Ashford Castle

Some of the words that come to mind when trying to describe a stay at Ashford Castle in Ireland are superb, immaculate, luxurious, perfection, attentive, picturesque, world-class, stunning and enchanting. However, I find there are no words that can actually describe the beauty and experience of staying at Ashford Castle. The love and attention to detail of the restoration shine through when you cross the bridge and catch your first sight of the castle and continue through the smallest of details. There is nothing overlooked to make your stay a fairy-tale come true. This was our second stay at the Castle, we had the pleasure of staying for seven days on the estate for our 30th anniversary in March The last time we visited was 6 years ago, and typically the 2nd stay never quite lives up to the first time. I am delighted to say that our 2nd visit not only lived up to the first stay, it surpassed it in every way. The interior and rooms are stunning, and the grounds are absolutely breathtaking. No matter where you look there is always something special that captures your attention. I spent one rainy day exploring the interior of the castle and I still didn’t manage to see everything, but I did manage to take over 500 pictures. Dinner at the George V is an experience not to be missed, we dinned there two nights, and it is an indescribable experience. The meals are wonderful and the presentation over the top. The deserts are to die for. Ashford has so many activities you never need to leave the estate, we did the hawk walk, clay shooting, the Lake Corrib cruise, the spa, the new health and fitness center Ealu, and a fishing trip on Lake Corrib for my husband. The school of falconry was our absolute favorite, we scheduled to visits during our stay. The 2nd visit was an extended walk, however due to some due to some mischief-making birds and one guide having to wade into waste deep water in order to retrieve said mischief-making hawk. The staff more than made up for it by letting us visit Dingle the owl and letting us fly him in the aviary and introducing us to their adorable little ferrets. The only thing that surpasses the castle and estate is the staff. Everyone went out of their way to make sure our 30th anniversary was a truly indescribable experience. The exceptional service made us feel like royalty, and that we were the only guests there. During check-in we were offered a welcome cocktails and as a surprise they gave us the same room we had during our last stay with the most magnificent four poster bed. To celebrate our anniversary, they had specialty chocolates and handwritten cards wishing us a happy anniversary waiting in our room. We were also treated to glasses or champagne to celebrate. During our stay everyone at the Castle was so friendly and anticipated our every need, even things I didn’t know I needed. We enjoyed chatting with everyone and getting to know them. We were even able to reconnect wi

Much has been said about Ashford Castle and we had high expectations, I have to say we were not disappointed, we’ve stayed in a lot of high end hotels worldwide and this is probably the best from a service perspective we’ve ever experienced. Many places offer extras, detail and attention..,..but it’s usually false, the people here absolutely love their jobs and it shows the service is incredible. I can’t think of one thing I could criticise the location for aside from I guess the weather … but you don’t come to Ireland for the sunshine :) Loads to do, friendly people who are dedicated to your stay. It’s expensive but not bad value for money if your budget allows

Ashford was the highlight of our Ireland trip. We only stayed one night and arrived super early (9am) to make a whole day of using the amenities and it was the best time. Our Falcon Walk was a top 10 life experience for my husband and I. So educational and engaging, very different then I expected! From strolling the gorgeous gardens, bike rides across the estate, guided boat tour to a historical island and ending with the relaxation pool it was pure bliss! Aside from the architecture being pristine and magnificent, the staff and service level was unmatched. Every staff member knew our name thru out the stay and went above and beyond to help give tips or help if needed. We loved this place so much we wanted to book another night on the spot but our trip wouldn’t allow. If you ever have it to splurge do it now! Make a whole day of it and it feels worth the price!

Excellent 2 night stay, which was a surprise 70th birthday present for my wife Sue. What a place this is ! You cannot want for anything, everything you need and want for a superb relaxing experience. All members of staff were very professional. Needless to say we will be back next year.

I chose Ashford Castle to celebrate my 60th Birthday on a 2 night stay. I had an amazing stay! I loved everything about it; the castle was stunning; gorgous room, first-rate facilities, gorgeous food, and beautiful scenery. All the staff were so friendly and helpful, and helped me celebrate my 60th birthday. Loved the fact there was a cinema - watched The Quiet Man on my first night and on the second night a Daniel Craig James Bond film, ****** Royale. There's plenty of activities throughout your stay - I chose a lake cruise, and Cong village is a 10 minute walk from the hotel. All in all it was a memorable 60th birthday staying in this special place.