shford Castle is a luxury 5-star hotel in Cong, Co. Mayo, in the West of Ireland. The castle overlooks Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second largest lake. It is part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection and is a highly acclaimed hotel.
In 2015, it was voted ‘Best Hotel in the World’ by Virtuoso. More recently, it was named ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ at the World Spa Awards 2024 and ‘No.4 Best Resorts in Europe’ in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024, among other accolades.
When we approached the main gates of the estate, we sensed a feeling of exclusivity. We were greeted by a friendly doorman, who took our names with a warm welcome. We then drove up the tree-lined avenue, passing the golf course along the way. Ahead of us stood the stunning castle, a breathtaking sight.
The castle’s architecture features towering stone walls, turrets, and arched windows. Inside, it combines luxury with comfort through elegant interiors, antique furnishings, ornate chandeliers and a cosy, welcoming atmosphere.
On arrival, we were given an interesting and insightful tour of the castle by local historian, Fintan Gorman.
Ashford Castle has a rich and storied history dating back to the 13th century. Originally known as the Castle of Cong, it was ruled by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family. In 1589, Queen Elizabeth I re-certified the castle as a British fortress.
It was renamed Ashford Castle by the Oranmore and Browne family in 1715, and was later acquired by the Guinness family in 1852. Over time, the castle was transformed into a luxury hotel, undergoing expansion and restoration by various owners.
The castle has been lovingly restored to reflect its extensive history and Irish heritage.
One of the most significant events in the castle’s history was the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905, hosted by Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family. This visit led to the creation of the George V Dining Room and the Prince of Wales Bar in his honour. The original correspondence from this visit is proudly displayed within the castle.
The Oak Hall is the castle’s grand entrance, featuring wood panelling, an oak ceiling, a balustrade and a fireplace. It includes over 800 antique books, a 19th-century suit of armour, and a painting of Lady Ardilaun.
Check-in was seamless, and once again we were met with a warm welcome – a theme that continued throughout our stay. While we were completing the check-in process, we were offered a welcome drink of mulled wine.
There are 83 individually designed rooms and suites, all of which feature original artwork, antiques and hand-crafted furniture.
Our room was a Junior Stateroom Suite with stunning views overlooking Lough Corrib. Our bedroom was luxurious, elegant, and spacious. It was beautifully appointed with a four-poster king-sized bed, antique furniture, and a cosy seating area.
The bed was incredibly comfortable, dressed in 400-thread-count Egyptian cotton monogrammed bed linens. Feather and foam pillows are provided in every room, though alternative pillow options are available upon request.
Our marble bathroom was spacious too, featuring double sinks, a large bathtub, and a separate walk-in shower. It also included underfloor heating and heated towel rails, both of which can be activated with the click of a button.
Monogrammed towels, plush bathrobes and slippers were provided, along with Bayou Ashford Castle toiletries, which were exclusively designed for the hotel. These are presented in glass bottles, reflecting the castle’s commitment to sustainability.
The bedrooms are equipped with US and European plug sockets, along with USB ports. The blackout curtains and electric blinds were a nice touch! An iron and ironing board are provided in the room. Daily newspapers are offered complimentary.
Tea and coffee facilities are not provided as standard, but they are available upon request. You can expect a sweet treat at turn-down service!
The Lodge at Ashford Castle is another accommodation option within the estate, offering a more casual yet comfortable stay amidst the same beautiful grounds.
There are several dining options at both Ashford Castle and The Lodge. All produce and ingredients are sourced locally. The walled garden supplies fresh fruits and vegetables in summer.
Breads, pastries, biscuits, chocolates, and desserts are made by Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie, Paula Stakelum, and her team. They truly are a work of art!
Breakfast is served daily in the George V Dining Room between 8AM-10.45AM (Nov-May) and 7.30AM-10.45AM (June-Oct). This elegant room features rich panelled walls, royal blue velvet furnishings, Waterford Crystal chandeliers and the original fireplace which dates back to 1905.
After we were seated, the Juice Sommelier came directly to our table with a trolley of fresh juices!
The breakfast buffet offers slow-baked honey ham, cold meats and cheeses, smoked salmon, seasonal fruits, and freshly baked breads and pastries.
An á la carte menu is also available, featuring poached eggs with avocado, porridge with Irish whiskey, a full Irish breakfast, omelettes, buttermilk pancakes, and French toast.
The breakfast was delicious and beautifully presented. The service was outstanding throughout. The staff went above and beyond to ensure every need was met with a friendly, attentive approach.
During evening service, the George V Dining Room offers fine dining with a 5-Course Table d’Hôte Menu or an 8-Course Tasting Menu. Both are curated by the Executive Chef, Liam Finnegan. At dinner, jackets are required for gentlemen.
The Prince of Wales Bar was originally used as the prince’s private bar during his visit in 1905. The two doors leading from the George V Dining Room into the bar are still in existence, though no longer in use. Relax by the fire with a selection of cocktails, a wide variety of Irish and Scotch whiskeys, specialty cognacs and brandies, or a classic Irish Guinness.
Lord & Lady Ardilaun Afternoon Tea is served in the Connaught Room. The menu features a wide selection of speciality teas, finger sandwiches, freshly baked homemade scones served with clotted cream, seasonal jam and lemon curd, as well as a variety of homemade pastries. Afternoon Tea is served daily from 1.30PM to 4PM and is priced at €78 per person.
We thoroughly enjoyed our afternoon tea experience. The service was excellent. The staff were both professional and friendly. The food was exquisite, offering the perfect balance of sweet and savoury treats to complement the tea. Read our full review here.
The Drawing Room offers stunning panoramic views, ideal for enjoying coffee, light lunches, or pre-dinner drinks, accompanied by live music in the evenings.
The Dungeon features a bistro-style menu with Irish and international favourites in a historic, relaxed setting. We enjoyed a lovely meal here.
Cullen’s at the Cottage, a charming thatched cottage, serves fresh seafood in a cosy atmosphere.
Stanley’s provides a casual American diner experience with an intimate ambiance and an open kitchen, while Wilde’s at The Lodge offers vibrant, locally sourced dishes, including Irish beef, lamb, and fresh seafood from Galway Bay.
Squire Danagher’s is located in the original house used in the film ‘The Quiet Man’. It offers private dining paired with traditional Irish entertainment.
Mrs Tea’s Boutique & Bakery serves coffee, pastries, chocolates, and offers a selection of gifts for sale.
The Wine Cellar, located in a former coal bunker, boasts over 3,000 wines from around the world, with tastings available by appointment.
The Billiards Room has a snooker table, leather sofas, a fireplace, and a whiskey bar.
The Ashford Estate spans 350 acres, offering vast and picturesque grounds to explore. A wide range of activities are available, including horse riding, fishing, kayaking, falconry, and clay pigeon shooting.
There are two newly resurfaced, all-weather tennis courts available for complimentary play, with rackets and tennis balls available for hire.
The estate features a stunning 9-hole, 2,996-yard, par-35 parkland golf course, perfect for golfers of all abilities. Green fees are complimentary for hotel residents, though there is an additional charge for golf buggies, clubs, and shoe rentals.
The gardens at Ashford Castle are meticulously maintained year-round. Exploring the grounds on foot or by bike is highly recommended.
Numerous cycle paths pass through the estate, and bikes are available for hire. Several guided tours are also offered, including the 1.5-hour Ashford Castle cycle tour.
Ashford Castle offers two boat cruises on Lough Corrib: the ‘History Cruise’ and the ‘Island Cruise.’ We opted for the ‘History Cruise’ and found it very enjoyable. The Isle of Inisfree, an 80-passenger, all-weather craft operated by Corrib Cruises, departs daily from Ashford Castle Pier at 11AM. Onboard, there is a full bar service and toilet facilities. The lower enclosed deck is centrally heated during the winter months.
This is a fantastic way to enjoy the stunning scenery while learning about the history of Ashford Castle and the surrounding areas. The cruise lasts one hour and costs €25 for adults and €12 for children (5-15 yrs). Children under 5 are free.
Complimentary guided walks are offered for guests on a daily basis.
The Kitchen Garden Walk, guided by estate gardeners Alex and Niamh, is a one-hour tour held at 10AM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from June to mid-October. The Heritage Walk, led by Vincent Campbell, explores the hotel’s history and surroundings and takes place at 8.30AM on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
The Morning Dog Walk, led by resident dogs and their handler, James, features three Irish Wolfhounds and an Irish Red and White Setter as they walk through Kinlough Woods. The walk takes place every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 8.15AM. Wellingtons are provided at reception, and other dogs are not permitted on this walk. Highly recommend!
The Spa at Ashford Castle was named ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ for the 8th consecutive year at the 2023 World Spa Awards. It also holds the distinction of being Ireland’s first Forbes Five-Star Spa.
It features five treatment rooms, a heated relaxation pool, a Hammam, a steam room, and a gym overlooking Lough Corrib. The spa is partnered with premium skincare brands, including VOYA and Natura Bissé, and also offers its own exclusive product range, B|Africa.
‘Éalú’ is a state-of-the-art leisure facility located on the Estate. It features a 15-metre pool, jacuzzi, steam room, KLAFS sauna, gym, functional fitness studio, and therapy room. Unfortunately, Éalú was closed for refurbishment during our stay, so we were unable to enjoy this amenity.
There is a luxurious 32-seat cinema located within the Castle, with plush red velvet seating. Movies are shown twice daily: an early showing at 12PM and a late showing at 9.30PM. Popcorn and sweets are provided.
Pets are welcome throughout the Castle and grounds, except in dining, beverage, and lounge areas. Beds are provided for dogs of any size, along with towels, water, and food bowls. A €75 charge per pet, per night, applies.
The village of Cong is just a short walk from Ashford Castle. It’s a charming, quintessential village with quaint streets. ‘The Quiet Man’, a 1951 romantic love story, was filmed in and around the village, and in the grounds of Ashford Castle. The film was directed by John Ford and starred John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
Ashford Castle is a truly remarkable place that exceeded our expectations. There is little that this hotel has not thought of. The attention to detail and focus on guests’ needs are evident throughout.
From the moment we arrived, we felt as though we were being welcomed into a warm, inviting home. The level of service was unparalleled. The staff were incredibly attentive, always eager to help and willing to go the extra mile.
It was more than just a stay – it was an experience that felt truly magical.
For more information, visit https://ashfordcastle.com/.
