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We did not go through the visitor’s cen‐ of the gates was a huntsman and at least a
ter or the main path with its hordes of dozen hounds who escorted us up the
tourists. Dromoland Castle in County Clare, driveway to Dromoland’s entrance. There, a
our next destination, had arranged a pri‐ bagpiper in full regalia piped us into the
vate cliff walk, far from the crowds. We lobby. Talk about a Royal Entrance! I truly
couldn’t believe we were the only ones felt like a queen, not surprising as Dro‐
there, high above the 320-million-year-old moland’s lineage dates back to one of the
striated cliffs of shale and sandstone rising last High Kings of Ireland. The interior was
more than 700 feet from the Atlantic opulent and elegant, but equally breath-
Ocean. Our guide led us along the cliff taking was the property’s 500 acres includ‐
edge where we stopped and marveled at ing a golf course, lily pond, lake, woodland
the gigantic precipices. Each time the trails with stunning trees, a Hermit’s Grotto,
waves crashed below, there was a loud and an historic walled garden where,
boom. Looking past the springy coastal among the many-colored blooms, were
grass dotted with wildflowers to the endless whimsical sculptures by local artists.
cliffs and Atlantic Ocean below was a once- I’d need to stay at Dromoland for a
in-a-lifetime experience. Nothing could be week to fit in all the activities. There was a
as exclusive as having the Cliffs all to our‐ luxurious spa, falconry, fishing, stand up
selves, but that was before we pulled up to paddle boarding, clay pigeon shooting,
the gates of County Clare’s Dromoland walks and more. It never mattered if the
Castle. trails were muddy because In the lobby
Was I seeing things? Waiting at the side were guest “wellies” (rubber boots) of all
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