A luxury five-star castle hotel set in its own private grounds and considered one of Ireland's most outstanding properties.
GUESTROOMS
83 luxurious en-suite guestrooms, including 6 suites, 32 deluxe, 5 state and 40 standard rooms.
FACILITIES
Business centre, conference facilities, fitness studio, health & beauty treatments, tennis, clay pigeon shooting, falconry, lake & river fishing, snooker, equestrian, cycling, walking, lake cruising and archery.
ACCOMMODATION REVIEW
Regarded as one of the finest and most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle stands on 350 acres of secluded woodland sweeping across Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle was formerly owned by the Guinness family and was not converted into a hotel until 1939. Today a sense of history and unparalleled comfort pervades the paneled halls, lounges and elegant grounds.
Ashford Castle thoroughly deserves its fine international reputation. Guests may relax over a cocktail in The Prince of Wales Bar and after dinner, retire to the Dungeon Bar where nightly entertainment is provided. Each guestroom is individually appointed and provides the utmost in comfort, fine marble bathrooms and soft coordinated furnishings. For dinner (high season only), guests may choose between the George V Dining Room, which offers fine Irish Cuisine and the Connaught Room, which offers classical French Cuisine. Afternoon Tea is served in the drawing room, which offers magnificent panoramas of Lough Corrib. You may also take the opportunity to stroll through the magnificent gardens, take a boat trip across Lough Corrib or work out in the gymnasium.
In addition to the facilities available on-site, there are many activities available locally to keep everyone amused. The timeless traditions of crystal making can be experienced at the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre, while a trip to Spiddal Craft Centre, a working craft centre and art gallery where latter day artisans fashion items inspired by the beauty of the region, is also recommended. And preserved beneath the wild blanket bogland on the dramatic north Mayo coast, is a 5,000-year-old Stone Age landscape of stone walls, dwellings and megalithic tombs. Rest assured that this region will prove to be one of the most fascinating that you have encountered.
ONLINE GOLF TRAVEL RATING
Set in an area of great beauty, Ashford Castle is quite simply one of the finest castle hotels that you will ever come across. It may be relatively expensive but as a base for exploration or golf, Ashford Castle is perfect.
Located 26 miles northwest of Galway off the N84 Galway to Castlebar road. Take the left turn at Headford along the R334 route following signs to the village of Cong.
RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS
George V Dining Room, Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo. Tel: (353) 92 46003. The restaurant offers classical Irish dining in elegant surrounding complimented with an excellent wine list.
The Connaught Room, Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo. Tel: (353) 92 46003. This award winning specialises in French cuisine with creative and innovative dishes on offer to suit all tastes.
Echoes Restaurant, Cong, Co. Mayo. Tel: (353) 92 46059. An excellent family-run restaurant with a comprehensive menu to suit all tastes. The rack of lamb and scallops are the house specialties.
Cré Na Ceile Restaurant, High Street, Tuam, Co. Galway. Tel: (353) 93 28232. An intimate, relaxing family-run restaurant that specialises in seafood, game and local produce.
Regarded as one of the finest and most luxurious castle hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle stands on 350 acres of secluded woodland sweeping across Lough Corrib. Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle was formerly owned by the Guinness family and was not converted into a hotel until 1939. Today a sense of history and unparalleled comfort pervades the paneled halls, lounges and elegant grounds.
