To escape the city for a long weekend in the countryside, look no further than Ireland’s West Coast. It’s home to the breathtaking Ashford Castle, an 800-year-old 5* hotel that was once the home of the Guinness Family and was voted “Best Hotel in the World” in 2016 after reopening its doors following a major refurbishment.
Staff & Style
The service at Ashford Castle is hard to beat. Maybe La Réserve in Paris can ? The staff are incredibly friendly, offering a very warm Irish hospitality. Many of the staff have been working here for years, some of them decades, which is testament to how special Ashford Castle is.
It underwent a two year renovation and reopened to guests in April 2015. The $75 million restoration of this 13th century iconic building helped reaffirm its legendary status as one of Europe’s most prestigious hotels.
The castle’s 83 rooms and suites (and hideaway cottage) represent real elegance, showcasing stunning original features with modern luxuries.
Activities
Thanks to 350 acres of land, there is plenty to keep you busy at Ashford Castle. It’s been a playground for successive generations of the de Burgo, Bingham, Browne and Guinness families for hundreds of years and remains a fun getaway to this day.
It’s home to Ireland’s first School of Falconry, which provides an amazing opportunity to learn more about these fascinating birds while exploring the grounds.
Keep yourself active with some cycling, horse riding, clay shooting, zip lining, fishing or kayaking, or play a round of golf or a tennis match instead.
Maybe you’d prefer to skip right to the relaxation part? Then head for the wonderful in-house spa, which was voted “Overall Spa of the Year 2018” by Irish Tatler.
An absolute must is a night at the movies; Ashford has its own 32-seater cinema that plays classic films, including ‘The Quiet Man’ starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, which was filmed here in 1951!
Food & Drink
There are formal and informal options at Ashford Castle. For a formal occasion dine in the George V Dining Room where a dinner jacket is required. Named in honour of the royal who visited in 1905, the Castle’s signature restaurant still bears his name to this day. A resident pianist or harpist will play soft music in the background t really set the ambiance for your exquisite meal.
The Dungeon downstairs, meanwhile, offers a unique setting with a bistro-inspired menu, while the latest addition to the family – Stanley’s (named after the current owner, Stanley Tollman) – is an informal American-style diner.
Mrs Tea’s Boutique and Bakery (named after Stanley’s wife, Beatrice Tollman – co-owners of the Red Carnation Hotel Group) sells homemade fudge, delicious sandwiches and Mrs T’s legendary ‘Bread in a Bottle’.
In the evening retire to the Billiards Room for a night cap or to The Prince of Wales Bar where you can sample one (or more) of the 60 Irish whiskies there.
Travel
A flight from London is just an hour. The castle also has its own helicopter landing pad if you’d prefer that option instead. For more information visit www.ashfordcastle.com
