Ashford Castle
Hotel Name: Ashford Castle
Number of Rooms: 83
Location: Located on Lough Corrib in the tiny town of Cong, straddling County Galway and County Mayo
Maybe it’s when you’re taking afternoon tea in the storied Connaught Room. Maybe it’s when you walk past a 13th century coat of arms in the great hall. Perhaps you feel it in the crisp air of your morning walk or in the crackling warmth of a roaring fire. Maybe it hits you during the third course of a tasting menu in the George V dining room or when a majestic Harris Hawk takes flight from the perch of your forearm. Perhaps it’s in the wooden bow of a boat gliding across Lough Corrib or the silk-lined walls of your decadently appointed suite. However the magic strikes you, there are a million ways to realize that Ashford Castle is a living Irish fairytale.
What We Loved: If you visit Ashford Castle’s website, its running tag line is “Exceptional in every sense.” And it’s not wrong. Ashford Castle has long been recognized as one of Ireland’s top hotels, and it doesn’t disappoint. We love that the castle feels deeply rooted in its surroundings. Staff, many of whom have been working at Ashford for 20+ years, bring a really personal, wholesome face to the impeccable service at this larger, resort-style property.
What We Didn’t Love: A bit of commercialization is par for the course when you become one of the country’s best known hotels. There are 83 rooms here, so your stay might not feel as intimate as one at Ballyfin or Adare.
Right For: Families with kids (there’s a Lego concierge) looking for an unstuffy castle experience in Ireland.
Wrong For: People who prefer bright, open, airy spaces. Minimalists.
Best Time to Visit: The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain, but the rain in Ireland falls mainly all the time. You’re going to get wet no matter when you visit, so go between July-October for the warmest weather. Christmas time is underratedly magical.
TLF Tip: Ashford Castle’s resident Irish Wolf Hounds, Cronan and Garvan, take their daily walk around the estate grounds every morning at 8:30. Don’t miss a chance to accompany these local celebrities as they make their rounds.