Ready to live out a castle fantasy or two? The place to do it: Dromoland Castle, near the small village of Newmarket on Fergus close to Shannon, Ireland. The long, rich history of this remarkable hotel dates to an original structure built around 1000 as a defensive stronghold controlled for the next 900 years by the O’Brien clan. The present main building of the castle was rebuilt in high-Gothic style between 1800­–1836, and opened as a luxury hotel in 1962. Today’s guests can enjoy a glimpse into the 450-acre estate’s fascinating past by participating in traditional activities that include archery, fishing and falconry walks where — under the supervision of an expert falconer from the estate’s School of Falconry — they can fly a hunting bird such as a majestic Harris Hawk.

Sumptuous, elegant guestrooms, staterooms and suites with bespoke décor are warm and welcoming, with beautiful textiles, furnishings and amenities that include trouser presses and high-tech features. At the spa, you can surrender to the care of a skilled therapist in one of six treatment rooms. Fresh flowers, candlelight and soothing music help enhance the healing ambience, while local treatments with the Pevonia Botanica line include a full range of massages, facials and signature spa journeys. Choose from the Queen Anne Escape, The Lord & Ladies Face and Body Journey, Fairway to Heaven Golfer’s Retreat and Kings of Thomond Back & Facial Experience.

Work up an appetite, because dining at the award-winning Earl of Thomond Restaurant includes a six-course dinner celebration, while a decadent Afternoon Tea is served in the beautiful Drawing Room. More casual fare can be enjoyed at the Fig Tree restaurant.

While you’re there, play a round on the 18-hole, par 72, Ron Kirby-J.B. Carr-designed course, tour the grounds in a horse-drawn carriage and explore the wild, walled garden and hidden forest grotto. A stroll across the lawn and up a wide green avenue will bring you to the Temple of Mercury, a round stone pavilion with tall columns built in the 1700s by 2nd Baronet Sir Edward O’Brien as an observation point for watching his stable of eminent race horses. One of Sir Edward’s renowned horses, Sean Buis, rests beneath the temple.