Ashford Castle

As the late afternoon light filters through ancient stone windows, a guest pauses in the grand drawing room of Ashford Castle, watching a staff member approach with a perfectly timed tea service, anticipating their desire for refreshment before realizing it themselves. Steam rises from delicate bone china while the gentle lapping of Lough Corrib’s waters creates a soundtrack of tranquility beyond the castle walls. This moment of intuitive hospitality captures the essence of Ashford Castle, which has been honored with a 2025 Global Recognition Award for its outstanding contribution to luxury hospitality. Within an industry where excellence is measured by the ability to create lasting memories, Ashford Castle distinguishes itself as a property that consistently delivers meaningful experiences to discerning travelers. The castle’s achievement is underscored by its remarkable track record, including being Ireland’s first hotel to achieve a Forbes Five-Star ranking in 2020, which it has retained for five consecutive years, and The Spa at Ashford Castle being the first and only hotel spa in Ireland to receive a Five-Star ranking.

The 2025 Global Recognition Award represents the pinnacle of hospitality excellence, reserved for properties that consistently exceed expectations and set new standards in guest experience. For Ashford Castle, this recognition acknowledges operational excellence and its unique position as a living piece of Irish history that has successfully bridged eight centuries of heritage with contemporary luxury. The property’s historic significance dates back to 1228 when it was built by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family, later becoming home to the famous Guinness family before transforming into a luxury destination. This award validates Ashford Castle’s commitment to preserving cultural authenticity while delivering world-class service that has earned it recognition as one of the top 50 resort properties in Europe on numerous occasions.

What distinguishes Ashford Castle is its ability to anticipate guest needs through intuitive service delivery, a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the property’s operations. The castle’s defining strength lies in its comprehensive approach to personalized hospitality, where each guest interaction is carefully orchestrated to create meaningful connections beyond their stay. This anticipatory approach to service has resulted in countless examples of extraordinary care, from staff who remember returning guests’ preferences to those who go above and beyond to ensure comfort during unexpected situations. The hotel’s commitment to excellence is reflected in Forbes’ description of the team as exceptional, with service as warm and welcoming as the hotel’s crackling open fires, where no request is too large and no detail too small.

Signature Experiences and Unique Traits

Ashford Castle’s irreplaceable character stems from its exclusive position as Ireland’s first falconry school, offering guests unparalleled access to experiences that cannot be found elsewhere. The property’s “master key” to exceptional guest experiences exists within its comprehensive collection of country pursuits, including falconry walks where guests can experience the ancient art of handling birds of prey on the castle’s 350-acre estate. The Irish School of Falconry features 23 hawks with charming Irish names, providing guests with intimate encounters with powerful birds like Inca, a Peruvian Hawk, while walking through the tree-lined vista that leads to the castle. This unique offering represents just one facet of the property’s diverse activity portfolio: archery, clay shooting, fishing, cycling, kayaking, horseback riding, and even zip-lining across the estate.

The castle’s innovative approach to cultural immersion extends to its comprehensive entertainment offerings, including a free 32-seat cinema with its popcorn machine that shows family-friendly and mature movies twice daily. Technology integration throughout the property includes electronic shades, touch controls for drapes and electricity, free Wi-Fi, and wall outlets for U.S. and European plugs, ensuring modern convenience within historic walls. The property’s commitment to creating unique moments extends to specialized services such as the “Lego Butler” for families, where staff bring Lego sets to children, and comprehensive babysitting services that fully allow parents to enjoy the castle’s adult-oriented experiences. These carefully curated offerings ensure that each guest’s journey becomes a personalized exploration of Irish heritage and luxury hospitality.

Service excellence at Ashford Castle is exemplified through staff members who demonstrate remarkable dedication to guest satisfaction, going beyond conventional hospitality to create lasting connections. The property’s approach to personalized service includes remembering guest preferences, providing thoughtful touches without being asked, and ensuring that every interaction reflects the warmth and genuine care that defines Irish hospitality. Examples of this exceptional service include staff who anticipate needs before they are expressed, arrange exceptional experiences based on guest interests, and maintain detailed records of preferences to enhance return visits. The hotel’s staff-to-guest ratio and comprehensive training programs ensure that every interaction reflects the property’s commitment to creating memorable experiences, earning recognition from guests who consistently praise the team’s passion and helpfulness.

Accommodations Excellence

Ashford Castle’s 83 rooms, suites, and The Boathouse represent a masterful blend of traditional elegance and modern luxury, with each accommodation individually decorated to combine old-fashioned grandeur with contemporary amenities. The property’s most prestigious offering, The Reagan Presidential Suite, spans 734 square feet across two levels and features original fireplaces, 15-foot-high ceilings, and spectacular floor-to-ceiling views of Lough Corrib, Ireland’s second-largest lake. Premium accommodations include Master Suites with striking four-poster canopy beds, individually sourced antiques such as French mahogany and gilt bureau plat desks from Christie’s Louis XV collection, and the option to combine with adjacent rooms to create a private three-bedroom wing of the castle. The historic Boathouse, perched over the lake, offers couples a unique hideaway experience in splendid isolation from the main castle.

The design philosophy throughout Ashford Castle celebrates the intersection of Irish heritage and contemporary luxury, with interiors that reflect the property’s rich history while providing modern comfort. Each accommodation features Egyptian cotton bed linen, custom-designed carpets, Bayou Ashford Castle toiletries, and turndown service, all set within spaces adorned with chandeliers, fresh flowers, and carefully curated antique furnishings. Premium amenities include 400-thread count Egyptian bed linens, plush robes and slippers, cable TV with movies on demand, electronic blinds, individually controlled air conditioning, and in-room mini bars that enhance the residential feel of each space. The rooms achieve a warm and inviting ambiance through soothing color palettes and rich textures referencing the castle’s medieval and Victorian heritage.

Guest testimonials consistently highlight the exceptional comfort and thoughtful design of Ashford Castle’s accommodations, with many praising the spacious layouts and seamless integration of historical character with modern convenience. One guest noted, “We had a truly unforgettable experience at Ashford Castle. From the moment we arrived, we felt welcome and so comfortable. The room was beautiful – not huge but super comfortable”. Another visitor emphasized the property’s attention to detail and staff dedication, stating, “Beyond our expectations and worth every penny! The room was fabulous and beautifully decorated”. These endorsements reflect the castle’s success in creating accommodations that serve not just as places to rest, but as integral components of the overall Irish castle experience that guests treasure long after their departure.

Culinary, Entertainment, and Wellness Excellence

Ashford Castle’s culinary program centers around The George V Dining Room, a magnificent space built in 1905 to honor the visit of the Prince of Wales, who later became King George V of England. The restaurant features rich, paneled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers that create a grand sense of occasion. At the same time, Executive Chef Liam Finnegan brings extensive culinary expertise focused on simplicity and using the finest ingredients. Chef Finnegan, who trained under Michael Caine at two Michelin Star restaurants including Gidleigh Park in Devon, advocates for old-school-style cooking with a philosophy that keeps things simple, well-sourced, and perfectly executed. The dining experience is complemented by Head Sommelier Paul Fogerty’s extensive wine selection, offering bottles ranging from 60 to 8,000 euros to pair with the estate’s culinary expressions.

The castle’s dining portfolio extends beyond fine dining to The Dungeon, a bistro-style restaurant on the lower ground floor with international and Irish favorites, plant-based dishes, and an impressive selection of locally-sourced steaks. The centerpiece of The Dungeon is the Josper grill, inspired by South African ‘braai’ traditions, which infuses dishes with smoky, bold flavors and creates a unique, relaxed ambiance steeped in history. Additional dining options include several restaurants throughout the estate, three bars, and traditional afternoon tea service, all run by a team of world-renowned chefs and sommeliers. The property’s commitment to local sourcing supports regional communities while ensuring the freshest ingredients, with Chef Finnegan particularly passionate about Irish produce and creativity.

Wellness forms a cornerstone of the Ashford Castle experience. The Spa at Ashford Castle earned recognition as ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ for eight consecutive years at the World Spa Awards. The five-star spa features five treatment rooms designed for personalized therapies and exclusive Augustinus Bader Skincare Rituals, available only at Ashford Castle. Signature treatments include Hammam ceremonies for luxurious steam rituals. At the same time, facilities encompass a 10-meter relaxation pool with heated loungers, panoramic views, a steam room, a sauna, and a fitness studio equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. The spa’s design features three exquisite seashell chandeliers and a mesmerizing Tree of Life mural, creating an atmosphere of serenity and sophistication that Forbes describes as a modern oasis designed to pamper guests like royalty.

Integration, Location, and Looking Ahead

Ashford Castle’s strategic location on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo provides guests with unparalleled access to the wild landscapes of Connemara while maintaining the tranquility of a private 350-acre estate. The property is an ideal gateway to Western Ireland’s relatively unspoiled countryside, positioned near the picturesque village of Cong, where guests can explore traditional Irish culture and heritage. The castle’s location advantages extend beyond proximity to natural attractions, encompassing access to a nine-hole golf course with complimentary green fees for guests, extensive walking trails through pristine woodland, and direct access to Ireland’s second-largest lake for boating and fishing activities. The estate’s comprehensive facilities include a library of 800 antique books curated by the town’s rare book dealer, a billiards room with adjoining cigar terrace, and multiple private events and celebration venues.

The property’s commitment to sustainability excellence is demonstrated through its leadership in environmental stewardship, having become the first hotel in Ireland to achieve the GREENMark Plastic Smart Standard Award by eliminating single-use plastics. In 2023, Ashford Castle triumphed at the European Sustainable Tourism Awards with five prestigious honors, including Best Local Gastronomy, Best Luxury Eco Accommodation, Best Sustainable Historic Hotel, Best Sustainable Pet-friendly Hotel, and Best Sustainable Accommodation in Ireland. The castle’s sustainability initiatives include using 100% renewable electricity as of 2021, installing solar panels in staff accommodation and the new Éalú leisure facility, achieving 69% waste recycling and composting rates, and implementing Winnow food waste bins that process approximately 400kg of organic waste monthly into compost. Additionally, the Ashford Castle golf course became Geo-certified in 2023, demonstrating a commitment to responsible social and environmental practices.

Looking toward the future, Ashford Castle remains committed to maintaining its position as a leader in luxury hospitality while continuously enhancing the guest experience through thoughtful innovations and heritage preservation. As a proud member of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the property benefits from the family-owned company’s approach to service excellence and passion for generous hospitality, with founder Beatrice Tollman’s values defining the business approach across 19 exceptional properties worldwide. The ongoing recognition, including the 2025 Global Recognition Award, signals to global travelers that this is a destination where Irish heritage and luxury hospitality converge to create extraordinary experiences that honor the past while embracing the future. The castle’s success in earning this prestigious recognition affirms its status as an essential destination for discerning travelers seeking experiences that transcend and connect to its cultural age, offering unparalleled scenic views.