Photo courtesy Dromoland Castle
There is an ancient castle in Ireland where kids reign.
Once the long-standing fortress of the historic O'Briens, Barons of Inchiquin, it now houses miniature kings and queens, while adults serve their every desire.
As the young rulers grow big and strong, they become well-versed in a wide variety of time-honored skills, including archery, horseback riding, fishing, clay shooting and…wait for it…falconry.
And, no, this isn't a fantasy novel. This is present-day Dromoland Castle.
Situated in Newmarket-on-Fergus, County Clare, Dromoland Castle is a 450-acre estate/five-star hotel that combines ancient traditions with luxurious accommodations and amenities. It's the kind of place that kids dream about… before realizing it's not a figment of their imagination at all.
The United States has Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
Ireland has Dromoland Castle.
Pamela Likely, assistant rooms division manager at Dromoland Castle, has been watching kids' faces light up at the estate for about eight years now. She's had the privilege of coordinating the castle's kids programs, while working with the rest of the team to make it a top destination for families.
The feedback, predictably, has been overwhelmingly positive.
While there are plenty of hotels that have family-friendly services across the world now, it's clear that Dromoland Castle puts extra emphasis on kids and families. It started when the estate recognized that more and more families were incorporating multiple generations into their travel plans, and continued to build from there, aided by the staff's willingness to adapt based on guest feedback.
"We're always looking for new ways on how we can treat our guests," Likely said. "We always like to be singled out from the rest."
They're certainly doing a commendable job. Dromoland Castle has received glowing reviews from guests, garnering 4.5 out of 5 stars on TripAdvisor, and their kids and holiday programs continue to be well received.
Beyond learning about falcons and owls through on-site expert David Atkinson or trying their hand at archery, kids can also go walking or bicycling around the expansive property with their families, feed the ducks, learn about the castle's history, go on pony and trap carriage rides, race go carts or simply run around in circles with unbridled excitement.
During Easter, there are such activities as egg hunts, arts and crafts, and a go cart grand prix-that includes childcare services if parents want to relax at the castle's spa or go golfing at the property's championship golf course. Chefs will also work with children to make muffins or decorate cookies.
Heck, two knights in armor even greet kids when they arrive in the lobby (a favorite among the boys), and lollipops, milk and cookies and teddy bears are provided (the teddy bears are actually waiting for kids on their beds when they get into their rooms).
The castle also will accommodate special tours to nearby destinations such as the Cliffs of Moher, where families can watch colonies of puffins and be treated to unique views of the picturesque surroundings.
Given all of that, it's no wonder why Dromoland Castle receives a lot of enthusiastic feedback from the kids themselves, whether it's in the form of guest book messages or pictures the kids created.
"We get amazing messages from children," Likely said. "There have been lots of little girls telling us how much they feel like a princess."
But sometimes guests don't even need to say anything for the staff members to know where Dromoland Castle stands. The simple fact that families continue to return to the property, whether it be at Easter or Halloween, is all the evidence they need.
So, next time you're thinking about reading little Patrick an adventure story, go to Dromoland Castle instead. He'll feel like he's the main character in his own adventure story.
Plus, don't deny it: You kind of want to go, too. Did I mention they have freakin' falconry there?!
Dromoland Castle is currently offering two-night and three-night Easter packages for stays from April 17 to 27.
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