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Overview
Set within 350 acres of landscaped gardens and ancient woodland on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle offers a world-class escape where history, luxury and warm Irish hospitality come together.
This legendary retreat, once home to the Guinness family, blends timeless elegance with modern comforts. Each room and suite is individually designed, filled with character and charm, offering guests a unique sense of heritage while ensuring the highest standard of comfort. Whether you’re looking for a romantic hideaway or a memorable family getaway, Ashford Castle provides the perfect setting.
Step outside and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the estate. From scenic woodland walks and lake views to falconry, horse riding and fishing, the grounds are alive with experiences that connect you with the great outdoors. Golf, cycling and boat trips on Lough Corrib add to the list of adventures waiting to be discovered.
After a day of exploration, return to the castle and unwind in its award-winning spa, a sanctuary designed for relaxation and renewal. Dining at Ashford Castle is a highlight in itself, with a collection of restaurants and bars that celebrate Ireland’s finest seasonal produce. From fine dining in the George V Dining Room to more casual yet refined experiences in the Drawing Room or Dungeon, every meal is thoughtfully crafted to impress.
Steeped in over 800 years of history, Ashford Castle has been transformed into one of the world’s most distinguished hotels, recognised internationally for its impeccable service and unique charm. It stands as a proud symbol of Ireland’s heritage, offering guests an unforgettable blend of tradition and luxury.
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, a family adventure or a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, Ashford Castle promises an experience that will remain with you long after your visit.
Read MoreDining
Dining at Ashford Castle is a true celebration of Irish produce and culinary artistry, where tradition meets contemporary flair. From elegant fine dining to relaxed and ambient settings, every experience reflects the estate’s dedication to excellence.
Our evening began in the George V Dining Room with an amuse bouche of delicate smoked salmon tartlet topped with a hint of dill cream – the perfect opener for what followed. Seared Atlantic Halibut was presented with a saffron beurre blanc and tender samphire, each bite capturing the freshness of the west coast. Equally memorable was the Skeaghanore Duck, served with confit leg, caramelised parsnip and a subtle cherry glaze. Cooked with precision, it delivered rich flavours that paired beautifully with a glass of Pinot Noir recommended by the sommelier.
Dessert was a highlight – a decadent Valrhona chocolate sphere, gently melted at the table with warm caramel sauce to reveal a hazelnut praline centre. A pairing of late harvest Riesling added a delicate sweetness that completed the experience with elegance.
Breakfast at Ashford Castle is just as impressive, served in the grandeur of the George V Dining Room or, for early risers or those who are on the run, in the Drawing Room. Guests can enjoy a lavish buffet of fresh pastries, seasonal fruits and locally cured meats, alongside an à la carte selection featuring favourites such as a full Irish breakfast, smoked salmon with scrambled eggs and fluffy buttermilk pancakes. All pastries and breads are made in-house, showcasing the skill of the castle’s talented bakers. A unique feature of breakfast is the Juice Sommelier Trolley, where freshly pressed juices are crafted tableside to suit each guest’s taste and mood. One of the highlights of dining in the George V Dining Room is the famous Breakfast Ham Trolley, where guests are treated to a tableside carving of beautifully glazed Irish ham – a signature experience that captures the theatre and tradition of dining at Ashford Castle.
Beyond the main dining room, Ashford Castle offers a rich collection of experiences – Afternoon Tea in the Connaught Room overlooking the gardens, and The Dungeon, a casual dining restaurant focused on grilling and roasting meat and fish on a Josper Grill. The estate also offers wine tastings in the authentic cellars, while its intimate bars and lounges serve fine wines, cocktails and an exceptional collection of Irish whiskeys.
Every dining experience is elevated by the professionalism and warmth of the staff. Their knowledge of both food and wine ensures each course is not only enjoyed but remembered, making dining at Ashford Castle an experience that lingers long after the final bite.
Set in a sumptuous space built in 1905 in honour of the future King George V, the George V Dining Room at Ashford Castle exudes grandeur and refinement. Rich panelled walls, glittering chandeliers and a classic sense of occasion frame every meal, creating an atmosphere of timeless elegance.
Under the direction of Executive Head Chef Liam Finnegan, the cuisine offers elevated, seasonal Irish fare with strong respect for provenance and impeccable execution. Each dish is a showcase of local and estate produce, complemented by a wine list curated with care by Head Sommelier Paul Fogerty.
Highlights & Details
Ambience: Grand and elegant, ideal for special occasions with décor that enhances rather than overwhelms.
Menu Options: Table d’hôte and tasting menus, including vegetarian and vegan options plus a children’s menu.
Dress Code: Formal – jacket required for gentlemen at dinner.
Opening Hours: Dinner is served 6.30pm to 9.30pm daily with breakfast also offered in the George V Dining Room.
Stanley’s
The Dungeon
Wilde’s at The Lodge
The Prince of Wales Bar
The Billiards Room & Cigar Terrace
The Wine CellarRooms & Facilities
Ashford Castle offers 83 individually designed rooms and suites, each blending historic character with modern luxury. From the richly adorned Corrib Rooms to the elegant suites once favoured by royalty and film stars, every space is unique. Décor features antique furnishings, bespoke fabrics and carefully restored period details, paired with contemporary comforts such as marble-clad bathrooms and state-of-the-art amenities. Many rooms enjoy views over Lough Corrib, the River Cong or the landscaped gardens, creating a sense of tranquillity and grandeur.
The castle is ideal for couples, families and multigenerational parties, offering a setting that combines timeless elegance with comfort and warmth. For those seeking a more intimate atmosphere, The Lodge at Ashford Castle provides contemporary rooms and suites with a relaxed, boutique feel – perfect for families or guests who prefer a modern twist.
Facilities throughout the estate are extensive. Éalú, the leisure facility at Ashford Castle, offers guests access to a swimming pool, steam room, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and fitness suite. The award-winning Spa includes a relaxation pool, hammam, steam room and treatment rooms offering bespoke therapies. The 350-acre estate provides endless opportunities for activity and leisure – from golf and horse riding to cycling, fishing and woodland walks.
In-room touches include complimentary Wi-Fi, luxury toiletries, plush robes and slippers, tea and coffee facilities, minibar and turndown service. The castle also features intimate bars, a private cinema, wine cellar, billiards room and a variety of family-friendly activities such as family croquet and boules, ensuring every guest feels well cared for.
Whether visiting for a romantic escape, a family gathering or a multigenerational celebration, Ashford Castle’s rooms and facilities promise an experience of comfort, charm and indulgence.
Exceptional Rooms & Suites
Each room and suite is designed to balance the character of an 800-year-old castle with the comforts expected of a five-star stay. No two rooms are the same – all are individually styled with rich fabrics, antique furniture and carefully restored period details.
Guests can choose Corrib Rooms with views over the lake, Deluxe Rooms with generous layouts and classic décor or Lake View Rooms that capture some of the estate’s finest outlooks.
For extra floor space, the Junior Staterooms and higher categories offer more generous proportions, with some featuring separate sitting rooms. The Reagan Presidential Suite, the castle’s only Signature Suite, brings an added sense of prestige with ornate design features, an open fireplace and touches that reflect the castle’s history of welcoming notable guests.
The Kennedy Stateroom and others within this category were once used by the Guinness family, showcasing original features such as 15ft-high ceilings and period fireplaces that preserve the heritage of the castle’s grand past.
Every room includes thoughtful details such as high-quality linens, plush robes and slippers, luxury toiletries, complimentary Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, minibar, tea and coffee facilities and an in-room safe.
For those who prefer a more modern setting, The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers contemporary rooms and suites with stylish interiors and views across Lough Corrib – a relaxed alternative to the grandeur of the castle itself.
With its variety of options, Ashford Castle Estate caters for romantic escapes, family stays or simply anyone looking for comfort in a setting with real character.
Sustainability
Sustainability at Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle takes sustainability seriously, weaving it into every part of the guest experience and daily operations. As part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the estate shares a commitment to reaching net zero emissions by 2050 while developing its own ambitious projects to protect the environment, support local producers and preserve Irish traditions.
The Castle’s kitchens have become leaders in waste reduction. Since partnering with Winnow in 2019, food waste has been cut by 69%. Chefs embrace a creative, zero-waste approach – croissants are repurposed into bread and butter pudding for staff, sourdough trimmings become crackers for the cheese trolley, and leftover fruit and vegetable scraps are transformed into purees, pestos, vinegars, kombucha and stocks. Even potato peelings are made into fries, while chocolate trimmings are reinvented as sauces or brownies. Every ingredient is valued and nothing goes to waste.
Beyond the kitchen, sustainability flourishes across the estate. Ashford partners with almost 30 local suppliers and farmers, ensuring menus highlight the best Irish produce while supporting the surrounding community. Guest experiences are also rooted in tradition, from foraging and wool spinning to breadmaking and distilling – all designed to celebrate Irish craft and culture.
Nature is at the centre of the estate’s vision. In 2021, a garden project was launched using “no-dig” and biodynamic principles, now home to more than 70 beds of vegetables, fruits and edible flowers, alongside fruit trees, a truffle grove and beehives. Most recently, a 300-tree apple orchard was planted to pave the way for estate-made cider and liqueurs.
Ashford Castle’s sustainability journey blends heritage with innovation. It’s a place where luxury coexists with responsibility, ensuring the estate remains as inspiring for future generations as it is for today’s guests.
Nearby Experiences
Experiences- Accommodation
- Dining
- Cook & Shop
- Meet the Makers
