Step inside a truely grand hotel
Ashford Castle, which sits on 350 acres on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, is a five-star hotel that treats its guests to sheer opulence. Dating back to 1228, the castle has luxurious rooms with plush beds and almost every activity guests can imagine, from cycling to lessons at Ireland's oldest falconry school.The hotel ranked 4th on our list of the best hotels in Europe and was our top-ranked hotel in Ireland, in addition to being 3rd on Travel + Leisure's ranking of the world's best hotels last year.
Here's why Ashford Castle is the perfect place for
guests looking to feel like royalty.
Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres of the picturesque shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland.
Dating back to 1228, it underwent a two-year, $75 million renovation to create the elegant design it boasts today. As guests enter, they are greeted by a warm and rich lobby with red draperies.
Guests can relax on the plush velvet couches or enjoy a game of chess in the lobby.
There's a cinema room that's been designed with the comfort of a traditional movie theater. Red velvet chairs allow for plenty of leg room for guests to enjoy while they watch a selection of daily movies
The Prince of Wales Bar was built in the late 1800s and is filled with opulent fabrics, warm wood paneling, and its original fireplace. In 1905, the bar was visited by the Prince of Wales himself, who would later become King George V of England.
The hotel later named the George V Dining Room in his honor. Built by the Guinness family, the dining room is filled with Waterford Crystal chandeliers, a resident pianist, and exceptional dishes like slow-roasted rib of beef and pear sorbets from Chef Phillipe Farineau.
There's also a cozy billiards room where visitors can relax, unwind, and play a few rounds.
The Connaught Room is ideal for private dining or for enjoying Afternoon Tea — an Ashford Castle tradition that dates back to 1868, when Lord and Lady Ardilaun would have a cup of tea while discussing their plans for the day. The room provides spectacular views of the gardens and Lough Corrib, and service includes a selection of specialty teas, finger sandwiches, warm scones, pastries, and cupcakes.
There is also the Drawing Room, where visitors can sip on morning coffee and order light lunches from the bar menu while enjoying expansive views of Lough Corrib.
On the lower ground floor is Cullen's at the Dungeon, which serves up a bistro-style menu focusing on traditional Irish cuisine. Diners can enjoy local dishes, like an Irish Stew filled with slow-braised lamb and garden vegetables, beneath the historic curved stone ceiling of the castle.
The new Spa and Fitness Center provides guests with a sanctuary where they can forget about their worries while taking in uninterrupted views across Lough Corrib. The spa includes a steam room as well as a terrace area.
But besides these amenities, there is also a relaxation pool for guests in a room accented by seashell chandeliers.
Massages can be enjoyed in one of five treatment rooms in the spa, some of which include lengthy windows to create a bright and airy space. Guests can choose from a menu of facials, scrubs, detoxifying wraps, and aroma and marine therapy, among other treatments.
The spa also has its own gym with floor-to-ceiling windows, lots of fitness equipment, and personal trainers guests can reserve.
Ashford Castle has 82 rooms in total, with 68 unique guest rooms and 14 luxurious staterooms and suites. The Corrib Rooms are recently refurbished and include king-size beds, movies and music on-demand, fresh flowers, and luxurious 400-thread-count Egyptian Cotton monogrammed bedding.
The staterooms are located in the oldest part of the castle, which dates back to the 13th and 17th centuries. Most of the rooms come with original fireplaces, antique furniture, and pedestal claw baths, and all of them have high ceilings and views of Lough Corrib.
The colorful patterns in each suite vary to match guests' preferences, from rich reds to serene greens.
Even the restrooms are elegantly decorated, with deep-sinking tubs, lush curtains, and a place to set your drink while you unwind.
Floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of Lough Corrib, while individually sourced antique furnishings make guests feel like royalty.
Guests can also request to occupy two adjacent rooms so that they have their own private, three-bedroom wing in the castle. The estate also has activities for guests that include fishing, clay shooting, archery, golf, cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, and tennis.