OPERATING PROFITS at one of the country’s best-known five-star hotels, Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, fell last year by 14 per cent to €1.2 million. Dromoland Castle (Holdings) Ltd saw revenues drop by 7 per cent from €11.8 million to €10.9 million in the 12 months to the end of December last, according to accounts filed at the Companies Office.

The “strong results” by the company follow a major multimillion-euro investment at the property, including a new spa, indoor swimming pool and golf academy, according to general manager Mark Nolan. A non-cash depreciation cost of €1.2 million and bank loan interest charges of €123,696 saw the company record a pre-tax loss of €53,569 last year.