Luxury Hotels Atlas / Places / Ireland / Cong / Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle
Cong, Ireland · Red Carnation · Grand Luxury
Ashford Castle was founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, western Ireland. The Guinness family expanded the estate in the 19th century into the present castle, set within a 350-acre estate. In 2013, the Tollman family's Red Carnation Hotels acquired the property and completed a 75 million euro renovation in 2015. That span of ownership, from medieval Norman foundation to Guinness-era expansion to 21st-century restoration, gives the castle a layered architectural history spanning nearly eight centuries.
- 83 rooms
- Opened 1939
- Neighborhood: Ashford Or Cappacorcoge
About Ashford Castle
- Irish wolfhounds visit the lobby in the morning; guests can sometimes walk them through adjacent woodlands.
- A new wellness centre with gym and a full-size pool opened in late 2023, complementing the existing spa.
- The Reagan Suite is among the most impressive rooms; try for a lake-facing chamber on Lough Corrib.
History
Founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family, expanded by the Guinness family in the 19th century into the present castle. Acquired by the Tollman family's Red Carnation Hotels in 2013 and restored after a €75M renovation completed in 2015.
The setting
On a 350-acre estate on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, western Ireland. 9-minute walk to Gothic Cong Abbey.
Restaurants and bars
- The George V Dining Room — Restaurant · Modern Irish · Chef Liam Finnegan
- Cullen's at the Cottage — Bar · Irish pub fare
- The Dungeon Bar — Bar · Cocktails / whiskey
- Prince of Wales Bar — Bar
Experiences
- Blacksmithing — Guests can try blacksmithing, as shadowed by a writer for Condé Nast Traveler.
- Falconry — Guests can handle a hawk during falconry.
- Wolfhound walking — Walks with the castle's Irish wolfhounds.
- Wine tasting in the cellars — Candlelit wine tasting at a wooden table in the wine cellars, with castle history.
- Horseback riding and fishing — Outdoor activities such as horseback riding and fishing offered as part of an extended honeymoon stay.
Amenities
- Spa
- Indoor pool
- Falconry school (Ireland's oldest)
- Golf (9-hole)
- Equestrian center
- Boating on Lough Corrib
- Irish wolfhounds
- Hot tub
- Fitness center
- Cinema
- Pet-friendly
Awards
- Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star (2026)
- MICHELIN Two Keys (2026)
- Andrew Harper Editors Choice (2025)
- Andrew Harper Members Choice (2025)
- Condé Nast Traveller Readers' Choice Awards (2025)
Open Ashford Castle in the atlas for live weekend rates, photos, and the full folio.
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