Ashford Castle
Cong Galway Ireland
Ashford Castle
Castle - Cong
For over 700 years, Ashford Castle has perfected its offering of fine Irish hospitality and countryside amusements from within its 350 acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib.
Dating back to 1228, with 83 spectacular rooms, suites and the Hideaway Cottage, a wealth of activities and plenty of thoughtful touches, Ashford Castle offers guests acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.
At a glance:
5 star historic castle hotel
83 luxurious rooms and suites
Travel & Leisure ‘World’s Best Awards 2016’
Home to Ireland’s first ‘School of Falconry’
State of the art spa on-site
Set amongst 350 acres of ancient woodland
Fine dining Irish cuisine
Enjoy award-winning gourmet food in the George V Restaurant, Traditional Lord and Lady Ardilaun’s Afternoon Tea, a light snack in the Drawing Room, a casual dining experience in Cullen’s at the Cottage or The Dungeon or pre-dinner drinks in the Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar.
While vacationing on the estate, the choice of activities will fill many a happy day. Take on the challenge of the castle’s nine hole private golf course, visit the Ashford Equestrian Centre or fish on the great lake and rivers that pass through the estate.
An ideal venue for your corporate event
Whatever you have in mind, Ashford Castle will rise to the occassion and exceed all expectations.
A successful event requires a suitably impressive and remarkable venue – and they don’t come more majestic and dramatic than Ashford Castle. As the castle swings into view, with its mighty towers and battlements, surrounded by emerald lawns and sparkling waters, one cannot fail to gasp in astonishment. Once inside, the grandeur of the interiors, the splendour of the furnishings, the sheer sense of history and the warmth of the welcome is nothing short of bewitching.
Whatever you have in mind, from an inspiring sales convention to a dramatic product launch, a major corporate celebration to a powerful team building event, Ashford Castle will rise to the occasion with consummate ease to ensure the experience exceeds all expectations. It offers a variety of different spaces, from the intimate to the lavish, and is also available on an exclusive use basis.
One of the most unique and romantic wedding venues in Ireland.
It is every bride’s desire is to have her own special wedding day; Ashford Castle is one of the most unique and romantic wedding venues in Ireland and, with two churches located in and around the 5 star castle hotel grounds, your day can be as relaxed as it should be.
The close-knit team of experienced staff at Ashford are equipped with all the skills, talent and enthusiasm required to make every moment utterly magical. Their attention to detail and passion for excellence are sure to exceed your every expectation.
Property Features
- Castle
- 83 bed
- 83 bath
- 180 Parking Spaces
- Air Conditioning
- Pool
- Alarm System
- 30 Toilet
- 90 Garage
- 90 Carport
- Secure Parking
- Study
- Gym
- Broadband
- Pay TV
- Vacuum System
- Intercom
- Spa
- Tennis Court
- Balcony
- Deck
- Courtyard
- Outdoor Entertaining
- Shed
- Split System Heating
- Split System Aircon
- billiards
- cigar room
- Wine cellar
Ashford Castle's History
With over 700 years of history Ashford Castle is now Virtuoso's 'Best Hotel in the World'.
1228
De Burgo Family
Ashford Castle was founded by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following their defeat of the native O'Connors of Connaught. The de Burgos built several such castles throughout the province, but Ashford in Ireland remained the principal stronghold.
1589
Sir Richard Bingham
After more than three and a half centuries under the de Burgos, Ashford passed into the hands of Sir Richard Bingham, Lord President of Connaught, following a fierce battle against the forces of the de Burgos. A fortified enclave is added within its precincts.
1715
The Browne Family
The famous Ashford Estate was established by the Browne family and a fabulous French style château was added to the architectural splendour of the castle. The double-headed eagles, still visible on the roof, represent the coat of arms of the Brownes.
1852
Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness
Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased Ashford and extended the estate to 26,000 acres, building new roads, planting thousands of trees and adding two large Victorian-style extensions.
1868
Lord Ardilaun Guinness
Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness bequeathed Ashford to his son, Lord Ardilaun, an avid gardener who oversaw the development of massive woodlands and rebuilt the entire west wing of the castle.
1915
First Class Hotel
Ashford was retained by the Iveagh Trust on behalf of the Guinness family until it was bought by Noel Huggard in 1939. Huggard established the castle as a first-class hotel renowned for the provision of its country pursuits.
1951
The Quiet Man
The director John Ford came to the West of Ireland to film what would become a movie classic "The Quiet Man". Many of the film stars stayed at Ashford.
1970
Restoration and Expansion
Ashford Castle Hotel was bought by John Mulcahy who oversaw its complete restoration and expansion, doubling its size, building the golf course and developing the grounds and gardens.
1985
Best Hotel in Ireland
A group of Irish American investors purchased Ashford Castle. In the 16 years since, Ashford has been voted not only one of the best hotels in Ireland by the most discerning guidebooks, but also one of the top 50 resort properties in Europe.
2013
Red Carnation Hotels
In May 2013, Ashford Castle was bought by Red Carnation Hotels and began a major refurbishment to bring the castle back to its former glory.
2014
Further Refurbishment
As part of the new refurbishment Ashford Castle introduced a 30 seat cinema, luxurious billiards room and cigar terrace. In 2014, The Lodge at Ashford Castle was acquired by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
2015
Best Hotel in the World
In August 2015 Ashford Castle introduced the brand new state-of-the-art Spa, wine tasting tunnels and was voted Virtuoso Best Hotel in the World 2015.
PRICING RATES
Ashford Castle's table of pricing
| CATEGORY | RATES |
|---|---|
| Corrib Room » | €325 - €675 |
| Corrib Lake View » | €360 - €755 |
| Deluxe Room » | €395 - €850 |
| Deluxe Lake View » | €435 - €950 |
| Deluxe Queen » | €495 - €995 |
| Junior Stateroom » | €725 - €1725 |
| Stateroom » | €1750 - €2550 |
| Suite » | €2000 - €2750 |
| Presidential Suite » | €3250 - €5000 |
| Hideaway Cottage » | €2500 - €3500 |
PROPERTY VIDEO
How to reach Ashford Castle
Just 45 minutes from Galway City; 90 minutes from Shannon Airport and 45 minutes from Knock Airport. Ashford Castle is situated among some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, offering unlimited possibilities for short driving tours.
Within a few hours you can sample magnificent mountain vistas, enchanting seascapes, and the broad expanses of wild and colourful countryside for which Connemara is famous.
