Ireland’s West Coast is a labyrinth of landscapes that evolve with every passing hour. Winding roads flanked by traditional stone walls, a magnificent coastline of dashing waves and expansive walks, and pretty villages and towns awash with character and charm. Nestled in the West is the county of Mayo, the birthplace of Ireland’s first female President and home to one of the most historic and spectacular five-star hotels in Ireland, Ashford Castle, the only hotel in Ireland to have earned a Five-Star Forbes Travel Guide Ranking. This incredible castle sits on a 350-acre estate and guests have enjoyed exceptional levels of hospitality for more than 80 years.
The adventure begins as you enter the grand stone gates of the 800-year-old castle and former home to the renowned Guinness family. As you turn the final corner you will be greeted by a lone piper who will escort you over the stone drawbridge that leads you to the imposing castle that belies the warm welcome that awaits. Sitting majestically by the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is surrounded by ancient Irish woodland and beautifully manicured lawns, over which your footprints are sure to pass on your luxury stay.
Oak Hall
As you ascend the stone steps to the hotel’s entrance, you will discover exquisite interiors and beautifully appointed drawing rooms where the temptation will be to sit back, relax, enjoy a drink, and marvel at the magnificent views afforded by the gleaming high windows adorning every room. And why not do just that before embarking on your next adventure, which might include one of the more than 30 outdoor activities on the estate you can choose.
Returning from the crisp, fresh Mayo air, you can transcend to an atmosphere of tranquility and relax in the hotel’s award-winning spa from where you will leave feeling nurtured and pampered following a heavenly spa experience.
The Spa at Ashford Castle -Winner of ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa 2022’ & ‘Best in Sustainability 2019’
Dining is always an experience at Ashford Castle, where the team of executive chefs select the finest local, seasonal produce to create their culinary magic. Spend an evening at Cullen’s at the Cottage, a quaint but elegant traditional thatched cottage that was once Cong Cinema where locals enjoyed a viewing of Hollywood blockbuster, The Quiet Man. Here, you can enjoy a selection of international and local dishes, including the finest fresh seafood and recipes inspired by owner, Beatrice Tollman.
After a restful sleep and a sumptuous breakfast of local delights and home-baked treats, head to the great outdoors – without ever having to leave the estate. Watch the Hawks soar through the air with a visit to Ireland’s first school of falconry or take to the sky and zip-line through the woods for an exhilarating encounter. Other estate activities include golf, horse-riding, fishing, and archery, and you can even start your day with a morning walk with long-standing ‘residents’, Cronan and Garvan, a magnificent pair of Irish Wolfhounds who are very much a part of the family.
Resident Wolfhounds Cronan and Garvan
When you stay at Ashford Castle, the spectacular George V Dining Room brings an incredible sense of occasion to your evenings. This stunning dining room was built especially for a visit to the estate by King George V in 1905 and oozes sophistication and opulence. A more formal affair, the focus in our fine-dining restaurant is on locally produced artisan ingredients, often complemented by seasonal produce foraged on the estate.
Round-off proceedings with a movie in our private cinema, enjoy a cocktail or postprandial in the Prince of Wales bar or retire to the Billiards Room for a specialty Irish whiskey or artisan gin.
George V Dining Room
Each guest room is individually appointed and designed to sensitively combine the castle’s original features with life’s modern luxuries. Beautiful bedding, sumptuous fabrics, Egyptian Cotton bed linen, and a choice of pillow type will ensure a dream-like sleep at the end of a memorable stay.
When you are a guest at Ashford Castle, you will be beautifully looked after by a team that is passionate about caring for guests. You can experience the charm, history and hospitality on the Castles and Manors guided holiday.
To learn even more about this incredible castle, watch this short video:
For more information, please contact GrownUps Holidays on 0800 842 685.
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