There’s a mild obsession that most have with castles. Perhaps it’s those Robin Hood and King Arthur tales from our childhood or for a bride dreaming of her fairytale wedding in a castle and to feel like a princess for the day. Perhaps it’s just the idea that one gets to have a brush with royalty knowing that these have been the homes of royalty and nobles for hundreds of years. There are impressive castles throughout Europe and in Ireland, on the shores of Lough Corrib, the Ashford Castle is today the Ireland’s quintessential luxury castle and has been the resting place for royalty and the well-to-do since the 13th century.
Past the grand stone gates and verdant green lawn there is the view of the lake and there sits the Ashford Castle. It is a majestic and daunting sight of this luxury castle of Ireland, as one approaches over the knoll as the massive structure of gray stoned walls and turrets sprawl across the expanse. There’s a need to go slowly, to savor the moment as you cross a stone bridge and guard house to arrive at the entrance. The doorman dressed in his uniform of a green coat and top hat gives a warm greeting with his lovely singsong Irish accent: Welcome to the Ashford Castle.
"
"There’s a reason why Ashford Castle has a legion of repeat guests, fans and a cadre of luxury travel awards; it is simply the quintessential royal holiday."
As you enter, the sense of history and gravitas begins to set in. You are in one of the world’s top castle hotels where generations of royalty have lived for 800 years. There is a 400 year old suit of armor used in the joust that seems to peer at you as you walk into the parlor. The grandeur of the castle is on full display with fine Irish craftsmanship of ornately carved wood paneling, molding, and arches. Expect to spend extra moments absorbed by the ubiquitous Waterford and Donegal crystal chandeliers, priceless artworks, woven tapestries, oil portraits of historical figures and delicate antique furnishings. Yet through it all, the castle never feels like a museum. Perhaps it’s the infectiously warm Irish hospitality of the staff, or the modern conveniences. Either way, the castle invites one to enjoy and experience versus to just admire.
The edifice has gone through several hands since it was founded in 1228 by Anglo-Norman de Burgo family who claimed direct descent from Charlemagne. In 1852 the estate became the home of the Guinness family who expanded the castle structure with two large Victorian-style extensions and Neo-Gothic wing which style was in vogue during that era. After other owners and a period of less ambitious care and development, it was purchased by the Red Carnation Group in 2013 who worked tirelessly and invested millions upon millions to bring the castle back to its former glory. It is now regarded as one of the top castle hotels in the world and was in fact voted by Virtuoso as the Number 1 hotel in the world in 2015.
The castle’s former guests reads like a who’s who of royalty, heads of state, and entertainment icons. President Reagan stayed there while in office as did with Bono, Robin Williams, Sharon Stone, and countless others. Pierce Brosnan was even married there.
The castle’s rooms are unique with a range of color palates and designs from floral to bold and vibrant. All have exquisite chandeliers, oil portraits of landlords past, delicate antiques and fine objects d’art. The furnishings are exquisite as well with canopy and four poster beds, chairs and lounges of the highest craftsmanship and detail. Today’s conveniences and technology has been seamlessly combined within the historic structure for a modernly comfortable stay.
Accommodations range in size from rooms to the larger family and the presidential suite. The presidential suite became the Ronald Reagan suite after his visit as head of state in the 1980s. It is their top category suite since it was built in 1228 and has a parlor with fireplace and wonderful views of the grounds and lake. The bedroom is quite spacious with his and her bathrooms, second fireplace, canopied bed, chaise lounge and more fine furnishings and antiques.
The hotel has only 83 rooms and due to strict laws to preserve this historical icon, no additional development will occur. Guests may opt to stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle which is also located on the castle grounds. The property is more like a country inn with 64 rooms and suites.
The dining options at the Ashford Castle range from an epicurean feast in an opulent setting to more casual Irish fare in The Dungeon or to a splendid proper high tea.
The King George V Dining room nothing less than a stately dining experience. The restaurant is named in the honor of the visit of the Prince of Wales in 1905 who became King George V of England. The setting is majestic with vaulted ceilings, rich wooden panel walls, and twinkling Waterford crystal chandeliers with a staff decked out in tuxedos and tails. This is a formal affair and as you take your seat you’ll notice the live piano music setting the romantic tone for the evening.
The cuisine is helmed by celebrated Chef Philippe Farineau who applies haute French cooking techniques and presentations to dishes created from seasonal ingredients from the west of Ireland. The menu ranges from exotic to haute traditional and includes a few selections from the grand dame of the Red Carnation hotels, Beatrice Tollman. Expect an exceptional wine pairing as well from their 1000 bottle wine cellar and expertise of their talented sommeliers. The service is on par with the cuisine with the nattily dressed staff providing attentive service just short of mind reading.
After dinner, guests are invited into the drawing room for entertainment and co*cktails. One of the performances is by local Irish songbird, Kai, who sings Irish ballads as if her voice was touched by an angel. If you close your eyes you would swear that you were listening to an intimate performance by Julie Andrews.
Once you arrive at the Ashford Castle, there’s really no reason to go anywhere else until the time of departure as there’s so much to do there, indoors and out. Beyond just getting lost marveling at all of the centuries old coats of arms, oil portraits and other objects d’ art head to The Billards Room or Prince of Wales Bar. There’s also a good sized theater for movie nights some great films and box of popcorn.
The castle also boasts one of the top spa experiences in Ireland with five treatment rooms, revitalizing Hamman, and a steam room. The relaxation pool is located within a bronze conservatory and is really a work of art with ornate chandeliers in the form seashells and a tile mosaic on the wall depicting Irish Celtic Mythology.
The Ashford Castle is surrounded 350 acres of waterfront land, ancient thick wooded forests busting with wildlife and trout filled rivers and streams. Trekkers will love the countless trails where you may not see another soul for hours.
