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Ashford Castle

Cong, Ireland

800-years of history, luxury and legacy in the West of Ireland.

Property Overview

Under the leadership of Managing Director Niall Rochford and Hotel Manager Gregory Brossard, Ashford Castle stands as an iconic symbol of Irish tradition, warm hospitality, and timeless elegance. Set along the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle blends centuries of history with refined interiors and a sense of place unique to the Irish countryside. This 800-year-old castle and 350-acre estate, home to Ireland’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa, was once the residence of the Guinness family. A thoughtful restoration completed by Red Carnation in 2014 and 2015 brought new life to the historic estate.

Ashford Castle pairs centuries-old character with contemporary comforts, inviting guests to experience Ireland’s history alongside thoughtful modern amenities. One of Ashford Castle’s defining qualities is its warm and welcoming team. Many staff members have been with the hotel for decades, offering service defined by intuition and genuine care. Guests are not only remembered, but genuinely understood. Every stay feels thoughtfully tailored, with details carefully anticipated throughout. From traditional afternoon tea in The Connaught Room and refined dining in the George V Dining Room to treatments at the award-winning spa, falconry, horseback riding, and morning dog walks around the estate, Ashford Castle reflects the warmth of Irish hospitality through experiences that balance heritage with contemporary comfort.

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Agent Tips

  • Explore beyond the castle with quiet woodland paths, lakeside walks, and even a private island picnic on Lough Corrib.
  • Don’t over-plan. Ashford shines when guests leave space to wander.
  • Known as the “Real House of Guinness,” Ashford Castle offers heritage experiences that connect guests to its storied history.
Rooms + Suites

Traditional elegance and thoughtful design.

Each of the 83 rooms, suites, and The Boathouse at Ashford Castle reflects traditional elegance and thoughtful design. Guests can expect carefully considered comforts throughout, including the historic Boathouse perched above the lake, where couples can retreat in complete privacy.
Pool + Gym

Plentiful pool, fitness, and wellness options.

Guests have access to both the award-winning spa pool overlooking Lough Corrib and the estate’s Éalú wellness center, which features a light-filled fifty-foot swimming pool designed for relaxation and gentle exercise. Additional fitness facilities are available both within Ashford Castle and at Éalú, the estate’s modern wellness and fitness center. Éalú includes a fully equipped Life Fitness gym, a functional training studio, sauna and steam room, and the fifty-foot pool, along with movement classes such as yoga and interval training available upon request. On-demand digital workouts and personal training sessions are also offered. Within the castle itself, a smaller fitness suite with floor-to-ceiling lake views provides an additional space to work out. Personal trainers are available to tailor sessions to individual goals.
Spa

A serene, adult-focused retreat.

The Spa at Ashford Castle is a serene, adult-focused retreat and Ireland’s only Forbes Five-Star Spa, anchored by a striking relaxation pool overlooking Lough Corrib, with white coral chandeliers and a dramatic Celtic Tree of Life mural. Facilities include a hammam, steam room, and elegant treatment suites, with bespoke spa journeys designed around restoration, balance, and a strong sense of place.
Restaurant + Bar

Seasonal Irish dining and historic cocktail spaces.

Dining across the Ashford Estate is guided by seasonal Irish produce, estate-grown ingredients, and thoughtful craftsmanship under the direction of Executive Chef Liam Finnegan. At the castle, guests can enjoy refined dining in the George V Dining Room alongside more relaxed options such as Cullen’s at the Cottage and the atmospheric Dungeon, where menus showcase fresh seafood and classic Irish dishes. Many ingredients are sourced from the estate’s historic kitchen gardens and surrounding woodlands, while additional dining is available at Wilde’s at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, serving contemporary Irish cuisine with views over Lough Corrib. The Prince of Wales Bar is a richly atmospheric space steeped in history and named after the future King George V, who visited in 1905. Original wood paneling, an open fireplace, and plush furnishings create an intimate setting for expertly crafted cocktails, fine Irish whiskeys, and classic aperitifs, making it a natural gathering place before or after dinner.
  • Vibe
    A grand yet welcoming castle estate offering immersive Irish heritage experiences with polished five-star hospitality.
  • Who's it for?
    Ideal for multigenerational families, romantic milestone trips, and experience-led travelers seeking a fully contained estate with outdoor pursuits, wellness, refined dining, and authentic Irish culture.
  • Location
    Set within the 350-acre Ashford Estate along the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is reached by winding woodland drives that reveal ancient forests and glittering lake islands, creating a strong sense of arrival and seclusion.

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