Thomond House Clarecastle - Clarecastle Co. Clare

Family Friendly | Corporate Use | Brand New | Large Capacity | Activity and Adventure | Wi-Fi | Luxury Holiday Homes | Romantic Properties

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
 
 
read more

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

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

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

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Renovated Soldier Barracks

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

Brian G.


Jun, 2023

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

What you have accomplished here is beyond impressive

"We came here thinking this would be a home base for our time in Ireland. Instead, we realised being here was exactly where we wanted to be. Ger and Marion, you completely gave us a gift of experiencing Clare. This place is magical. We have so much respect for you both. What you have accomplished here is beyond impressive. We are so grateful that you took care to the detail, the antiques, conveniences etc. For our family, we felt like we weren’t staying in a rental, just felt like we were staying with our distant Irish cousins who shared their home and culture with us. You put our experience as a priority. With our sincere gratitude and regard."

Ed, USA


Dec, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Thank you for a wonderful and memorable visit

"What a beautiful place to stay. So warm and inviting. We loved all the details in each and every room. It is obvious this place was built and created with love. The hosts have been wonderful and accommodating, so attentive and thoughtful. We loved the scones, the house, the hosts and the grounds. Thank you for a wonderful and memorable visit."

Jacoby family, NY, USA


Sep, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Group of people

Everything was perfect

"We chose Thomond House and Clarecastle for our annual team meeting - and it was perfect. Ger and Marion, you have done an amazing job restoring the property and giving it new life. What a beautiful community you are a part of. The local cafe was such a treat and I think it is safe to say we made ourselves known at Powers!"

Moore family. Plymouth,Mass


Sep, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

Wonderful

"The grounds, venue, home and furnishings are to die for. We felt so at home and in complete luxury. The wedding pictures taken at this wonderful property will be enjoyed for generations to come. The restoration and use of antiques makes you feel as if you are back in time, but all the modern luxuries, nothing was let out, no detail too small to have been overlooked. Best of all were the proprietors, Ger and Marion. They attended to every detail and were beyond lovely. We hope to return for many more wonderful visits!"

Reedy family, Boston and ny


Jul, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Family with young children

Incredible!

"This property is amazing, there is no other word for it. I was lucky enough to be a part of a birthday surprise for my cousin, travelling from the US to join in the festivities. Thomond House is stunning, well appointed, in a private setting that is in a superb location. The village is within walking distance (Powers Pub is a must), Ennis is a only a few minutes away, with attractions like The Cliffs of Moher, Lahinch Beach, The Burren and Lough Derg all within a 45 minute drive. What really makes this property even more special are the hosts, Marian"

Astrid


Jul, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Family with young children

Absolutely stunning

"Wow, wow, wow. I knew nothing about my stay at Thomond House until we turned up on the doorstep. Unbeknownst to me, my husband had booked this to celebrate my 50th birthday with family travelling from different counties and USA to join us. I have found out that another property had been booked but due to it being put up sale, one month prior to our arrival, Lisa from Dream Ireland worked magic behind the scenes to secure this and De Clare House for a week's stay. 11 adults and 8 children. It is hard to put into words how stunning the whole estate is. Ger and Marian (the owners) have put so much work into restoring these historical property. A real labour of love. Anyone we spoke with in town (usually in Powers pub) all commended Ger and Marian for the work they have done. The town is proud. Stunning houses with loads of room, extremely comfortable beds, big en-suites, all essential appliances in kitchen, huge utility and storage and overall just gorgeous. I was lucky enough to have chef Damian come onsite and cook for all of us. Avail of him if you can, plenty of food, so much so we had enough for dinner the next night. We got to use the Straw house for this and I'm very grateful to Marian and all those who helped decorate the room. Oh and book the Lock musicians through Ger, another great addition. Without doubt one of the best weeks of my life. Clare is gorgeous, loads to do, places to go but you'll find it hard to leave having stayed here. Do yourself a favour and treat yourself. You will not be disappointed."

Paula Roberts

Admin at Dream Ireland Responded to this Review

Thursday 4th of August 2022

"Thank you so much Paula for your wonderful review. We are all just so delighted that everything worked out so well for you and everyone enjoyed their stay so much. We are thrilled with your feedback which I'm sure will be very helpful to any of our future guests. Happy belated birthday from all of us at Dream Ireland!"


Apr, 2022

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
Extended family

A truly memorable experience!

"We have had the most wonderful stay at Thomond House. Ger and Marion have done the most amazing job restoring these beautiful houses. What can we say about Olive, the most warm and pleasant lady making us feel so welcome with her daily treats arriving at the door! Already counting the days until we return with our family."

Byers/Garvey families, Co. Down


Sep, 2021

Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New Star Rating New

5 out 5 rating

Traveled with :
With friends

A very special place

"We chose to celebrate our honeymoon with family and friends in Thomond House (and Castle House) as the first opportunity post covid restrictions to have quality time together. We could not have chosen a better venue and location! Marion and Ger have restored the property literally from the skeleton walls to create the most amazing houses and their drive, dedication and attention to detail to bring their vision to life is awesome! The houses are superb with everything you could ask for in a house and a home. Marion and Ger could not do enough for us! We availed of the wonderful outside area for a BBQ and also the Straw House for a celebration night and Damien, a local chef, was brilliant on both occasions. The setting is also great for a group such as ours - people could wander up to Powers Pub (with so much history itself) and to the Castle Cafe for wonderful scones and breakfasts! As for activities, so much to do in Clare for the entire group - golfing, swimming, walking, cycling and everything so close by.We really did not want to leave and we will definitely be back again!!"

Inez Cooper



Map View