| The Honeymoon Of Your Dreams Imagine spending your honeymoon in a legendary castle. Throughout Europe many former citadels have opened their moats . . . er, doors to visitors to offer a once-in-a-lifetime romantic experience.
Historic Dromoland Castle (shown), built in the 17th century, is Ireland’s largest five-star resort outside of Dublin. Located in Newmarket-on-Fergus, it’s the ancestral seat of the O’Briens, direct descendants of the High King Brian Boru. And for nearly five centuries it has welcomed royalty, politicians, celebrities, tycoons, and lovers of all ages. Walk this way... Take your choice of accommodations: The recently opened Club Wing features 24 rooms, each with a VCR, stereo, satellite TV, a private safe, and three phones. Oversize windows and nine-foot ceilings add to an overall feeling of spaciousness. Those who stay in the Club Wing are entitled to a breakfast buffet as well as a full bar, nightly hors d’oeuvres, and after-dinner dessert and liqueurs, all served in the private Club Lounge, where a large fireplace wards off cool-weather chills. Or choose the romantic cottage inside the castle... Built just for two, Castle Keep Cottage is nestled within the walls of Dromoland Castle. Just opened, this luxurious cottage features a private entrance that leads to a spacious entrance hall, living room, dining room, Jacuzzi, and master bedroom overlooking the castle’s 17th-century gardens and Lough Dromoland. It’s decorated with Irish heirloom furnishings, a chandelier, hand-carved paneling, oil paintings, and custom-made carpets and draperies. After you’ve let down your hair, what is there to do at Dromoland Castle? Well, Rapunzel, in addition to wandering the gardens and charming surroundings, you can enjoy such updated amenities as an 18-hole golf course, a full-service health spa, and a beauty salon at the castle. Fishing, archery, clay-pigeon shooting, mountain biking, tennis, and punting are also available to guests who require a respite from amorous pursuits. Dine at the in-house, award-winning Earl of Thurmond restaurant to satisfy other appetites.
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