Dromoland Castle gets done up for €20m

Drum roll for Dromoland  

Dromoland Castle has completed the final phase of a full-scale €20 million refurbishment, which has seen a preservation and modern updating of the 16th-century castle hotel in Co Clare. The castle's guest rooms, Queen Anne wing, dining and lounge areas and spa have all been transformed, a new indoor pool has been added, and hand-painted artworks by Irish artist John Brennan are on display. To visit the castle and see the updates for yourself visit dromoland.ie.

Political party in Wexford 

The sixth annual Kennedy Summer School returns to New Ross, Co Wexford from September 6th-8th, celebrating all things Irish, US and international politics. This year's highlights include audiences with American human rights activist Kerry Kennedy, who is the daughter of Robert F Kennedy; Republican political consultant John Weaver, who worked on the presidential campaigns for John McCain and John Kasich; and a sit-down interview with Miriam O'Callaghan. For more details and tickets visit kennedysummerschool.ie.

Wellness weekend in Killarney 

The Killarney Park Hotel has teamed up with Belief-Fit gym to create the ultimate exercise escape for guests. The Well-Fit retreat is a long weekend of health and wellbeing that combines holistic self-care, fitness and five-star service to those looking for an active weekend in the Kingdom. Everything from hikes, life-coaching, anti-gravity yoga and freshly prepared health-focused menus are covered in the retreat, the first of which will take place from September 27th-30th, with prices starting from €849 per person. Visit wellfitkillarney.ie for more.

Babymoon bliss in Donegal

Lough Eske Castle Hotel has launched a new package for parents-to-be, perfect for a holiday before baby arrives. Enjoy an overnight stay in the five-star Donegal resort with bespoke spa treatments. Mums will be treated to a foot soak treatment, full body pregnancy massage and Yon-Ka mini-facial, while dads can choose from an express facial or shoulder and back massage. Topping off the stay is a three-course table d'hôte evening meal in the hotel's Cedars Restaurant, with breakfast the following morning, all from €449 between now and September and €399 from October until March. See lougheskecastlehotel.com for more.