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A medieval and Victorian castle turned into a five-star luxury hotel
Set in 350 acres of stunning estate on the shores of Lough Corrib
Part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Hotels of the World
Ireland’s first and only two Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family
Unique aspects
A fairy tale setting with turrets, towers and lavish interiors
A rich history dating back to 1228, with guests including King George V, Oscar Wilde, John Lennon and Grace Kelly
A range of extraordinary experiences, from falconry and horse riding to fishing and golf
A world-class spa with an indoor pool, a steam room, a hammam and a relaxation suite
A state-of-the-art cinema with red velvet seats and popcorn machine
A wine cellar with over 600 wines and a sommelier-led tasting experience
Setting
Located near Cong on the Mayo-Galway border, on the Galway side of Lough Corrib in Ireland
Surrounded by woodland, lakes, rivers and mountains
A short drive from the Connemara National Park and the Wild Atlantic Way
Style
A blend of medieval charm and Victorian elegance, with antique furniture, fine fabrics and original artworks
Each room and suite is individually designed and named after a notable figure or place associated with the castle’s history
The public areas are adorned with chandeliers, tapestries, fireplaces and stained glass windows
If you’ve ever dreamed of living like royalty, Ashford Castle is the place for you. This medieval and Victorian castle, dating back to 1228, has been transformed into a five-star luxury hotel that offers unrivalled service, warm Irish hospitality and a wealth of activities on its 350-acre estate1. From fine dining to falconry, from golf to spa, from fishing to horse riding, there’s something for everyone at this magnificent property, which is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and a member of Leading Hotels of the World2.
Unique or special aspects
Ashford Castle is not just a hotel, it’s a historic landmark that has hosted many famous guests, including King George V and Queen Mary, Oscar Wilde, John Lennon, Brad Pitt and Pierce Brosnan1. The castle has also been featured in several films and TV shows, such as The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara1. You can enjoy a private screening of this classic movie in the hotel’s cinema room, or take a guided tour of the film locations around the estate.
Another unique aspect of Ashford Castle is its School of Falconry, which is the oldest established falconry school in Ireland and one of the best in the world2.
You can learn how to handle and fly these majestic birds of prey, or join a hawk walk through the woods with your own personal falconer. This is an unforgettable experience that will bring you closer to nature and the castle’s history. Ashford Castle is located on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second largest lake in Ireland, in the picturesque village of Cong in County Mayo. The castle is surrounded by stunning scenery, including mountains, forests, rivers and islands. You can explore the beauty of the region by boat, bike, car or foot, or simply admire it from your room or one of the many terraces and gardens. The castle is also within easy reach of some of Ireland’s most iconic attractions, such as Connemara National Park, Kylemore Abbey and Galway City. Ashford Castle combines medieval charm with modern elegance, blending antique furniture, fine fabrics and original artworks with contemporary amenities and comforts. Each room and suite is individually designed and decorated, reflecting the castle’s rich heritage and character. You can choose from four different categories: Corrib Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Staterooms and Suites. No matter which one you pick, you’ll enjoy splendid views of the lake, river or gardens, as well as luxurious features such as marble bathrooms, plush robes and slippers, Nespresso machines and turndown service.
Sustainability
Ashford Castle is committed to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The hotel has implemented various green initiatives, such as using renewable energy sources, reducing water consumption and waste generation, recycling materials and composting organic matter. The hotel also supports local biodiversity by planting native trees and flowers, creating habitats for wildlife and bees, and participating in conservation projects such as the Wild Atlantic Salmon Trust.
Ashford Castle is not only a luxury hotel but also a social enterprise that contributes to the local community. The hotel employs over 400 staff members from the surrounding area, providing them with training and development opportunities. The hotel also supports local businesses by sourcing products and services from them whenever possible. Moreover, the hotel engages in various charitable activities, such as fundraising for local causes, donating surplus food to homeless shelters, and sponsoring educational programs for children.
Rooms
Ashford Castle has 83 rooms and suites, each with its own unique style and personality. You can choose from four different categories: Corrib Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Staterooms and Suites. All rooms are spacious, comfortable and elegant, featuring antique furniture, fine fabrics and original artworks. They also have modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, Wi-Fi access, Nespresso machines and marble bathrooms. Some rooms have special features such as fireplaces, four-poster beds or balconies. The views are spectacular, overlooking the lake, river or gardens.
Food and drink
Ashford Castle offers a variety of dining options, ranging from casual to formal, from traditional to international. You can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the elegant George V Dining Room, which was built in honour of the king’s visit in 1905 and features panelled walls, crystal chandeliers and a resident pianist12. You can savour creative Irish cuisine by Executive Chef Philippe Farineau, who has been awarded two rosettes by the AA Hospitality Awards13.
For lunch or dinner, you can choose from three different venues: Cullen’s at the Cottage, a casual restaurant serving Irish classics with a twist in a charming thatched cottage; The Dungeon, a cosy bistro-style restaurant located in the castle’s original dungeon and offering hearty dishes with local ingredients; or The Connaught Room, a refined setting for a traditional afternoon tea or a private wine dinner, with stunning views of the lake and gardens. You can also enjoy a drink or a snack at one of the bars: The Prince of Wales Bar, a sophisticated lounge with an extensive cocktail menu and live music; The Drawing Room, a cosy spot with an open fireplace and a selection of teas and coffees; or The Billiards Room, a relaxed space with a full-size snooker table and a selection of whiskeys and cigars.
Things to do
Ashford Castle offers a wide range of activities for guests of all ages and interests. You can enjoy the great outdoors by fishing on Lough Corrib, which has over 40 species of fish and is one of the best fishing spots in Europe. You can also try your hand at falconry, one of the oldest and best falconry schools in the world, where you can learn how to handle and fly these magnificent birds of prey. You can also play golf on the 9-hole course, which was designed by renowned Irish golf architect Eddie Hackett and offers stunning views of the lake and castle. Or you can try clay shooting, archery, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, cycling or tennis. If you prefer something more relaxing, you can join a boat cruise on Lough Corrib, which will take you to some of the 365 islands on the lake and show you the wildlife and historical sites along the way. You can also visit the Ashford Equestrian Centre, which offers horse riding lessons and treks for all levels of riders. Or you can simply stroll through the beautiful gardens and grounds of the estate, which feature a walled garden, a rose garden, a woodland walk and a fairy trail.
Wider region
Ashford Castle is situated in one of the most scenic and diverse regions of Ireland, offering plenty of attractions and activities for visitors. You can explore the natural beauty of Connemara National Park, where you can hike, bike or horse ride through rugged landscapes, bogs, mountains and lakes1. You can also visit Kylemore Abbey, a stunning neo-Gothic mansion with a Victorian walled garden and a Benedictine monastery. Or you can discover the cultural and artistic hub of Galway City, where you can enjoy live music, street performers, festivals and markets.
Kids
Ashford Castle is a family-friendly hotel that welcomes children of all ages. The hotel offers a range of facilities and services for families, such as interconnecting rooms, babysitting, children’s menus, high chairs, cots and extra beds. The hotel also has a kids’ club called The Hideout, which is open during school holidays and offers supervised activities such as arts and crafts, games, movies and treasure hunts1. Children can also enjoy some of the estate activities, such as falconry, horse riding, fishing and cycling.
Getting there
Ashford Castle is easily accessible by car, train or plane. The hotel is about 40 minutes drive from Galway City and about 3 hours drive from Dublin. The nearest train station is Galway, which has regular services from Dublin and other major cities. The nearest airport is Ireland West Airport Knock, which is about an hour drive from the hotel and has flights from various UK and European destinations. The hotel can arrange transfers from the train station or airport upon request.
- Actively reduces consumption
- Signed up to Glasgow Declaration
- Ecosystem preservation
- Reforestation or restoration
- Solar powered or renewable energy
- Employs local people
- Promotes local businesses
- Funds projects
- Nature
- Luxury
- Rural
- Gym
- Spa
- Pool
- Kids club
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Wifi
- Up to 2
- Up to 4
- Family
- Disabled
- Hotel
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Horseriding
- Watersports
- Tennis
