About this hotel
General information
Ashford Castle rises from the shore of Lough Corrib, the second-largest lake in Ireland, at the heart of a 350-acre estate in County Mayo. Its oldest parts date from the 13th and 17th centuries: a medieval stronghold that grew over time into a grand country house of towers, stone gateways and lakeside terraces, and is today a five-star hotel of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection.
There are 83 rooms and suites, among them The Boathouse, a stand-alone hideaway right at the water’s edge. No two are alike, with silk-lined walls, hand-chosen antiques, original art and Murano chandeliers. Around the castle lie formal parterres, walled gardens and old woodland alive with birdlife, and the estate is known for Ireland’s longest-established falconry school, its equestrian centre, fishing on Lough Corrib and a golf course of its own. Inside are several restaurants and bars, wine cellars, a cinema and a spa.
Location
The castle stands in the village of Cong in the west of Ireland, between Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with the mountains of Connemara to the west. Galway is about 43 km away, Knock airport 64 km (around 45 minutes by car), Shannon airport 135 km (about an hour and a half) and Dublin airport roughly 250 km (2 hours 45 minutes). The hotel arranges chauffeured transfers to all major Irish airports and private touring by car, and guests arriving by car have free on-site parking with electric-vehicle charging.
Spa
The Spa is set in a bronze conservatory looking out over Lough Corrib. Its centrepiece is a relaxation pool with jet seats, seashell chandeliers and a ‘Tree of Life’ mural drawn from Celtic mythology; alongside are a eucalyptus steam room with a heated marble slab, experience showers, five treatment rooms including one for couples, and a fitness suite with floor-to-ceiling lake views and a personal trainer. Treatments range from facials, scrubs and wraps to aromatherapy and marine therapies, using Augustinus Bader, Natura Bissé and VOYA, an Irish brand built on Atlantic seaweed, with OPI for hands and feet.
Sports & leisure
The Éalú leisure centre (Irish for ‘escape’) has a gym equipped by Life Fitness, a functional fitness studio, yoga, personal training and a therapy room for recovery treatments. Across the 350-acre estate there is plenty more:
- falconry — private hawk walks through the woods, flying Harris hawks with an instructor
- horse riding — guided trail rides along woodland paths for every level, and lessons in indoor and outdoor arenas
- fishing on Lough Corrib for brown trout, salmon and pike with a local guide in traditional wooden boats, fly-fishing lessons, and for experienced anglers Lough Mask and Connemara too
- guided trips across the lake in wooden boats, and canoeing
- a nine-hole, par-35 parkland golf course open to hotel guests
- clay shooting, archery and axe throwing
- two all-weather tennis courts
- cycling and walking trails across the estate, garden walks and complimentary guided tours, including the kitchen garden in season
- a 32-seat cinema with two screenings a day, painting sessions and a running companion
For children
A family experience manager helps plan activities and arranges family celebrations. Younger guests can try pony rides from the age of four, archery, fishing, boat trips on the lake and dog walking (each activity has its own age limits and needs booking ahead). The Lego Butler service delivers a chosen Lego set to the room on a silver tray on request, Éalú has a children’s splash pool and dedicated children’s hours, and the hotel can recommend qualified childminders.
Restaurants & bars
Restaurants and bars fill the castle’s grand rooms, lower floor and cellars, with one more in a cottage on the estate:
- George V Dining Room — the main dining room, panelled and lit by Waterford Crystal chandeliers: refined cooking from estate produce, signature beef carved at the table and tasting menus; breakfast is served here too
- The Connaught Room — an oak-panelled room with a carved fireplace and windows onto the gardens and lake, for afternoon tea and wine dinners
- The Dungeon — a relaxed bistro on the lower ground floor: Irish and international dishes, locally sourced steaks from the Josper grill and plant-based plates
- Cullen’s at the Cottage — a thatched cottage serving local cooking, seafood with a signature platter and rotisserie dishes, with lunch on the patio overlooking the castle in season
- Stanley’s — nine seats at a mahogany-and-marble counter facing an open kitchen: brunch, light lunches and dinners built on estate and west of Ireland produce
- The Drawing Room — a lounge looking across the lawns to Lough Corrib, for coffee, light lunches and drinks through the day
- The Prince of Wales Bar — wood panelling and an original fireplace, a signature cocktail and whiskey and gin tastings
- The Billiards Room & Cigar Terrace — a billiards room with antique furnishings, whiskeys and brandies, and cigars on a rooftop terrace above the River Cong
- The Wine Cellar — private tastings and wine dinners in three intimate rooms set in 16th-century passageways beneath the castle, poured with a Coravin system
Swimming
Swimmers use the 15-metre pool at Éalú, a light-filled pavilion with floor-to-ceiling windows, which also has a children’s splash pool, a jacuzzi, a steam room and a KLAFS sauna. The Spa adds a relaxation pool overlooking Lough Corrib.
Pets
Dogs are welcome in Deluxe Rooms and above, up to two per room depending on size and breed. They are given a bed, bowls with mineral water, towels and a turndown treat, and dog sitting and walking can be booked a day ahead; details are arranged in advance with the pet concierge.
Rooms
The 83 rooms and suites, The Boathouse among them, are individually decorated with antiques, silk-lined walls and heavy drapes, and look out over Lough Corrib, the River Cong or the estate. The Staterooms occupy the oldest parts of the castle, dating from the 13th and 17th centuries.
Every room has Egyptian cotton bed linen, Bayou Ashford Castle toiletries, an interactive TV with films and music on demand, turndown service and free high-speed Wi-Fi.
Corrib Room
An individually styled room looking towards the River Cong, with a king bed or twin beds; for up to two guests, with interconnecting rooms available.
Corrib Lake View Room
A traditionally styled room with distinctive furnishings, a chandelier and views over Lough Corrib; king, queen or twin beds for up to two guests.
Deluxe Room
A roomier room overlooking the estate, with a chandelier, custom-designed carpets and an in-room bar; for up to two guests.
Lake View Deluxe Room
A room with a seating area and Lough Corrib views, furnished with antiques that range from a late 17th-century Baroque tester bed to an 18th-century gilt trumeau mirror; for up to two guests.
Junior Stateroom
An individually designed room with antique furniture and fine views, some with a split-level sitting area; for two guests, with interconnecting rooms available.
Deluxe Queen Family Room
Two queen beds, a seating area and a large bathroom with a shower and marble basins, looking over Lough Corrib or the River Cong; for two adults and two children under 12, with interconnecting rooms available.
Suite
A king-bedded suite with a separate sitting room with sofa bed, a generous private dining area, chandeliers and an in-room bar; River Cong or Lough Corrib views, with interconnecting rooms available.
Stateroom
A grand room in the oldest part of the castle, with 4.6-metre ceilings, an original fireplace, Murano chandeliers, antiques, an in-room bar and a large bathroom; views over Lough Corrib or the River Cong.
The Boathouse
A former boathouse on the shore of Lough Corrib, a few minutes from the castle, with its own gardens, lakeside terrace and gates: handmade parquet floors, a Murano chandelier above a king bed and a marble bathroom with a bath for two and a large walk-in shower. For two guests, with a 24-hour butler and a pair of bicycles.
Presidential Suite
A split-level suite in the oldest wing of the castle, with an original fireplace, a Georgian-style four-poster, antiques, two bathrooms and floor-to-ceiling windows onto Lough Corrib. With two adjoining rooms it forms a private three-bedroom wing.
Photos are for illustrative purposes only. Actual room layout, furnishings, décor, views and amenities may differ from those shown and may vary between rooms of the same category. Hotel and room descriptions are based on information provided by the property and are believed to be accurate at the time of publication, but are not guaranteed. The hotel may renovate or change its rooms, facilities, restaurants and services at any time without notice. The final details of your stay are confirmed at the time of booking. See our Terms of Use.