Spent a memorable break in the 5 star Ashford Castle, Ireland.
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus Ashford Castle Video:-
To view the video select:- https://youtu.be/07OvxRT0iIk
Ashford Castle represents the very best of Ireland and Irishness. We were really impressed with this hotel during our recent mini break, and consider it to be one of the best and most memorable hotels that we have ever stayed in.
All guests at the luxury Ashford Castle hotel are afforded the opportunity to choose between having a laid-back pampered guest experience or alternately, an activity packed one. The “Red Carnation Hotel Collection” group are the present owners of the Hotel.
Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland 2020
The castle is situated on the border between the counties of Galway and Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib, with an unrivalled backdrop of lakes, forests and mountains. Since its original 1228 construction, by the Anglo-Normans, the Castle has changed hands many times. It was owned by the Guinness family in the 1900s and used as a British military fortress back in the 1600s. During all of its varying periods of different ownership, the Castle was enhanced and increased in splendour, into the magnificent edifice we see today. Because of its geographic location, close to the village of Cong, located deep in the rural heartlands of Mayo and Galway, it was chosen as the location for the movie classic, the “Quiet Man” back in 1951. Many of the scenes from the film were shot on the estate and many of the cast stayed in the hotel during filming.
A sense of Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland 2020
The friendliness, pride in their hotel and loyalty to the present owners, are the first things that any guest to Ashford Castle will experience from meeting any of the Hotel staff. The setting for the Hotel perched on the bank of Lake Corrib, resting in its estate of fabulous gardens, forest walks and beautifully appointed 9 hole golf course, now situated on what was previously the estate deer park, is an awe inspiring sight on a guest's arrival up the meandering driveway entrance. The entire estate covers an area of 350 acres.
Despite its size, the Hotel has succeeded in maintaining a homely restful feel and guests are immediately put at ease by the disarming charm of all of the staff, with the result that the Hotel was awarded no. 1 spot in the top ten Hotel resorts in both Ireland and England, for 2020.
Fine dining is provided in the “George V” dining room. While more casual dining can be found in the “Cullens at the Cottage”. Brunch and afternoon tea can be gotten in the “Dungeon” and the elegant “Connaught Room”, respectively.
Each of its 83 rooms and suites boast antique furnishings, sumptuous fabrics and custom designed carpeting and beds, affording any guest a most comfortable nights rest.
The Hotel sits on the gateway to Connemara and in close proximity to the Burren, County Clare with its karst landscape of vast cracked glacial-era limestone pavements.
Activities available for guests include:-
- Archery & Falconry;
- Fishing;
- Clay shooting;
- Zip lining & tree climbing;
- Cycling & Kayaking;
- Golf (A challenging, 9 hole course);
- Horse Riding;
- Lake Cruising;
- Paddle Boarding;
- Tennis;
- Off Road driving;
- Traditional Boat Trips.
English is the language of Ireland, however, the vast majority of Irish people can speak varying degrees of Gaelic.
Our recommendation for a trip to Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland 2020:-
Avail of the ample activities on offer, all within Ashford Estate grounds or in close proximity to the Castle.
Experience both the fine dining and the more relaxed ‘Cullen’s at the Cottage’, dining experiences.
Visit nearby Cong village and all of the delights and sights that it has to offer.
The average cost per couple / per night B&B starts at circa €600.
“You should travel away from home, to really appreciate the value of what you have at home, on your return.”
“Happiness is found in the journey and rarely in the destination, alone.”
