Thomond House Clarecastle - Clarecastle Co. Clare

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Description

Thomond House is a lovingly restored home with a rich history dating right back to 1778. Originally a soldier’s barracks, this property has been brought back to life brick by brick by its dedicated owners, resulting in a large, luxury vacation home available now for rentals.

Set in a private and secluded gated Courtyard, Thomond House is one of two identical homes. It has four stories. The living areas are all located on the ground floor and the bedrooms are spread over the top three floors.

The kitchen and dining area are warm and cosy and bright. This room stretches from the front right through to the back of the building.  The dining table is solid oak and can seat up to 10 people. There is a wood burning stove alongside the table so it is a lovely place to gather in the evening and linger over a meal or share some time together.  The kitchen is very well equipped and has some of the original features of the house on display. It has all the appliances you will need along with crockery, glassware, cutlery and cooking equipment.  It is a kitchen that was made to be used. There is a separate large utility room with a washing machine and dryer. There is also a guest toilet downstairs.

The sitting room is comfortable and cosy and features a wood burning stove along with a supply of timber for your stay.  This room has a TV and relaxing couches and armchairs – the perfect place to unwind after a day exploring the County of Clare.

There are eight bedrooms in Thomond House and each of them is ensuite. There are three king bedrooms on both the second and third floors and the 4th floor has two small double rooms – ideal for children which share a bathroom between. Two of the king bedrooms have a small sitting area and TV. There is a beautiful stand-alone bath on each of the floors – a real treat to enjoy during your stay.

Although there are 8 bedrooms, we have set the ideal number of people to 10 as that is the number that could most comfortably stay and enjoy Thomond House. Larger groups could also rent the adjoining almost identical Castle House alongside, or De Clare House (sleeps 8) or the gorgeous cosy Coach House (sleeps 2) within the courtyard.

The Courtyard is shared among the houses and offers plenty of parking right outside your door. At night time the houses are lit up spectacularly. To the rear of Thomond House is the beautifully landscaped walled garden area which is shared with Castle House.  Filled with flowers and seating here and there, this would be a wonderful place to escape with a good book or newspaper.

A private Chef is available on request to cook breakfast, lunch or dinner. This needs to be pre-arranged. Please enquire with Dream Ireland or with the owner directly if within 6 weeks prior to arrival. 

For larger groups, the Straw House onsite can be reserved for private dining or for a get-together. Please enquire on booking.

LOCATION

Located in the Clare village of Clarecastle and alongside the River Fergus and the ruins of a Castle, Thomond House is just a 15 minute drive from Shannon Airport, a half an hour from Limerick or an hour from Galway.  The popular Clare villages of Lahinch, Doonbeg and Bunratty with its Folk Park and Castle are less than a half an hour away as are the famous Cliffs of Moher.  Ennis is just a 2 mile drive away and the fine five star Dromoland Castle Hotel is just a 10 minute drive.

Clarecastle is a small Village but it has a Church, supermarket, two pubs and a great Café serving the best of home made treats.  There is also a playground for children within an easy stroll of Thomond House.

HISTORY

Thomond House, Clarecastle, Co Clare
 
This walled site on the banks of the River Fergus just outside Clarecastle has a long and intriguing history. This history can be read in the buildings that survive today. A site of strategic importance, it was strengthened by the Anglo-Normans, who built a walled enclosure protected by a castle in the thirteenth century. The ruined castle still dominates, while the wall, although only surviving in places, still defines this little settlement. 
 
In the middle ages the castle came under the control of the indigenous King of Thomond, but by the late sixteenth century the British had reasserted their power. In the seventeenth century the British garrisoned the castle, building a barracks, which was drawn by the English traveller and antiquarian, Thomas Dineley, in 1681. This barracks was dominated by two buildings which projected from the castle into the enclosure. Although they have disappeared, these buildings have left their mark in the redundant limestone chimneypiece and blocked doorways that can be seen in the east wall of the castle.
 
The buildings that fill the enclosure today were constructed over a long period of time in the eighteenth century. Like most eighteenth-century barracks built in Ireland, the buildings were constructed around a parade ground. The oldest block, built in two phases, is probably the ‘soldiers’ quarters’, the long three-storey building, close to the road, facing the former parade ground in the centre of the site. Directly opposite are the ‘officers’ quarters’, an impressive, three-storey block that was completed by 1766. Around the perimeter are the ancillary buildings: the hospital behind the soldiers’ quarters; the staff house facing east; the straw store located in the seventeenth-century guard house and the stables behind the officers’ quarters. An entrance, protected by gun loops, was built into the medieval wall on the west side and can still be seen today.
 
The barracks, effectively closed in the 1890s, were used to house Belgian refugees in the First World War. With Independence in 1922 it came into the possession of the Free State. The buildings were sold in the 1950s. For years they were left to deteriorate, but now they have been restored and are once again in use. 
 
© Judith Hill, 2018
 
 
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Facilities

  • Linen Provided
  • Television
  • Cooker
  • Microwave
  • Hairdryer
  • Central Heating
  • Pub
  • Private Garden
  • Satellite TV
  • Towels Provided
  • Dishwasher
  • Non-Smoking
  • No pets allowed
  • Coffee Machine
  • 4 ring hob
  • Sleeps up to 10 people
  • Childrens playground close by
  • Garden Furniture
  • Iron & Ironing Board
  • Washing Machine
  • Tumble Dryer
  • Heating & Electricity included in rental price
  • Wi-Fi
  • Cot available on request
  • Highchair available
  • Wood Burning Stove
  • Range Cooker
  • Toaster
  • Freezer
  • Kettle
  • Fridge
  • Oven
  • Parking Available
  • Required Vehicle
  • Romantic

Thomond House Clarecastle

  • Property Type
    Heritage Property
  • Sleeps
    10
  • Bedrooms
    8 Bedrooms
  • Bathrooms
    7 Bathrooms
  • Dream Ireland Rating
    Cloud Rating

Aug, 2023

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Warm and generous hosts

"What a spectacular, historic and luxurious home, castle and property you have! With such loving and generous hosts. Thank you for everything you did to make our stay in Clarecastle and our trip to Ireland so amazing! We enjoyed day trips to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Galway City, Bunratty Castle, The Burren, golf in Dromoland Castle and afternoon tea in Ennis. We also visited Loop Head, Lahinch, Doolin and Kilkee. Everything was perfect and we had the best time. Thank you very much."

The Breen Family NJ & MA, USA


Mar, 2024

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Like old friends

"This was a trip of a lifetime, and we feel so lucky to be able to stay in this beautiful property! From the moment we arrived we felt welcomed and cared for! Marion and Ger are so happy to tell you about the history of the place and what it has to offer. They are very genuine folks and we felt like we had known them forever. We had also been in contact with Damien prior to arrival, who did our grocery shopping and prepared two amazing meals and Irish breakfasts for us."

Matt F. USA


Jun, 2024

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

We hope to come again!

"What a beautifully restored home. The pictures we saw online did not do justice to this wonderful property. The rooms are great, we took two houses this and Castle House to accommodate our party of 23 (adults and kids) for a family reunion. Nicely decorated. The owners made us feel right at home. The Straw House onsite was a great facility for our large family to dine together and enjoy some evening entertainment. The owners arranged excursions and a chef to prepare some delicious meals - thank you Damian. We hope to come again!"

Tom & Maureen K.


Jun, 2024

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Group of people

Amazing!

"We cannot thank you enough for the stellar accommodation! Returning after daily golf adventures, this home proved to be the perfect respite. Comfy beds and private bathrooms made this trip luxurious for everyone. Everybody we dealt with was both helpful and kind. We would recommend Thomond House to groups of all types, without hesitation. AMAZING!"

Bizjac Golf Group


Jul, 2025

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

The people, town and house were perfection

"Truly remarkable trip for a memory-making reunion in a breath-taking location. The people, town and house were perfection and we thank you for the friendly welcome. We will be back and will recommend your beautiful home to everyone we speak to. Thank you"

John Sr. & family - Florida, Chicago and Colorado


Aug, 2024

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Family with young children

Thank you for everything

"Fabulous, beautiful and welcoming dwelling! We enjoyed our time here greatly. Thank you for everything!"

J. Stack NYC


Apr, 2025

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Warm welcome and exceptional service

"Every detail was accounted for! Our Mother's 70th birthday cake and all! Wonderful accommodation, service and hospitality. Wild fishing trip and thank you Damian for the dinner service. Lovely warm and welcoming home."

L. Nolan - NJ, USA


Jun, 2024

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

A truly special place

"We made Thomond House our home base for our family group of 9 while exploring Ireland and could not have asked for better accommodations! The restored property is absolutely beautiful! Our lovely host, Marion, shared the rich history of the barracks with us and we were amazed at how much work went into restoring the property. We hired Damien (the chef that was offered to us), to prepare a meal the night of our arrival and his Irish Stew was delicious! He also stocked the kitchen with our requested items, arranged for golf for the guys and took them fishing (he's a fishing guide too!). We loved the local Power's Pub and highly recommend Vesuvio, the take-away fish & chips place just a short walk away. Thomond House is truly a special place and we feel so fortunate to have stayed there!"

Heather


Aug, 2023

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Other

Fantastic!

"Everything one could hope for from an immersion into the landscape, history and quaint village ambiance right across the river. The facilities are fresh, clean and comfortable yet you feel like you have your own antique accommodations with a Downton Abbey feel. The gardens, original cannons, cottages with stone walls and surrounding waterways make for relaxing walks and great photography. The owners are gracious and lovely, and make you feel like family during your stay."

Debbie Regnone


Jul, 2023

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5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Renovated Soldier Barracks

"Fantastic home with wonderful amenities. Host was fantastic."

Brian G.



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