ASHFORD CASTLE
About the Castle Hotel
Ashford Castle, Cong - Ireland's Grand Dame
This remarkable 800-year-old castle, widely recognised as Ireland's premier hotel destination, offers an experience that is exceptional in every sense. Once home to the Guinness family, it has been meticulously curated over generations by successive de Burgo, Bingham, Browne, and Guinness families to create one of the finest sporting estates, a legacy proudly continued today. Ashford Castle is a favourite for those seeking a carefree break, a place where history, luxury, and unparalleled service converge.
Location
Set within an expansive 350-acre estate, Ashford Castle offers a profound sense of seclusion amidst the sumptuous woodlands and rolling hills of its own grounds, with the Cong River and the shores of Lough Corrib providing a dramatic watery backdrop. The property is just 60 km from Connemara National Park, a spectacular expanse of mountains, bogs, heaths, grasslands, and forests, and a short distance from iconic landmarks like Kylemore Abbey and its Victorian Walled Gardens. Locally, the Royal Abbey of Cong and The Quiet Man Museum are within easy reach, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history and culture. For those inclined to explore, guided boat trips on Lough Corrib and to its many islands offer an intimate perspective of the pristine surroundings.
Style and Character
Stepping into Ashford Castle is akin to stepping back in time, yet with every modern comfort imaginable. The castle's character is defined by its enduring medieval feel, evident in spaces like the Dungeon restaurant, where family crest banners hang from a curved stone ceiling, creating a truly memorable dining experience. Elsewhere, rare, hand-chosen antiques complement silk-lined walls, curated artworks, and sumptuous silk curtains that frame verdant grounds and the lake beyond. The property showcases a discerning eye for detail, with art by Louis Icart and late 19th-century walnut armchairs covered in tapestry by Brunschwig & Fils contributing to its authentic, period-rich atmosphere. The various gardens, from the formal Main Parterre to the Walled Garden brimming with perennial borders and produce, along with the long Terraced and Broad Walks, offer captivating vistas across the meticulously maintained grounds.
Service and Facilities
The commitment to guest experience is palpable, with a level of service that feels both impeccable and warm. The Castle's grounds lend themselves perfectly to a range of activities, making it an ideal destination for country classic pastimes. These include horse riding through the woodlands, fishing on the Cong River (a superb option for experienced salmon fishermen), falconry-a fascination that has enthralled for millennia and offers guests a unique experience-and shooting. For modern pursuits, golf and cycling are also readily available. The Spa at Ashford Castle, awarded for the sixth consecutive year by World Spa Awards, is a restorative jewel, offering couple's treatment rooms that are particularly fitting for those seeking to bring a sense of wellness to their new beginning. Lake cruising on the all-weather Isle of Inisfree craft is a magnificent way to explore the pristine surroundings at leisure. The George V Dining Room serves as a regal centrepiece for fine dining, complemented by an extensive wine cellar kept in the Castle's secret passageways, where produce foraged from the estate is also featured.
Rooms
The castle offers a range of exquisite accommodations, with the elegant suites being true masterpieces, each named after some of its most famous past guests, from Senator Kennedy to President Reagan. These suites are adorned with rare antiques and art, featuring silk-lined walls and silk curtains that offer exquisite views of the verdant grounds and the lake beyond. Standard rooms, while perhaps less grand, still offer a high degree of comfort and luxury, often featuring reclaimed materials, period details, and fine furnishings. For couples seeking an ideal blend of luxury and privacy, Hideaway Cottage, located a short stroll from the Castle on the shores of Lough Corrib, serves as a true honeymoon haven, providing an intimate and romantic setting.
Food and Drink
Dining at Ashford Castle is an occasion. The George V Dining Room provides a regal setting for fine dining, with panelled walls and Waterford Crystal chandeliers creating an opulent atmosphere. Here, guests can savour dishes prepared with produce foraged from the estate, expertly paired with selections from an extensive wine cellar discreetly housed within the Castle's secret passageways. For a more unique experience, the Dungeon restaurant, with its distinctly medieval ambiance, offers a memorable dining journey. The Drawing Room, with its views of the lawns and Lough Corrib, lends a touch of romance, perfect for pre- or post-dinner relaxation or perhaps a more intimate meal.
Value for Money
Ashford Castle represents a significant investment, but the unparalleled experience offered-from the historic grandeur and extensive activities to the world-class spa and dining-delivers exceptional value for those seeking a truly luxurious and memorable escape. The breadth of included activities and the meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of the stay contribute to a sense of worth that transcends the nightly rate.
Accessibility
Ashford Castle is committed to ensuring that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to benefit from the goods, services, privileges, advantages, and accommodations offered by the Hotel. While specific details on adapted room categories are not provided, the expansive nature of the estate and the castle's historical context suggest a focus on thoughtful integration of accessibility where possible, allowing all guests to enjoy its historic setting.
Family-Friendly
This castle is a favourite destination for those who seek a carefree break with children. A host of family-friendly facilities and options ensure that everyone feels truly at home and has the time of their lives. Junior guests are particularly catered for with unique services like the Lego Butler, a bespoke offering designed to delight younger visitors. The presence of the beloved canine companions-Junior Irish Wolfhound, Mulligan, Labrador, Dubh, and Irish red and white setter-adds an extra layer of warmth and character to the family experience, with their playful nature and the wealth of tales offered by their handler, James, providing the perfect start to any day.
Choose your room
Price and Room Availability Calendar
Local transport options
Overview of transport connections
Facilities
General
- Non-smoking property
- Free Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Safe deposit box
- 24-hour reception
- Pets allowed
- Rooms/ Facilities for disabled
- Luggage storage
- Lift
- Gift/Newsstand
- Coffee shop
- Fireplace
- Multilingual staff
Sports & Fitness
- Exercise gym
- Outdoor tennis court
- Golf course
- Billiard tables
- Fitness studio
Services
- Paid airport shuttle
- Free valet parking
- Dry cleaning
- Tours/Ticket assistance
- Wedding services
- Shops/Commercial services
- Newspaper service
- Bell staff/Porter
Dining
- Continental breakfast
- Picnic area/ Tables
- Coffee/Tea in lobby
- Free breakfast
Business
- Business centre
Children
- Paid babysitting/ Child services
Facilities for people with disabilities
- Bathroom for disabled
Spa & Leisure
- Garden area
- Spa & wellness centre
- Sauna
- Steam room
- Treatment room
- Library
Room features
- Dressing area
- Patio
- Terrace
- Tea and coffee facilities
- Ironing facilities
Media
- AM/FM alarm clock
Room decor
- Carpeted floor
Location
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