Ashford Castle, the place where fairytales come to life and you are the starring character. From the moment you enter the grand gates of the 800-year-old castle a team awaits to tend to your every need. As the former home of the Guinness family, no stone has been left unturned. You will find the interiors to be just as immaculate as the exterior, and will have a difficult time finding fault in either. From the warm and welcoming team, to delicious dining, to the wealth of activities, Ashford Castle is committed to providing the very best and is exceptional in every sense.
Location
Why is Ashford Castle one of the most amazing places to stay in Europe?
When a Victorian castle turns into a Forbes 5-star hotel, the result is nothing short of magic. The Ashford Castle stands amid the beautiful shores of Lough Corrib in Ireland, on 350 acres of picturesque lands. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands and the emerald lake, it offers visitors opportunity of leisure and pleasure. International guests reach the castle by Shannon airport, which is a 90-minute car ride away. Ashford Castle’s distinct location seems like a haven in the middle of lush green grounds.
Key Facts
- guests have exclusive access to Ashford Castle and the gardens
- chauffeured car journeys are available to all major Irish airports
- guests can easily drive to Galway, Westport and Clifden from Ashford Castle. A short trip to Connemara National Park is possible too
What is special?
- get a little dog therapy for owners who miss their fur babies back home by spending time with with Ashford Castle’s regal wolfhounds, Cronan and Garvan
- take a stroll around the immaculate grounds, smelling the sweet scents of flora permeating the air from the Castle gardens
- putt a few rounds on Ashford Castle’s 9-hole, 2,896-yard immaculate golf course
What do the guests say?
- Ashford Castle is a world-class venue delivering a consistent experience in a magnificent location
- from the stunning grounds to the great walking trails, Ashford Castle has it all and I can’t recommend it highly enough
- if you’re thinking of popping the big question, this is the perfect romantic location
Accommodation
What are the room options? What can I really expect during my stay at Ashford Castle?
Fusing vintage with modernity, this medieval castle has 83 rooms and suites including a Hideaway Cottage with luxurious fittings to enhance the holiday experience. The room categories include Deluxe Queen Family Rooms, Lake View Deluxe Rooms, Corrib Lake View Rooms, etc. While the furniture exudes a truly Irish charm, the other amenities of the room include bathrobes, a fully stocked minibar, scrumptious room service, and a flatscreen tv to keep you hooked. From couples to families, the rooms have allowance for all forms of visitors, guaranteeing an experience worth revisiting.
Key Facts
- Ashford Castle boasts 83 rooms and suites including a Hideaway Cottage
- each room is curated with its own unique design
- interconnecting rooms are available for traveling families
What is special?
- escape the daily grind of everyday life and enjoy the royal treatment in exquisite rooms inspired by historical surroundings
- silk-lined walls and curated antiques offer an heir of elegance and regalness that makes it hard for you to ever want to leave
- sleep beautifully on beds adorned with 400 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens
What do the guests say?
- Ashford Castle is the best of the best — every visit is like coming home to see old friends
- the decor is fabulous fabric wall coverings and magnificent paintings throughout the interior
- waking up to breathtaking views of Lough Corrib was absolutely stunning! This was a faultless and memorable trip and I can’t wait to return
Pools & Spa
How are the leisure facilities at Ashford Castle? What types of spa treatments are available?
For visitors hoping to relax a bit at the Ashford Castle, the opportunities are plentiful. Take a plunge into the Relaxation Pool and let loose in the waters while taking in the beautiful Irish interiors from the picturesque murals to the seashell chandeliers. For a little rejuvenation, hop into the Hammam, infusing your body with Middle Eastern steam treatments. If you want to up your beauty game, the in-house spa also makes way for detoxing scrubs and facials, including the very unique marine therapies – leaving you fresh, glowing, and beautiful.
Key Facts
- Ashford Castle has an award-winning spa along with a 10 meter pool
- five beautiful treatment rooms offer indulgent treatments and therapies
- indulge yourself with bespoke sessions according to your specific needs and goals
What is special?
- feel the weight of the world dissipate as you immerse yourself into a pool of relaxation and soak in the serene views of Lough Corrib
- burn off some calories in the fitness suite outfitted with floor-to-ceiling windows and idyllic views that will make your workout feel just a little more magical
- feel invigorated with detoxifying wraps, refreshing scrubs and aroma and water therapies
What do the guests say?
- be sure to check out the steam room at the spa, as it is amazing and immaculate
- we loved spending time in the hammam — it was the perfect deep release
- the spa is an experience NOT to be missed as the ambience and decor is beautiful and the treatments varied and was so relaxing
Culinary
What are the dining options at Ashford Castle?
At Ashford Castle, you can never run out of culinary experiences to explore. There are 6 restaurants and 3 bars, in addition to delicious room service and private dining options. For a fine dining experience, the George V dining room attracts with gourmet food that tantalize your taste buds. Conversely, casual snacks and light bites can be enjoyed in the Drawing room. You also have the opportunity to be part of wine tastings. But, perhaps a chat over cocktail drinks at The Prince Wales Bar could be a better option for friends and couples looking for a time of enjoyment. End your day with a game of pool and Cuban/Irish tapas and cigars in the Billiards room to set the mood.
Key Facts
- dining options include Irish cuisine inspired by seasonal ingredients
- Ashford Castle grows many of their ingredients in their own gardens and polytunnels
- afternoon tea is a long-established tradition preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868
What is special?
- enjoy a gourmet getaway with a fine dining experience in the fabulous George V dining room
- choose from an extensive drink menu at Prince of Wales Bar or at the Billards room, with drink types to suit everyone and every taste
- dine in The Dungeon where this unique setting offers up a range of delectable dishes from local artisan Irish meat producers
What do the guests say?
- the knowledgeable and helpful bar staff is always very accommodating at Prince of Wales Bar
- dining options are bountiful and the food and service are both flawless
- the food at Ashford is a celebration by itself, from expansive breakfasts with an endless selection to fabulous dinners in the dungeon, the Cullen’s at the Cottage, or the George V dining room
Activities
What are some things to do at Ashford Castle? Are there any family-friendly activities?
Surrounded by lush woodlands and Lough Corrib has meant that the avenues of adventure outside Ashford Castle are plentiful. Visit the castle’s golf course and get the club working or indulge in a competitive game of tennis. Practice your aim in archery or go walking around the castle for a refreshing tree-climbing experience. For water adventurists, the rivers that pass through the estate give ample opportunity for kayaking through the waves or cruising with family. Feel the rush of the water as you begin to stand-up paddle board across the rushing lakes or even throw in the fish line to get a meaningful catch. At Ashford Castle, there is an activity for the likes of all. From those loving solitude to those looking for adventure – the Ashford experience is unmatchable.
Key Facts
- the 350-acre estate is a vast playground for experiences and adventures
- the de Burgo, Bingham, Browne and Guinness families have created one of the finest sporting estates in Ireland
- activities such as horse riding, fishing and shooting can be enjoyed on the property
What is special?
- cozy up for movie night complete with buttery popcorn and tasty treats in the cinema
- experience the excitement of witnessing birds of prey in action on a private hawk walk
- feel the rush of adrenaline come over while zipping through the treetops on a ziplining adventure on the Ashford Estates
What do the guests say?
- I would highly recommend doing the hawk walk if visiting; it was a joy to be around these beautiful birds and to see them fly
- the activities, gardens and tea rooms were all were 5 star and above and I can’t wait to return
- family-friendly activities such as Lego butler, mini high ropes, fishing and trekking were among the favorites for mini explorers
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Find out more about Ashford Castle…
- See all our luxury hotels in Ireland
- Visit the official website of Ashford Castle