When you arrive at Ashford you can’t help but feel you’ve entered a fairytale. Dating back to the 11th Century, it has grown into one of the most impressive destination castles in all of Ireland. Restored and developed lovingly and generously by its new owners, Ashford Castle recounts the magnificence of grand and stately living and feels authentic and true to its amazing provenance. There are multiple areas, lounges, cottages and gardens to host an event and the property offers something for everyone, including: skeet shooting, boating, horseback riding, archery, falconry and, of course, fishing. The rooms and suites are very sumptuous and fabulously decorated along with a new state of the art spa. The food is classic and traditional while the service is formal, kind and sincere. -CC

Once the estate of Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family, this 13th century castle opened as a luxury hotel in 1939. Located on the West Coast of Ireland, forty minutes from Galway City, this five-star hotel boasts 83 individually designed guest rooms including a romantic hideaway cottage. All have been lovingly restored by the owner, Mrs. Beatrice Tollman, featuring antiques, original artwork, exquisite fabrics, bespoke carpets and beautiful Murano chandeliers.

Evocative of an elegant and bygone age and yet perfectly adapted to the needs of the 21st century, Ashford is the oldest castle hotel in Ireland, with an extensive range of activities on a private 350-acre estate. Enjoy golf, falconry, clay pigeon shooting, archery, horseback riding, fishing, zip-lining, tree climbing and boat trips, to name but a few.

The dining options are superb: Cullen’s at the Cottage presents an international menu while The Dungeon offers a traditional Irish menu in a relaxed, casual setting.

A more formal dining option is the George V dining room, boasting 11 Waterford crystal chandeliers, where a five-course table d’hôte or a la carte menu is served. Snacks are also available in the Drawing Room, and the Connaught Room offers a wonderful Lady Ardilaun’s afternoon tea!

Enjoy a cocktail in the Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar, built in 1905, or have a wine tasting from over 4,000 wines stocked in a newly opened wine cellar. Or, if you prefer, enjoy a whiskey tasting at our bar, which also features a full scale billiards table.

Red Carnation Hotel Collection purchased the Castle in June 2013 and following a $100 million restoration, Ashford has been voted Best of the Best in the World by Virtuoso and No. 1 Hotel Resort in the UK and Ireland by Travel + Leisure.