fell to the floor clutching her chest when I told her the cost).

However after staying there I can only say that the price (288 Euros/night) was an absolute bargain. I have never experienced this level of customer service before. The staff seemed GENUINELY happy to help you without the obsequiousness you sometimes get at US hotels. The room was large and immaculate, the 'entertainments' (billiards room, spa, gym, golf, and all manner of country sports) were perfectly in keeping with the atmosphere of a 16th Century Country Estate, and the food was gorgeous.

We did stay an additional night (before flying back) at the Clare Inn next door - this featured uncomfortable beds, dull food, thin walls and doors. It only cost 140 Euros, and it really threw into stark relief just what an altogether pleasant and good value experience staying at Dromoland was.