The Crown Jewel of Irish Hospitality
Reflected in the shimmering waters of Lough Corrib and surrounded by 350 acres of ancient woodland, Ashford Castle is more than just a hotel; it is an institution. For 800 years, this magnificent estate has been a playground for the powerful—from fierce Anglo-Norman conquerors and native Irish nobility to the brewery titans of the Guinness family and, in modern times, Hollywood royalty. Today, it stands as one of the most luxurious 5-star hotels in the world, consistently voted among the best by travel publications like Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure.
But to view Ashford merely as a place to sleep is to miss the point. It is a living museum where the layers of history are visible in every stone, turret, and pane of glass. A stay here offers a chance to live like a lord or lady from a bygone era, complete with falconry, clay pigeon shooting, and afternoon tea in rooms that have hosted kings and presidents.
A History Layered in Stone
Ashford Castle is not a single building from one era, but a patchwork of architectural styles that tells the story of Ireland's turbulent past.
The de Burgo Stronghold (1228)
The story began in 1228 when the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family defeated the native O'Connor clan and built a fortress on a monastic site near the village of Cong. They ruled the province of Connacht from here for centuries. The original 13th-century structure was a formidable defensive castle, designed to hold territory in a hostile land. Although much modified, the stout medieval walls still form the core of the building today.
The Bingham Era and the Fortress Walls (1715)
After a fierce battle in 1589, the castle fell to the English Lord President of Connacht, Sir Richard Bingham. The Binghams added a fortified enclave within the precinct, and in 1715, the estate (now called Ashford) was established. They built a French-style hunting lodge which softened the martial appearance of the medieval keep. The double-headed eagle of the Bingham coat of arms can still be seen on the roof of the castle today.
The Guinness Golden Age (1852)
Ashford's transformation into a Victorian palace began in 1852 when it was purchased by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness. The Guinness family extended the estate to a massive 26,000 acres and embarked on a huge building program. They added two large Victorian extensions in the neo-Gothic style, renovated the west wing, and planted thousands of trees, creating the lush woodlands that surround the castle today.
His son, Lord Ardilaun (Arthur Guinness), was an avid gardener and continued the work, overseeing the development of the immaculate formal gardens and the broad lawns sloping down to the lake. He was a benevolent landlord, and a stone obelisk in the grounds still stands as a testament to the local people's gratitude for his support during famine times.
From Home to Hotel (1939)
The castle remained in the Guinness family until 1939, when it was sold to Noel Huggard, an enterprising hotelier. He opened it as a first-class hotel, instantly attracting a wealthy clientele. In 2013, it was acquired by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, who poured over €75 million into a restoration that included replacing 800 windows, re-roofing the entire structure, and sourcing antique furniture and art to ensure every corner exuded historic charm.
The Quiet Man Discovers Cong
In 1951, Ashford Castle and the neighboring village of Cong became the center of the cinematic world. Hollywood director John Ford arrived to film his Technicolor masterpiece, The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara. Many of the cast and crew stayed at the castle.
The film has left an indelible mark on the area. The castle grounds feature prominently in the movie, and scenes like the fight at the bridge and the courting in the churchyard were filmed nearby. Today, fans ('Quiet Man Crazies') travel from all over the globe to walk in the Duke's footsteps. The hotel even has a private cinema room where guests can watch the film during their stay.
Inside the Castle
Walking through the public rooms of Ashford Castle is like attending a house party in the 19th century.
- The George V Dining Room: Built by the Guinness family to host the Prince of Wales (later George V) in 1905, this room is the epitome of grandeur. With rich oak paneling, eleven dazzling Waterford crystal chandeliers, and a resident pianist, dinner here is a formal and theatrical affair.
- The Connaught Room: A more intimate space often used for private dining or afternoon tea. It features a spectacular carved fireplace and views over the Lough.
- The Prince of Wales Bar: Originally the gun room of the estate, this bar is filled with memorabilia and offers a cozy, club-like atmosphere—perfect for a pint of Guinness by the fire.
- The Dungeon: Located in the lower ground floor of the medieval wing, this bistro-style restaurant serves more casual fare in a setting of arched stone ceilings and suits of armor.
The Estate: A 350-Acre Playground
The activities available on the estate are as much a draw as the castle itself.
School of Falconry
Ashford is home to Ireland's oldest School of Falconry. This is not just a display; guests can take a 'Hawk Walk,' where a Harris hawk is trained to fly from the trees and land on your gloved fist. It is an exhilarating experience that connects you directly to the noble pursuits of the castle's medieval founders.
Lough Corrib Cruise
The castle sits on the shores of Lough Corrib, the second-largest lake in Ireland. A daily cruise (on the boat 'Isle of Inisfree') takes guests around the lake's 365 islands. The views of the castle from the water, rising out of the forest with the Connemara mountains in the background, are unforgettable.
Clay Pigeon Shooting & Archery
For those wishing to test their aim, the estate offers clay shooting and archery ranges. Instructors guide guests through the basics, making it accessible even for beginners.
Visitor Information
Ashford Castle is located in the village of Cong, County Mayo, about a 45-minute drive from Galway City.
- Access for Non-Residents: Unlike many luxury hotels, the grounds of Ashford Castle are open to day visitors for a fee. This entry fee allows you to walk the beautiful gardens, visit the bridge from 'The Quiet Man', and see the exterior of the castle. However, access to the interior (lobby, restaurants, bars) is generally restricted to hotel guests and those with dining reservations.
- Afternoon Tea: The best way for a non-resident to see the inside is to book Afternoon Tea in the Connaught Room. It is a wildly popular tradition and must be booked weeks in advance.
- Dress Code: In the evenings, the George V Dining Room enforces a strict dress code (jacket and tie for men). Elsewhere, the atmosphere is 'smart casual'.
- The Lodge at Ashford: For those who find the castle rates a bit steep, the sister property, 'The Lodge at Ashford Castle', located on the estate grounds, offers a more contemporary and slightly more affordable alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I just walk in?
- You can pay an admission fee at the gate to walk the grounds and gardens. You cannot enter the hotel building without a reservation.
- Is it haunted?
- Of course. Local legend speaks of the ghost of a servant girl from the 19th century, but guests generally report a very peaceful sleep!
- How much is a night?
- Rates vary by season, but expect to pay upwards of €800 per night for a standard room, with suites costing significantly more.