Ashford Castle – Cong, County Mayo
This majestic 800-year-old castle on the edge of Lough Corrib is more resplendent than ever following the completion of a $75 million investment. The one-time home of the Guinness family is now a prestigious Red Carnation Hotel and a Leading Hotel of the World. Located on a 350-acre estate, the castle features grand rooms, gorgeous antiques, oil paintings and, even, suits of armour. The 83 bedrooms combine traditional elegance, modern luxuries and meticulous attention to detail, and there are four restaurants serving exceptional food, from the sophisticated George V Dining Room to the atmospheric bistro, The Dungeon. You can also enjoy private wine tastings or dinners in the 16th-century cellars. Daytime activities range from horse riding, fishing and shooting to golf, cycling and kayaking. The peerless sporting estate is also home to Ireland’s first School of Falconry and has an award-winning spa. Doubles from €595.
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Name to Know: Room divisions manager, Catherine Kenny, who has been working at the castle for over 20 years. She has many tales to share about life at the historic Guinness castle.
See: Witness the resident Harris Hawks soar through the forest at incredible speed as you fly your very own bird of prey at Ireland’s first Falconry School on the Ashford Estate.
Eat: Catch your very own wild salmon in Lough Corrib and then dine in the castle’s George V dining room where you can enjoy your freshly smoked salmon, carved right by your table.
Buy: Treat yourself to an Ashford Tweed Scarf from The Gift Shop at Ashford Castle or Mrs Tea’s Boutique located next to the castle.
Want to find out more? Visit the hotel's website.
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