Ireland’s West coast is a labyrinth of landscapes that evolve with every passing hour, winding roads flanked by traditional stone walls, a magnificent coastline of dashing waves and expansive walks and pretty villages and towns awash with character and charm.
And nestled in the West is the county of Mayo, the birthplace of Ireland’s first female President and home to one of the most historic and spectacular five-star hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle, the only hotel in Ireland to have earned a Five-Star Forbes Travel Guide Ranking.
Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle, invites you to take a look around the hotel and the 350-acre estate that envelops the castle, where guests have been enjoying exceptional levels of hospitality for more than 80 years:
The adventure begins as you enter the grand stone gates of the 800-year-old castle and former home to the renowned Guinness family. As you turn the final corner you will be greeted by a lone piper who will escort you over the stone drawbridge that leads you to the imposing castle that belies the warm welcome that awaits. Sitting majestically by the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is surrounded by ancient Irish woodland and beautifully manicured lawns, over which your footprints are sure to pass during the next two days of your Luxury Gold stay.
As you ascend the stone steps to the hotel’s entrance, you will discover exquisite interiors and beautifully appointed drawing rooms and dining areas where the temptation will be to sit back, relax, enjoy a drink and marvel at the magnificent views afforded by the gleaming high windows adorning every room. And why not do just that before embarking on your next adventure, which might just include one of the more than 30 outdoor activities on the estate from which you can choose.
Returning from the crisp, fresh Mayo air you can transcend to an air of tranquility and relax in the hotel’s award-winning spa from where you will leave feeling nurtured and pampered following a heavenly spa experience.
Dining is always an experience at Ashford Castle where our team of executive chefs selects the finest local, seasonal produce to create their culinary magic. Your first evening will be spent at Cullen’s at the Cottage, a quaint but elegant traditional thatched cottage that was once Cong Cinema, where locals enjoyed a viewing of Hollywood blockbuster, The Quiet Man. Now, you will enjoy a selection of international and local dishes, including the finest fresh seafood and recipes inspired by our owner, Beatrice Tollman.
After a restful sleep and a sumptuous breakfast of local delights and home-baked treats, head to the great outdoors – without ever having to leave the estate. Watch our Hawks soar through the air with a visit to Ireland’s first school of falconry or take to the air yourself and zip-line through the woods for an exhilarating encounter. Other estate activities include golf and horse-riding, fishing and archery and you can even start your day with a morning walk with our long-standing ‘residents’, Cronan and Garvan, a magnificent pair of Irish Wolfhounds, who are very much a part of our family.
Your second evening bestows an incredible sense of occasion as we invite you to the spectacular George V Dining Room, built specially for a visit to the estate by King George V in 1905. A more formal affair, the focus in our fine dining restaurant is on locally produced artisan ingredients, often complemented by seasonal produce foraged on the estate.
Round-off proceedings with a movie in our private cinema, enjoy a cocktail or post prandial in the Prince of Wales bar, or retire to the Billiards Room for a specialty Irish whiskey or artisan gin.
Each of our guest rooms is individually appointed and designed to sensitively combine the castle’s original features with life’s modern luxuries. Beautiful bedding, sumptuous fabrics, Egyptian Cotton bed linen and a choice of pillow type will ensure a dream-like sleep at the end of a memorable stay.
When you join us at Ashford Castle you will be beautifully looked after by a team that is passionate about caring for our guests, who are always made to feel part of the extended Ashford Castle family.
But, as a Luxury Gold guest you are already part of the family, and we look forward to welcoming you to Ashford Castle where an extra special welcome awaits.
If interested in visiting Ireland and staying at Ashford Castle view our Ultimate Ireland or Castles & Kingdoms itineraries
Ashford Castle is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and one of the 42 family-owned and run ‘TTC Family Of Brands’.
President & Founder Beatrice Tollman has built Red Carnation Hotels with a vision for service excellence and a passion for generous hospitality. Today the collection proudly stands at 20 exceptional properties around the world, each unique and special, whilst sharing the founding values that define the family-owned and run business.
The hotel collection is lovingly named after the signature flower Mrs. Tollman’s husband always wears, and this symbol of hospitality is also worn by every member of the team.
