Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle


Hidden from the world amidst 350 acres of its own private estate, Ashford Castle is a fascinating monument to over 700 years of history and tradition. Once the estate of the Guinness Family, the castle opened its doors as an exclusive hotel in 1939. Today it stands as one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the world.

Situated in the beautiful village of Cong, County Mayo, just 30 minutes from Galway City, and within easy driving distance of Shannon International Airport, Ashford Castle is perfectly situated to welcome all ages of visitors, from every corner of the globe.

Ashford Castle has an unsurpassed reputation for providing guests with the very finest rooms and suites. Each guest room is individually designed to provide stylish personal comforts, from the marble fittings of bathrooms to sumptuous coordinated fabrics and furnishings. Many of the rooms retain their original features and all are equipped with modern amenities including Broadband connectivity and Interactive TV.

The Spa at Ashford is an iconic spa vision created and developed by Toni Tollman with the focus of enhancing the offering at Ashford Castle, for years the one part that was absent was the luxuriousness and comfort that a spa could offer to guests to indulge during their stay.

Ashford Spa is a haven of authenticity and uniqueness within the spa industry of Ireland and across the World, a piece of idyllic heaven has been transformed. 

The Spa at Ashford Castle is dedicated to restoring beauty and balance through individual treatments and spa journeys, personalised for each of guests by exceptional skilled therapists. The commitment to wellbeing focuses on essential holistic principles, combining ancient wisdom and modern expertise. The spa menu offers an extensive variety of health and beauty enhancing treatments to ensure that our guests are nurtured, purified, pampered and relaxed.

The spa services will be delivered using specially chosen spa brands iconic to Ashford and Ireland in their own special way. 
The ethos for the spa is connectivity, green and fulfilment. We are proud to work with the leaders in spa to deliver powerful and unique experiences for all guests, the wonders of revolution and natural beginnings. 

Ashford Castle is a member of exclusive Virtuoso travel network. Book online or contact our Virtuoso Travel Advisor [email protected] for more details.

To learn more about Virtuoso click on the Virtuoso Tab!

Ireland’s most iconic property Ashford Castle is delighted to announce the appointment of Philippe Farineau as Executive Chef. Farineau brings over twenty five years of fine dining experience in some of the most prestigious hotels and restaurants in Ireland and in Europe to the newly restored castle.


George V Dining Room: Dine like royalty

Ashford Castle has been hosting distinguished guests for almost 800 years – one of the most prominent being the Prince of Wales, who subsequently became George V of England. In honour of his visit in 1906, the Guinness family built a special dining room which still bears his name proudly to this day.
The graceful setting, with rich, panelled walls and twinkling Waterford Crystal chandeliers bestows a grand sense of occasion. Our resident pianist plays softly in the background while you relax and enjoy exceptional dishes from the kitchen, combined with much loved recipes of Beatrice Tollman and complemented by a fine selection of wines from Chief Sommelier, Robert Bowe.


Cullen's at the Dungeon: Dramatic and atmospheric

As its name would suggest, the unique setting located on the lower ground floor of the castle invites diners to enjoy a range of satisfying dishes from the bistro-style menu with a focus on traditional Irish cuisine beneath the historic curved stone ceiling. Together with a relaxed ambience, it makes for a wonderful and memorable dining experience. 
Past or Present – Cullen’s menu provides a true taste of the unique and exclusive West of Ireland experience.


Cullen's at the Cottage: The perfect summer setting

This traditional thatched cottage provides a relaxed dining experience with international and local dishes inspired by our owner Beatrice Tollman.
Open in the summer months, it’s just a short stroll over the bridge from the castle.


The Connaught Room: The epitome of elegance

The lough-facing Connaught Room provides a delightful space in which to enjoy private dining or a delicious traditional Afternoon Tea - a ritual that extends back to 1868 at Ashford Castle, when Lord and Lady Ardilaun would take Afternoon Tea to discuss the events of the morning and the plans for that evening.
The Connaught Room is flanked with floor to ceiling windows commanding spectacular views of the Castle’s manicured gardens and the magnificent Lough Corrib. The room captivates guests with its inspiring Donegal Crystal chandelier, panelled oak walls and a hand carved fireplace.
The menu offers our guests a delightful selection of speciality teas, delicate finger sandwiches with traditional fillings, warm scones, hand-made pastries and cupcakes decorated with lovingly hand-picked wild flowers from the Estate by our Head Pastry Chef, Paula Stakelum.


Afternoon Tea: An exquisite setting for a traditional pastime

The long established tradition of Afternoon Tea has been wonderfully preserved at Ashford Castle since 1868 - you’ll notice the original silver tea set displayed in the Connaught Room, which was presented to Lord and Lady Ardilaun to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary in 1896. With spectacular views from the comfort of the castle’s elegant interior, take your time to savour every delicious moment.
The Afternoon Tea menu offers guests a wide selection of speciality teas or perhaps a glass of Champagne, delicate finger sandwiches, warm freshly baked scones with lashings of cream and home-made jam, not to mention our tasty pastries and cupcakes. It’s the perfect way to spend a leisurely afternoon with friends.


The Drawing Room: Relax at leisure overlooking Lough Corrib

As you enter The Drawing Room you’ll immediately be struck by the breathtaking views across the manicured lawns out across the expansive Lough Corrib. The ideal setting for morning coffee and light lunches from the bar menu, simply sink into comfortable chairs to enjoy fine hospitality in total comfort. 
Whether you’re enjoying a romantic break, catching up with family and friends or hosting a relaxed meeting, The Drawing Room lends itself perfectly for the occasion.