We are thinking about staying at Dromoland Castle the night before we catch our plane in Shannon. Any thoughts about staying there?
More to bump you up than because I have any experience: it might depend upon your flight time. I assume you would be driving and, if so, you would need time to turn in your rental car. Google maps says it is only @ 20 minute drive; so even if you double that, it would look doable if your flight isn’t too early. If someone else is driving you, it would seem even better. A quick look at rental company open times via Google shows not all companies are open for the same hours, so a specific check would be wise.
Dromoland Castle is an incredible property and only 8 miles from Shannon Airport. Arrive early to enjoy the spa, golf course, or the falconry school. One of the Virtuoso Amenities used to be Complimentary one-way or round-trip airport transfer to Shannon International Airport... so if you're able to take advantage of that, you could actually turn your rental car in the day before! It is a property where most folks spend a minimum of two nights - so much to see & do!
If we're lucky enough to be able to visit Ireland, I'll definitely do what I can to book us into this amazing castle hotel. You couldn't get more convenient to Shannon airport, and it looks like the perfect place to un-jet-lag after a transatlantic flight, or to get well rested before flying home.
Very nice place. Ditto the recommendation to do the hawk walk, unless at that time you would have already enjoyed that at Ashford Castle.
While it would be lovely to stay at Dromoland before an early flight back, my opinion is that Dromoland is a place to savor....not rush...two nights would be best. Definitely arrive early in order to enjoy the castle,lake and grounds. If you are there during gardening season, do no miss the walled garden. Breakfasts are fabulous (I remember the servers simultaneously removing the domed silver plate covers when serving our hot entrees.....so allow yourself time to enjoy that wonderful breakfast.
If your time in Ireland allows Ashford Castle (in Cong. seems I recall about 2-2.5 hours from the Shannon Airport), definitely do a two-day stay here. Lovely drive thru the Connemera region en route. . It is absolutely incredible and much larger than Dromoland.
Both are wonderful.