Eight Centuries of Royal Irish Splendor
350 Acres on the Shores of Lough CorribSteeped in eight centuries of royal history on the tranquil shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ashford Castle is universally celebrated as Ireland's premier castle destination and one of the finest luxury hotel estates on Earth. Originally founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following their victory over the O'Connors of Connaught, the fortress passed to the Binghams and Brownes before Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness acquired the estate in 1852. Under the Guinness family and his son Lord Ardilaun, Ashford was transformed into a fairytale Victorian neo-Gothic palace surrounded by thousands of newly planted trees, formal parterre gardens, and romantic parklands.
Today, as the flagship jewel of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection and The Leading Hotels of the World, Ashford Castle has been crowned 'Best Hotel in the World' by Virtuoso and Conde Nast Traveler, and stands as Ireland's first and only Forbes Five-Star hotel and spa estate. Across its 83 individually restored rooms, staterooms, and suites, guests discover rich damask silk wall coverings, antique Georgian four-poster beds, custom Waterford crystal chandeliers, and handcrafted Irish marble bathrooms.
Estate pursuits are without equal: fly your first Harris hawk at Ireland's first School of Falconry, embark on morning fly fishing for wild brown trout, enjoy a private cruise aboard the estate's M.V. Corrib, play 9 holes on the Eddie Hackett golf course, or surrender to tranquility at the Forbes Five-Star Spa. Reserving through Vincent Vacations unlocks confirmed Signature Travel Network privileges including daily full Irish breakfast, complimentary traditional afternoon tea for two, personalized GM welcome gift, room upgrade priority, and $100 food & beverage credit on two-night suite stays.
Estate Photo Gallery
Castle Architecture & Lakeside Parklands
Historic Rooms & Royal Suites
Individually Designed Castle Chambers
Lakeside Sanctuary
Corrib Room
Decorated in individual elegant style with sumptuous king-size bed, handcrafted fabrics, and large windows framing views of Lough Corrib or River Cong. Includes bespoke Irish marble bathroom with deep tub and rainfall shower.
Parkland Hideaway
Deluxe Room
Lovingly designed rooms combining antique furnishings with modern luxury comforts. Features sitting area with plush armchairs, antique chandelier, and oversized marble bathroom with bespoke bath amenities and heated floors.
Historic Castle Wing
Junior Stateroom
Immaculate attention to detail in the oldest castle wings. Features towering ceilings, original historic cornicing, museum-quality oil paintings, king-size four-poster or canopy bed, and panoramic estate vistas.
Aristocratic Suite
Castle Suite
Palatial suite featuring a separate expansive living salon with antique fireplace, dining area, plush sofas, private bar, and an opulent bedroom with views across Lough Corrib and the River Cong.
Lord Ardilaun Tower
Stateroom Suite
Situated in the historic 13th and 17th-century castle towers. Features grand sitting room with original carved stone fireplace, high-vaulted ceilings, antique chandeliers, and breathtaking direct lake views.
Royal Presidential
The Reagan Presidential Suite
Named in honor of President Ronald Reagan who stayed here in 1984. A split-level masterpiece featuring original fireplace, soaring ceilings, floor-to-ceiling panoramic views over Lough Corrib, grand dining room, and palatial master bedroom with hand-carved four-poster bed.
Royal Dining & Secret Cellars
Haute Cuisine, Historic Tea & Medieval FeastsDining at Ashford Castle is a regal celebration of Irish culinary heritage. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Liam Finnegan, ingredients are sourced from the estate's walled kitchen gardens, Lough Corrib, and artisan producers from across the West of Ireland.
The George V Dining Room
Built in 1905 for the Prince of Wales, later King George V. Dine beneath Waterford crystal chandeliers on seasonal Irish fine dining prepared with ingredients from the estate's walled gardens, Lough Corrib, and local artisan purveyors.
The Connaught Room
An exquisite historic salon framing floor-to-ceiling views of Lough Corrib. Serves Ashford Castle's world-renowned multi-course afternoon tea featuring house-baked buttermilk scones, finger sandwiches, and artisan pastries created by the Master Pastry Chef.
The Dungeon & Wine Cellars
Located on the lower ground floor beneath historic stone-vaulted arches. Serves traditional Irish comfort classics, artisanal charcuterie, and braised meats, alongside private tastings in the 16th-century secret wine tunnels.
Falconry & Country Pursuits
350 Acres of Royal AdventureAshford Castle offers an unrivaled portfolio of traditional Irish country pursuits. Walk side-by-side with Harris hawks at Ireland's first School of Falconry, established in 1999, as these magnificent birds fly from the ancient oak treetops directly to your gloved fist. Enjoy a private 9-hole round on the Eddie Hackett-designed golf course, test your aim at clay shooting or archery, embark on private lake cruises aboard the M.V. Corrib, or ride through the estate with the Ashford Equestrian Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Planning Your Royal Stay at Ashford CastleWhen booking Ashford Castle with Vincent Vacations, guests receive exclusive Signature Travel Network privileges including daily full Irish breakfast for two, complimentary Traditional Afternoon Tea for two once per stay, a personalized welcome note and arrival gift from the General Manager, priority room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), and early check-in / late check-out based on availability. For stays of 2 nights or more in a Suite or Villa, guests also receive a $100 USD Food & Beverage credit once per stay.
Founded in 1228 by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following a defeat of the native O'Connors of Connaught, Ashford Castle passed through noble families including the Binghams and Brownes. In 1852, Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness purchased the estate, planting thousands of trees and constructing Victorian additions. His son, Lord Ardilaun, further expanded the castle and developed the extensive woodlands and formal gardens.
Ashford Castle is home to Ireland's first School of Falconry, offering private Hawk Walks through the ancient woodlands. Guests can also enjoy an Eddie Hackett 9-hole golf course, clay pigeon shooting, archery, equestrian riding, fly fishing on Lough Corrib and the River Cong, scenic private lake cruises aboard the M.V. Corrib, tree climbing, and relaxing at the Forbes Five-Star Spa.
The estate features The George V Dining Room for formal haute gastronomy under crystal chandeliers; The Connaught Room for award-winning traditional afternoon tea; The Dungeon for rustic Irish comfort dining beneath medieval stone vaults; Cullen's at the Cottage for international bistro fare; the Prince of Wales Bar; and private sommelier tastings in the 16th-century underground Wine Cellars.
Ashford Castle is located in Cong, County Mayo, approximately 45 minutes by car from Galway City, 1 hour from Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), and 1 hour 45 minutes from Shannon International Airport (SNN). Vincent Vacations can arrange private luxury chauffeur transfers from Shannon, Dublin, or Knock airports, as well as helicopter arrivals onto the castle grounds.