Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo, Ireland
The Ardiluan Suite, Ashford Castle
Ireland is famous for many things. Castles, in my previously narrow knowledge of the island, was not one of those claims to fame. So I was intrigued, if not full of expectation, at the prospect of visiting Ashford Castle in County Mayo; a place I had known little about, despite the fact that all my Irish or part Irish friends spoke of it as if it were a world famous attraction.
We had left our hotel in Galway to travel west to the shores of Loch Corrib for a final stop on our Irish weekend before returning to Knock airport for our trip home. We would have the chance to walk the grounds and look around the castle before grabbing a spot of lunch nearby.
As soon as we turned into the sweeping long driveway it was clear that this place was somewhere very exclusive. Our first sight of the many turrets and the dramatic setting merely confirmed the setting as perfect for any self-respecting celebrity wedding.
The Prince of Wales cocktail bar, Ashford Castle
We were shown around the castle itself by TJ, the hotel’s cheerful Deputy General Manager, who told us of the many celebrities who had graced the castle with their presence. The most recent star studded wedding was that of Piers Brosnan, while visitors have included American presidents, leaders of countless European nations and more movie stars than you could shake an Oscar at.
The house boasts spectacular staircases, grand dining rooms and beautiful suites. The resident chef is considered Ireland’s finest (although he is actually German). The Ardiluan Suite was particularly impressive with its ornate decoration and unusual brightness.
The enchanting gardens of Ashford Castle
Surrounding the castle itself are 300 acres of carefully maintained grounds. Even if you can’t break the bank to stay at Ashford Castle you will be welcome to walk along the surrounding paths, through the sunken garden and up to the shores of Loch Corrib. The views from the Loch back towards the castle could easily be stolen from a sugary rom-com starring Sandra Bullock or Meg Ryan, such is the perfection of the setting. I was there alone on a press trip, so could only admire and walk on. Alas…
Fishing in the Cong river
There’s even the option of taking a couple of falcons out for a walk. A family in front of me had a couple of birds who would sit with them and then fly off into the trees at regular intervals, only to be called back by the handler. I stopped and watched in silence as the birds appeared, gliding out of the trees and coming to rest on the gloved arm of one of the children.
The castle sits on the shores of the Cong river, and from the rapt attention of the fishermen along its shore, they were clearly confident of securing a good catch (and I suspect their licences will not come cheap in this prestigious spot).
Is Ashford worth a visit? Absolutely. It’s less than an hour from Galway, and if you’re in the west of Ireland it will doubtless impress. One word of warning though: if you’re taking a partner, it’s best to be married already. You wouldn’t want them to be getting funny ideas. Unless you’re a movie star you might be paying for that wedding for a very long time!
I was in Galway and at Ashford as a guest of bmibaby and Tourism Ireland on an organised press trip.
I remember the Ashford Castle as belonging in a fairy tale. As you said, you pull in driveway through the golf course and realize you’re somplace special. Any place that organizes falconry classes is pretty sweet in my mind.
Thanks Matt. I wish I’d had the chance to try the falconry class – ah well, next time!
Thanks for sharing that! I only got to see the castle at night and only from the outside a few years ago but even then was struck by its atmosphere…
that’s a charming castle! so many castles have lost their charm to tourists facilities… this one however seems to be a fine example of an authentic castle!
Oh wow, it looks absolutely stunning!
Thanks guys. Well worth a visit if you can. It’s as charming as it looks it the photos