If you’ve ever wanted to experience fairy tales in real life, then why not add Ireland to your bucket list? Lush greenery, picturesque towns and stunning natural landscapes provide a storybook backdrop. But best of all is the country’s rich history, which is embedded in hotels like Ashford Castle. As someone who takes every opportunity to romanticize my life, you can only imagine how excited I was to stay in this vast 13th century mansion of hers.
After an hour and a half drive from Shannon Airport, the 336-acre castle comes into view. With its perfectly manicured green lawns, long winding roads, and gray stone exteriors, it felt like something I’d only seen in a dream. From the moment I stepped out of the car, I felt like royalty. The staff greeted me by name, took my luggage, and escorted me to my suite.
All 83 rooms and suites feature antique and unique décor. My room, the Kennedy Suite, was in the oldest wing of the castle. It had a 19th century canopied walnut bed, chandelier, large oversized windows with views over Lough Corrib and a cozy indoor fireplace. Marble bathtubs, heated floors, and luxurious amenities add modern touches to the historic décor. Obviously, I could have easily spent my time in the castle, enjoying the comfort of the fireplace and admiring the view from my bed, but there was just too much to do.
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Ashford Castle, originally known as Ashford Manor, was first built in 1228 and was a far cry from its current appearance. The property was acquired by the Guinness family in 1852 and has passed through other owners over the years. It was purchased by Red Carnation in 2010 and underwent a multi-million dollar restoration. Throughout its history, the building has transformed from a family home to a party house to a hotel. The stories told at the castle are a testament to its rich history.
On our first day, we decided to get a combination massage and facial at the quiet on-site spa to combat jet lag. Against the backdrop of heavy rain, I sat in the relaxation room and entered the luxurious indoor spa pool after my treatment. Looking out at the peaceful nature through the large windows all around us made us feel like we were at home. The evening ended with a multicourse meal packed with comforting fare (including a heavenly apple pie made by the on-site pastry chef) at the on-site private event space called Squire Danaghers.
Leaving early the next morning, I took the short drive into the woods to go to the on-site falconry school. The facility’s unique experience includes bonding with a hawk as you chase it through the forest (with an instructor present, of course), zooming through the trees, and then being rewarded with a pair of gloves. will land on top of the The hotel also offers other nature-oriented activities such as horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, kayaking and archery.
Later in the day, afternoon tea was served in the elegant Connaught Room. An extensive tea menu was offered alongside his three-tiered stand of finger sandwiches and pastries. There were also warm scones, clotted cream and jam on the table. The afternoon was spent wandering through the wonderful on-site gardens, which had a wonderful display of seasonal fall foliage. There was also a pit stop at the recently opened on-site wellness center ÉALÚ. It featured a fully equipped fitness center, an essence-infused steam room, a sauna, and more.
As the sun began to set, we gathered in the George V Dining Room, the castle’s most luxurious dining venue, for a meal filled with caviar, wagyu beef, and bottomless champagne. The hotel staff paid special attention to our dietary restrictions at each meal, making the experience even more memorable.
Before you retire for the evening, stop by the drawing room to enjoy a bespoke cocktail and live music. However, there are two other great places to grab a drink. The Prince of Wales Bar offers pre- or post-dinner drinks, and the Billiard Room & Cigar Terrace offers a private gin and whiskey tasting experience.
On my final morning, I joined my native Irish wolfhounds, Cronan and Girvan, for a leisurely morning walk through the woods. Available to guests five days a week, it is the quintessential Ashford Castle experience. Then enjoy breakfast in the George V Dining Room. Enjoy a buffet with fresh pastries, fruit and homemade smoked salmon, or enjoy his à la carte menu, such as pancakes with cinnamon cream.
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In the afternoon we headed to the cellar for a wine tasting experience. The hotel has a team of award-winning sommeliers who offer over 1,750 of his specially selected wines. This intimate experience hidden on the lowest floor of the castle taught each of us something new about wine.
Before changing for dinner, we took a tour of the home garden and selected fresh produce to eat in the evening. Alex, one of the on-site gardeners, highlighted how the property prioritizes sustainability, adding that chef Liam Finnegan uses vegetables, fruit and edible flowers throughout the property in his dishes. He showed it to me. That evening we tasted a carefully selected menu featuring all the produce we had gathered earlier in the day.
Early the next morning I left Ireland with fond memories of Ashford Castle and the promise of returning. The staff made this property feel like my second home and took care of all my details and preferences. It was really bittersweet to jump on a plane and go back to my real home.