Ashford Castle

I have stayed here 5 times. I love this place. There are 2 must do things you need get done. 1. Take a ride out to Ichagoill island on the Cosgrove family Ferry. And 2. Do the falconry!
Oh yeah, grab a golf cart from the front desk and just take a ride around.

A very nice hotel. No detail was overlooked. The bed was comfortable. We ate dinner at the Cottage. The service paid close attention to our needs. The food was so awesome that even though each of us were full, we had to try out the desert (which was also great).
The only thing that I did not like? The crazy size of the key. I don’t like to carrying a purse and as a single female traveler, I don’t have pockets that fit something the size of a small brick. I know they are trying to be fancy with the key but it only made things hard.
Recommendations? The falconry is a must! The boat ride– only if you have time.

A beautiful castle and hotel. Walking the grounds is spectacular. There is so much to see in the castle, but you must get out and see the grounds. So much to see on the grounds, its beautiful. The service is par to none, everyone was so accomidating, drinks at the bar were great, breakfast and the dinner was fantastic. Stayed here in May 2013. Experience this grand castle if you are in the area, even just for the day, they truly treat you like royalty.

My mom and I decided to stay at Ashford Castle on the recommendation of a family friend who had been there several times and loved it. We rented a car in Dublin and I drove the 3.5 hours to Cong, Co. Mayo to enjoy an overnight stay I’ll not soon forget.
Driving up to Ashford Castle from the main road was like a dream. You drive on a narrow pathway leading through beautiful land winding its way to the gorgeous entrance to the castle. After a long journey from Dublin, we were a little weary and unsure of what to expect.
No sooner had we stepped out of the car, than an Ashford Castle staff member greeted us at the car, welcoming us by name (how did he know who we were?!) and taking my car keys to load our bags and meet us at our room. We were escorted inside and another staff member walked up to us to greet us, shaking our hands, offering for us to sit down as we checked in to the hotel. We were offered dinner reservations in their 5-​star fine dining room (which we accepted) and shown around the main floor to our room where we were greeted by a welcome message on our television with our names on it.
We were in the midst of luxury, swooning at the attention the staff were paying us. It was as if we were celebrities, being doted upon hand and foot. We were offered (and given) turndown service when we were at dinner where the staff organized the clothing in our luggage, laid out my pajamas on my bed, organized my makeup in the bathroom and left us chocolates and a welcome note.
At dinner we were cared for like royalty. The chef made us a special starter dish and we were treated to the finest wines. The 4-​course meal (or was it 5?) was out-​of-​this-​world delicious, and the presentation was paced in the most accommodating, relaxing way. Afterward we enjoyed a drink in the bar, again being cared for like special guests of the royal family. The room was absolutely exquisite, with special touches that you’d never imagine, like the sound of the tv piped into the bathroom, heated floors in the bathroom, American outlets to plug our electronics into without an adapter, fog-​proof mirrors in the bathroom, and generally incredible amenities.
My mom and I walked around in our complimentary slippers and lounged in our lush robes while in the room, and in the morning, we were pleasantly surprised by the coffee and pastry spread in the great room of the castle waiting for us as though they knew we’d be arriving.
Every single moment of our time in the castle was perfection. Staying the night in the castle was like something out of a movie. The staff treated my mom and I like we were the most important guests they’d ever had arrive to the castle. In the morning, the staff again took my car keys and loaded the car with our luggage and even pulled the car to the front door as a convenience to us.
It was truly one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had in my entire life and I look forward to making my way back next time I am in Ireland.

It is with great pleasure that I write a review of my stay at the Ashford Castle; the time I spent there was the highlight of a recent trip to Ireland.
From the moment we arrived at the castle, we were welcomed with excellent and friendly service. Our car was parked and we were whisked away to our room. Upon entering, I discovered the wine, chocolates, and biscuits my boyfriend had pre-​ordered (excellent and romantic touch!). Moments later, still caught up in the magnificence of the castle, we received champagne «compliments of Ashford».
We partook in the fine dining available at Ashford and had an excellent four course dinner. The staff was incredibly attentive, and the food was decadent as well as delicious. The complimentary breakfast served in the morning was also fantastic. You can either choose from a wide array of foods at the buffet, or select a breakfast item to be custom made from the menu.
We spent lots of time wandering through the castle, which was originally built in the 13^th century and has been added onto several times since. There is a nice bar and a great sitting room where you can also order food and drinks. In the evening, the sitting room also had live music (piano/​singer).
Although the castle itself was incredible, exploring the grounds in the early morning was definitely my favorite part. There is a beautifully pristine lake, and acres of trails to roam. Fantastic! We also payed a small price to take an hour long boat ride out on the lake.
This castle definitely lives up to its name!

So you’re looking for a princess and the pea experience sans the uncomfortable green veggie digging into your back. Look no further; Ashford Castle is a great way to spoil yourself with a good night’s sleep inside a castle.
Everything about my stay here was remarkable, from the tour of the castle to the lavish bedrooms and friendly staff. And I must say, a decanter filled with locally made sherry waiting in my room was a much welcomed bonus.
The castle has plenty of activities to keep you busy and a spa if you’re just looking to relax. My husband and I tried our aim at archery which was a lot of fun. I may have watched a few arrows get swallowed by the woods, but it was still a great time.
My favorite part about staying here was the falconry. In fact, it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. They stayed open late to accommodate us and our guide, Aoife, was wonderful. She was knowledgable and friendly and really did a great job to ensure we had a memorable experience.
I whole-​heartedly recommend Ashford Castle for your next trip.