Ashford Castle, Ireland

Ashford Castle – A Medieval Castle 

Ashford Castle is a medieval castle which has been extended over the centuries and converted into a five star luxury hotel near Cong on the Mayo-Galway border, on Lough Corrib shores in Ireland. It is a member of the Leading Hotels of the World organisation and earlier was owned by the Guinness family. It is one of the oldest castles in Ireland which dates back to 1228 and fits into every person’s fantasy of a medieval fortress with soaring turrets with breath-taking views of Lough Corrib together with a resident ghost.

The rooms and suites comprises of traditional design with original features which are well restored together with the modern amenities of a luxury hotel, Its rural setting accommodates a host of outdoor activities which include golf, fly-fishing, horseback riding as well as hawk flying overseen by Ireland’s first school of falconry. The hotel historical and sprawling atmosphere makes it an appropriate setting for couples who can relax in the treatment rooms or dine in some of their choice restaurants together with the elegant George V Restaurant or the tradition Cullen’s at the cottage.

Imposing Structure – Stood the Test of Time

Situated in the heart of County Mayo in western Ireland, this amazing castle dates back to the 12th century and has stood the test of time inside the imposing structure of the castle. Its richly decorated interior conveys centuries of care and excellent craftsmanship together with its amazing oak panelling, exquisite antiquities and fine antique furnishing that adorn the several nooks and crannies as well as the leisurely drawing rooms with refined Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar.

Its luxury accommodations are largely spacious and individually designed with elegant furnishings, marble bathrooms with the comforts of gracious living. Every bedroom portrays a magnificent view either across the beautiful gardens, flowing river or the wide waters of Lough Corrib. The rooms are decorated in cheerful pastels with two dining rooms and three bars with traditional afternoon tea served in the drawing room. An array of outdoor activities is offered with three running trails, two tennis courts, archery and falconry lessons together with a tour boat which docks at the castle’s jetty twice a day in order to take the guest across the Lake Corrib. They also provide tours led by pony drawn carriages or traps around the ground.

Privilege of a World Renowned Culinary Experience

One can have the privilege of a world renowned culinary experience, dining at Ashford Castle where the George V Room offers elegant dining in the midst of period décor and a world class menu of modern Irish as well as international cuisine. The Connaught Room is a more intimate venue from May to September offering the most gourmet cuisine specialising in French a la Carte, which are prepared from a Michelin Star Chef of the highest standard.

For a more casual and a traditional dinner, Cullen’s Cottages situated on the grounds, is less than a two minutes’ walk from the castle. The Dungeon Bar with resident entertainers provides traditional Irish music, ballads, poetry as well as storytelling as part of an evening entertainment. Ashford also has one of the advanced Equestrian Centres in the country with Ireland’s first Falconry School providing rare opportunities to handle birds of prey. Plenty of entertainment and enjoyment lies in stores for those intending to visit Ashford Castle and explore this amazing medieval castle.