Dromoland Castle: The Ultimate in Wedding Proposals

Words and images by John Roark

When it comes to engagement stories that are fairy-tale perfect, Ireland’s five-star Dromoland Castle has brought new meaning to the words “happily ever after.” The 16th-century castle and 410-acre estate are straight out of a story book. Enter the grounds, and you’re transported to a land where handsome princes and glass slippers would not seem at all out of the ordinary.


Dromoland’s “Over the Top Proposal” package is just that. As the bride and groom-to-be stroll the castle’s stunning grounds, they join one of the castle’s on-staff falconers, who offers a lesson in the ancient sport of falconry. At the magic moment the falcon is released, the question is popped, and on cue, the falcon returns to the hand of the groom-to-be carrying the engagement ring. Next up, a private, candlelit dinner under the stars in the castle’s Temple of Mercury.

Dromoland Castle falconer, Dave Atkinson

Dromoland's Temple of Mercury

The “Over the Top Proposal” package also includes:

• A private helicopter trip to the Cliffs of Moher, one of Ireland’s most spectacular sites, soaring 1,220 feet above the Atlantic Ocean

PLUS, back at the castle:
• Two nights accommodation in a luxurious and spacious Signature Suite
• A full Irish breakfast in the resort’s Earl of Thomond Restaurant
• An in-suite champagne breakfast
• A decadent couple’s treatment at The Spa at Dromoland

The Famous Cliffs of Moher

All of these features (and many more) can be incorporated into Dromoland’s custom wedding packages as well.

As an enchanted backdrop for romantic memories that will last a lifetime, Dromoland Castle is tough to beat. And for those who have never experienced Ireland, it really is beautiful. So charming. So welcoming. And so very green.

For more details, contact Dromoland Castle’s wedding coordinator, Margaret Daly at weddings@dromoland.ie or visit the castle's web site at www.dromoland.ie.