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Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle

The magnificent five star Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. With 82 guest rooms, a wealth of activities and thoughtful touches, enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale. The Castle dates back to 1228 when it was originally founded by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, later becoming the family home of the famous Guinness family whose name is now synonymous with the Emerald Isle.

Rooms : 82 Bedrooms.  Type : Couples, Families, Outdoor Active, Golf

 

OVERVIEW

The magnificent five star Ashford Castle is set in 350 acres, on the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib. With 82 guest rooms, a wealth of activities and thoughtful touches, enjoy acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale. The Castle dates back to 1228 when it was originally founded by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, later becoming the family home of the famous Guinness family whose name is now synonymous with the Emerald Isle.

 

HIGHLIGHTS

Discover and immerse yourself in unique, authentic and intimate experiences of the West of Ireland.

  • You will be welcomed into the homes and workshops of three treasured artisan partners. Engage all of your senses with the sounds of the workshop, the beautiful landscapes, the smell of Irish rain and the taste of the finest Irish food.
  • Enjoy a collection of Irish experiences under four themes; Irish food, indigenous craft, music and story, and the real Connemara. Here are some samples of the experiences you can try.

Irish Crafts and Design:

Visit a local ceramicist’s studio and peruse her collection of stoneware and porcelain inspired by the Connemara landscape. Known for experimenting with smoke-firing techniques and making her own glazes, join our ceramicist at her potter’s wheel and get a hands-on feel for throwing Irish pottery.

A Taste of the West of Ireland:

You will be welcomed to the forager’s home on the breath taking Aughris Beg peninsula. Take a walk on the beautiful seashore overlooking the Atlantic and learn how to forage for tasty seafood. Return to the kitchen and prepare your seashore bounty over a glass of wine.

Music and Storytelling

Meet with Ireland’s foremost living seanachaí (storyteller) and gain an insight into Ireland’s oldest oral art-form. Travel the bi-roads and discover the ancient sacred places of faery trees and forts where magical stories abound.

Discover Connemarra

Join the crew of a traditional Galway hooker sailing boat for a magical sailing experience in the sheltered bays of south Connemara. Hoist the sail of this beautiful piece of maritime history and discover intimate island bays and beaches

 

ACCOMMODATION

Corrib Lake View Room

Experience elegant traditional style at its finest, some featuring wonderful gilt and cream painter tester beds and unique furnishings to provide guests a stylish sanctuary in which to relax. Decorated with a variety of colour palettes to suit all tastes and preferences, they are an ideal choice.

Family Room

Spacious Deluxe Queen Rooms consist of two Queen size beds with a comfortable relaxation area. Overlooking the magnificent Lough Corrib or Cong River, the rooms are perfect for couples or families (suitable for two adults and two children under the age of 12 years)

State Rooms

Each Stateroom is located in the oldest part of the castle, dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries. Rooms contain feature beds and original fireplaces with exquisite antique furniture. The Staterooms also boast large bathrooms.

Suites

Ashford Suites offer a spacious feel and opulent elegance with comfortable king size beds as well as a large private dining space. With views of the River Cong or Lough Corrib, the Suites, have recently been refurbished to the highest luxury standard.

DINING

George V Dining Room

Dine like Royalty in this special room built to commemorate the visit from The Prince of Wales in 1905. Enjoy exceptional dishes and fine wines in this elegant and graceful setting.

The Castle Wine Cellars

The Wine Cellars at Ashford Castle offer private wine tastings and wonderful wine dinners in the secret passageways of the castle, which were unearthed during recent renovations.

Private Dining

Ashford Castle offers a number of spaces to suit your preferences and requirements, from intimate dining to grand banqueting.

The Prince of Wales Bar

This bar offers refined traditional style with an original warm fireplace offering the finest of hospitality to enjoy a favourite tipple or pint of Guinness

The Connaught Room

Here you can enjoy the long established tradition of Afternoon Tea which has been wonderfully preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868 – you’ll notice the original silver tea set on display, which was presented to Lord and Lady Ardilaun to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 1896.

Cullens at the Cottage

This traditional thatched cottage, which used to be Cong Cinema, provides a relaxed dining experience with a casual dress code in which to enjoy international and local dishes. Enjoy the beautifully manicured garden and soak up the magnificent views of Ashford Castle in the distance.

 

ACTIVITIES

The expansive 350 acre Ashford Estate is one of the finest sporting estates in Ireland which lends itself perfectly to a range of activities, from country classic pastimes to modern activities. Try out the following activities at this vast playground.

  • Falconry
  • Clay Shooting and Archery
  • Fishing
  • Zip-lining and Tree Climbing
  • Cycling and Kayaking
  • Golf
  • Horse riding
  • Lake Cruising
  • Stand Up Paddle Boarding
  • Tennis
  • Traditional Boat Trips
  • Off Road Driving

 

 

FAMILY

Ashford Castle, one of the most magical destinations in the world, is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your family. Casting its spell on both young and old, you’ll be welcomed for an enchanting castle adventure.

Family friendly facilities, rooms, activites and dining options ensure everyone feels truly at home and has the time of their lives. Plenty of surprises and hidden adventures are waiting to be discovered – find the secret folly tower, built by Benjamin Lee Guinness, dubbed ‘Rapunzel’s Castle’; complete all the activities to earn the ‘Wolfhounds’ Badge; and ask about the secret map to the fairy paths.

Room Features for Children under 12 include;

  • LEGO menu with butler service
  • Personalised storybook for bedtime – your children discover they are the leading character
  • Bathrobes and slippers
  • Personalised homemade cookies
  • Xbox and/or PlayStation on request
  • Childrens’ selection of DVDs
  • Fully qualified and vetted babysitting service on request

LOCATION

HOLIDAY IDEAS / SAMPLE ITINERARIES

See below some itinerary ideas that can include Ashford Castle.

Ireland – A Destination Showcase

Capital to Country: An Irish Family Journey

  • "A Once in a Lifetime Stay!""

    Joanna Heathcote Educational Trip

  • "A Country Estate with staff who make you feel like family."

    Joanna Heathcote Educational Trip

GET IN TOUCH
 

ACCOMMODATION COLLECTION

Coworth Park

Rooms: 71 guest rooms including 8 Suites and 2 Signature Suites, North Lodge and The Dower House

Type: Family, Couples, Equestrian and Sporting Enthusiasts

Features & Activities:  Enjoy quintessentially English activities in a stunning parkland setting such as tennis, croquet and horse-riding or explore at your own pace on one of the hotel’s bicycles.

Location: Only 20 minutes from London Heathrow Airport and an easy 45 minutes from central London

The Dorchester

The Dorchester is one of the most desirable places in the world to stay. A luxury Mayfair hotel of great repute, it embodies the highest of traditional values, with spacious rooms and suites of great charm, glorious dining and entertaining, and a spa of exquisite indulgence. For 90 years the hotel has remained a pinnacle of luxury and ease.

Superbly located in the heart of London’s Mayfair on Park Lane, between Marble Arch and Hyde Park Corner, The Dorchester is close to exclusive London shopping in Bond Street and Knightsbridge and is within easy access of many London attractions including Buckingham Palace, West End theatres, the Royal Albert Hall and the National Gallery.

Ballyfin

Built in the 1820’s, Ballyfin has long been admired as the most lavish Regency mansion in Ireland. Here classical grandeur meets with a landscape of rolling hills, follies  and ancient grottoes in the magnificent property, set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Ballyfin has been designed as a home-away-from-home making the experience entirely intimate. Enjoy estate-grown food prepared by award-winning chefs, take part in wine & whiskey tastings in the cellar, enjoy treatments in the spa, swim, or simply spend an afternoon in the large library, finishing with a fireside cocktail in the Ballyfin Bar.

Rooms : 20 Luxury Bedrooms and Suites  Type: Couples, Active, Historic

View entire accommodation collection

ASHFORD CASTLE, GALWAY

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