Ashford Castle

We had another wonderful stay at Ashford Castle full of new experiences and discoveries. Every time it gets better and better. Room, service and food were excellent. Niall's favourite for lunch is the chicken schnitzel. I wanted a non-alcoholic cocktail before lunch but struggled to find something I would like from their drink menu, and Paul in the Prince of Wales Bar very kindly prepared a bespoke one for me. It was fantastic, thank you Paul.

After lunch we had the privilege to taste Paula's new creation which is coming out in May and will be on the menu in the Drawing room. Watch out for this delicious chocolate treat - rich, yet light with incredible balance and full of flavours.

As we stayed just before Easter, we had an opportunity to try Paulas's amazing chocolate Easter Egg, inspired by a century old apple tree planted during the Guinness family's ownership of the Ashford Castle estate. There also was a hand-crafted masterpiece - a huge Easter Egg placed on the table in the hall.

We had many afternoon teas in Ashford, but again they surprised us with a new offering prepared by Benjamin and team. We really enjoyed it.

This time we stayed in the beautiful Suite 409 with stunning views over Lough Corrib. The room was spacious with a separate sitting area and an unbelievable comfy four poster bed. We still can't make up our mind which room is our favourite. Each of them has its own character and beauty.

A massive thanks to all the Ashford Castle team who are always very attentive and welcoming! We look forward to our next stay. See you soon.

We had one of the BEST experiences at Ashford Castle Hotel and Country Estate. Everything was absolutely amazing! We could only stay for one night (this time round...), but, when we came home, it felt like we had been away on holidays for a week! My oh my! Atmosphere - it was awesome...very relaxed. Rooms were just absolutely incredible - clean, hygienic and super comfortable. Housekeeping staff 10/10!!! Loved the 'Castle' feeling! The location was breathtaking...I could have stared at the views in the quiet of the outdoor gardens for hours and hours. Staff were super, super super! Service 10/10. The spa, gym, swimming pool etc. were all fabulous. Massive thank you to all the staff in the spa for taking such good care of my Mother ...she loved her treatments. This trip was just one of a kind - inexpensive given the brilliant memories it created. Inexpensive given the exquisite service, food and amenities. I will cherish my memories for ever. I simply just can't wait to visit again. See you all soon. Can't wait !!! xxx

My husband and I stayed March 5. There was a huge wedding going on that weekend, but we felt just as valuable as the larger group. We had a wonderful dinner in the Dungeon, and a fantastic breakfast in the George. Our room was beautiful and the bed was amazing as was the bathroom facilities and all of the high-tech conveniences seamlessly combined with the classic decor. We enjoyed walking the gorgeous grounds and exploring the castle with its Wall of Fame, billiards room, gardens, and other little rooms and tunnels of interest. We visited the spa but did not have time to use it or the separate pool and gym area, regrettably. We absolutely loved our walk with James and the wolfhounds where Molly got the zoomies and was "full of beans", which is a new phrase for us to use for years to come. James was very fun and kind and made it so enjoyable. We then did clay shooting and that was also fun, lots of patience with us and options presented to make it fun and successful. There was a variety of different type of shooting, along the ground "rabbit" or different heights and speeds and all sorts of combos. Lastly we did the hawk walk with Mia and Aztec. Miguel hosted us and he was great, so personable and informative, we loved him and the hawks. We were able to each have our own hawk and walked the grounds with them perched on our arm (very light weight) and taking turns flying away and returning. Our stay at Ashford Castle was one part of a 14-day trip, but it was such a highlight. 100/10 recommend

Ashford Castle is a true jewel! It was beyond our expectations. The castle is amazing with the beautiful furnishings and artwork. The staff is exceptional and always ready with a smile and greeting. I highly recommend staying in the castle instead of the lodge if possible.
We stayed for 2 nights and wish we had booked for 3 nights. Great memories will always be with us!

Quite simply, this is as good as it gets.
There were many aspects that contributed to the hotels excellence but a special word has to go the wonderful staff, who made our stay so special. The team were welcoming, genuinely friendly (nothing formal or obsequious), a pleasure to greet each day.
We’ll be back for sure

Our first time to stay here and thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience. The standard is set from the moment you arrive. The staff go over and above to ensure you are welcome and looked after, the decor is luxurious yet comfortable and the food is amazing in ever aspect. We just didn't have enough time and cannot wait to return.

The closest place we’ve stayed to Ashford Castle was the perfect-in-every-way Goring in London, so I have to compare it to that.

The location is obviously amazing, and the property outstanding. Service is a bit mixed though, compared to the highest levels, and I would expect a little more polish for a grand a night.

We hated the lack of tea and coffee in the room, forcing me to traipse downstairs to the coffee station to avoid the exorbitant cost of a cup of tea. Said tea in the lounge is a truly astonishing 20 euros. Yes, we paid a grand a night, but this is just nasty price gouging.

Breakfast was as good as anywhere I have stayed in the world, with impeccable service. Dinner in the George V was acceptable, but below the quality I expect. Most of the food was good, but ruining some turbot by turning it into tasteless leather is unforgivable.

Ultimately, we enjoyed the stay but left feeling ripped off and not having had the magical service we experienced at the Goring.

My Wife treated me to this break as i had always talked about going to this Castle since we have stayed at their other Hotel; Summer Lodge in Dorset.
It was a treat from my Wife Clare for my 50th Birthday and i was unaware of our destination until the SatNav displayed it.
We arrived at the entrance to be warmly greeted by one of the Staff at the Gate House, He welcomed us to the Hotel and directed us down the drive.
We arrived and were blown away by the beauty of the place.
From signing in to signing out the Staff were absolutely amazing, totally professional and could not do enough for us.
Special mention must go to the Ladies at Breakfast, always a joy during our three days.
Also, Courtney at the Birds of Prey center, what a guide!, Great fun, very knowledgeable and really made our trip special.
We also had a great session at the Clay Pigeon Shooting.
We had a Turret room at the Castle and it was stunning, Electric Blinds, A/C, Great view of the Lake, Luxury!
The food and drink also did not disappoint throughout our stay, including when we dined at the Lodge.
We had a couple drinks at the Lodge outside during our stay and one day we timed it perfectly as a Peregrine Falcon was being exercised and was flying right over us to land on the Chimney of the Lodge to then fly back to its Trainer.
Ashford Castle and its staff (not to forget my Wife of course!) made my Birthday a truly special occasion and something i will remember forever.

We recently stayed at the hotel and I can’t say enough about the experience and what a wonderful stay we had. It started with the check in process and how easy it was. They brought our luggage in from the car and placed it in our room. They gave us an orientation of the hotel and a complimentary cocktail or drink. Our room had all the amenities we could ask for. The turndown service even included little details like cord organizers. There were many activities included with our stay like the cinema, a billiard room, golf, early morning coffee/tea and pastries for those who were up for the early morning walk with the Wolfhounds. The boat ride was also interesting with lots of history about the castle and lake. Highly recommend a stay!

However wonderful you think staying in a historic Irish castle would be, it's better than that. However great you think the food and service will be, it's better than that, too! From the moment you enter the gates, the warm welcomes begin and every need and desire is attended to. Their house keeping staff does so many wonderful things to make your stay magical and the beds are beyond comfortable. The food is magnificent in every setting- you really can't go wrong. Be sure to book a reservation for High Tea as it's the best we've ever had. Warning- you will be full after that so don't schedule a big dinner immediately following! Do the Heritage Walk with Vincent (free!) so you can get an understanding of the true history and splendor of what Ashford Castle is. You can feel his passion for the beautiful grounds and all of the dedication to keeping them pristine and cared for. Every single member of the staff makes you feel both welcome and spoiled. You will likely start your morning with Eleanor welcoming you to breakfast and you will miss that once you leave. The falconry experience was the best we've ever done and I will keep photos of that on my wall. What I loved most, however, is that the staff makes you feel like you are part of the Ashford Castle family, which makes all the difference.

Simply the best customer service of any hotel I have ever visited.

My stay at Ashford Castle was nothing short of extraordinary.

From the moment John welcomed me at the gate to the effortless departure when Joe returned my car, every interaction felt seamless and genuinely personal.

Emily delivered the finest check-in experience I have ever had. Warm, intuitive, and genuinely kind. Within minutes I had a drink in hand, a clear plan for my stay, and several thoughtful recommendations that elevated the entire visit.

Travelling solo can sometimes feel isolating, but not here. The team created a sense of belonging that is incredibly rare. There is something special about Ashford Castle. You are not just a guest, you are made to feel like the owner of the place. I have never experienced that level of care and attention anywhere else.

Dining in the Dungeon was exceptional, the spa treatments were world-class, the room was impeccable. Even the bar had that perfect mix of quiet atmosphere and service that makes you want to linger longer than planned.

I arrived with very high expectations. They were not just met, they were exceeded in every possible way.

This is not simply a luxury hotel. It is a masterclass in hospitality, driven by people who clearly take pride in every detail.

We stayed at Ashford Castle for six nights in March. It was truly a magical experience. I was celebrating my 60th birthday. From the moment we arrived at the door we were treated like royalty. Our car was unpacked for us and parked. We didn’t have to worry about that.
On checking in we were offered refreshments and the man on the desk made us feel at home and very welcome.
Our room was perfect. I had booked an accessible room as my husband walks with crutches.
We visited the School of Falconry. I didn’t think we’d manage this but I mentioned it when we were checking in and asked could we see the birds with my husband sitting down. So one morning we got a call from reception saying they had set it up for us. They took us there and it was an unforgettable experience seeing a hawk flying and landing on our arms. They really went out of their way to make this a memorable experience for us.
On another occasion we visited the Wolfhounds. I was in heaven here. They were just adorable and so gentle.
We ate in the George V restaurant, Cullens at the Cottage, Wildes at the Lodge and The Dungeon. All restaurants were excellent both in service and food. The staff made us feel welcome and were friendly and helpful. The food was delicious and wonderfully presented.
The one that stood out was the George V. This was fine dining at its very best. We opted for the À la Carte menu but there was also an option for a tasting menu. It was delicious food in a beautiful dining room. The weather wasn’t on our side during our stay but we were never bored. We went out when we could between the showers and walked around the grounds which are impeccably kept. Stunning views over Lake Corrib and beautiful walks in the gardens. It was so calm and relaxing.
Of course one of our favourite films is The Quiet Man and there is so much history here associated with this film and in the local town of Cong.
Mrs Tea’s is a beautiful gift and coffee shop on the grounds of Ashford Castle. Stocking all kinds of beautiful gift and Ashford Castle keepsakes. But the main thing for me was the chocolate counter with handmade chocolates. Absolutely delicious.
I would highly recommend a visit to Ashford Castle. Driving in you are straight away mesmerised by the beauty of the place. This is a “Proper Castle!” And then from the moment you step out of your car you are treated like royalty by each and every single member of staff. They are one of a kind and this trip truly exceeded all our expectations. We most definitely will be back.

We toured around the country of Ireland as a family with two kids aged 11 and 8, this Ashford Castle was everyone’s favorite place we stayed. They treated our kids as guests and the whole experience was top notch. We wished we could stay longer and if our travels return to Ireland, we will return to Ashford Castle.

If you want an experience to remember Ashford Castle is the place to visit. I have been visiting and staying at Ashford for more than 20 years and I can honestly say it seems to get better each time.

From the minute you enter the castle gates you know you are in for something very special. Each person you meet is friendly, courteous and professional. They make you feel you are returning home.

We thoroughly enjoyed our Heritage Walk with Vincent, it was interesting and educational. Vincent was so proud of the castle and his home village, his enthusiasm shone through.

I have to give mention to breakfast - what a superb choice and all beautifully served. It really sets you up for the day. Staff were so pleasant and helpful. Robert and staff in the George V restaurant make you feel like very special guests and the food was delicious and well presented.
Our room was tastefully decorated with a lovely view of the lough.
I really hope it won’t be long before I visit my favourite place in the world. It is really special!

This is an amazing place to stay. It is beautiful, historical, with lots of things to see and do. The service is excellent and everyone was so friendly and helpful. Our dinner and breakfast were fabulous! We will be back!

We have traveled to Ireland frequently but this was our first stay at Ashford. It most certainly will not be the last. We enjoy traveling and usually stay in 5 star resorts and Ashford surely tops the list of one of the finest we have had the pleasure to stay at. First the room we had was a mansion stateroom and was beautiful and comfortable with a gorgeous view of the lake. The highlight of the trip was the exceptional experience arranged by the concierge which was truly an authentic Irish Connemara experience. We were given a private ride through the Connemara mountains (lots of sheep) and access to local Irish craftsman and private lunch in a local home. Finally a private music experience in a local pub was really special. You cannot miss the walk with the majestic Irish wolfhounds who grace the estate. We had miraculous March weather and took advantage of the Lough Corrib cruise. Dinners in both George V and the Dungeon were fabulous. We literally enjoyed every minute there. We will definitely return!

Our recent four-night mini-moon at Ashford Castle was truly magical and went far beyond anything we had hoped for.

From the outset, everything was handled so smoothly and thoughtfully. Ann Joyce made sure our reservation was perfectly organised, which set the tone straight away. When we arrived, Marty gave us such a warm welcome and took care of valet parking with ease, and Giuseppe checked us in with a friendliness that made us feel genuinely valued.

We stayed in Suite 433, which was absolutely beautiful—spotless, elegant, and incredibly comfortable. The bed alone was a highlight! It felt like the perfect place to unwind each evening, with every detail carefully thought through.

A special thank you to the Guest Relations team—Catherine Kenny, Clare, and Ann McGahon—who added so many personal touches throughout our stay. Their attentiveness and kindness really made the experience feel unique to us.

Dining was another standout. Every meal we had was excellent, both in terms of food and service. It was a pleasure to meet Executive Chef Liam Finnegan, whose passion really comes through in the dishes. We also loved the wine cellar tour with Paul Fogarty—relaxed, informative, and something we’ll remember for a long time.

As someone with Coeliac Disease, I really appreciated the care taken with dietary requirements. Everything was handled with confidence and reassurance, and the gluten-free options were some of the best I’ve ever had.

One moment that meant a lot to us was when our wedding trailer arrived during the stay—the team kindly arranged a private viewing in the cinema, which was such a thoughtful and memorable touch.

There were so many other people who made our stay special. The spa therapists were fantastic—professional and calming. Giuseppe and Bernard helped organise a surprise for my husband, which we’ll always appreciate. Poenetta looked after us beautifully in the George V restaurant, Jenny made our horse riding experience really enjoyable, and Alessio guided us through afternoon tea in the Connaught Room and later looked after us again in the Dungeon, where I had the best gluten-free braised beef pie.

We know there were many others behind the scenes and throughout the castle who contributed to our experience—while we may not remember every name, we’re very grateful to each and every one of you.

What really makes Ashford Castle stand out is its people. The warmth, attention, and genuine care we experienced from everyone we met is something quite rare.

Thank you for giving us such a special mini-moon—we’ve come away with incredible memories and would love to return someday.

From the moment we arrived at Ashford Castle, we were greeted with a warm and friendly atmosphere. Niall Rochford and his team were exceptional and very attentive. Even though we were only there for two days, the personal touch made our stay feel very special.

Dining in the George V Dining Room was one of the highlights of our visit. The setting was elegant yet relaxed, the food was excellent, and the service was outstanding. A special mention to Robert, Paul, and the fantastic team of waiters and waitresses whose professionalism and friendly manner made the evening even more enjoyable.

Ashford Castle is truly a special place, with beautiful grounds and plenty of activities to enjoy. We look forward to returning!!

Maurice and Mary Roche

Ashford Castle delivers on every promise of luxury and Irish hospitality. From the moment we crossed the bridge onto the estate, we felt transported into another era—one where service is an art form and every detail matters. We tried falconry, took a boat cruise on the lough, and enjoyed archery on the grounds – hosted by professional experts. Dining was exceptional across all venues. The staff deserves special mention—professional yet warm, they remembered our names and preferences, making us feel like castle residents rather than guests. Ashford Castle is genuinely unforgettable.