Ashford Castle
County of Mayo, Ireland
Jump to: Room choices | Hotel description | Map | Amenities | Reviews
About the Hotel
A thirteenth century castle buried deep in a wooded parkland sounds like the setting for a fairy tale, but really it is home to the exclusive Ashford Castle. Standing impressively on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, Ashford Castle is a monument to a fascinating and timeless history. Once the Guinness Family estate, the Castle has since opened its doors as an exclusive luxury hotel in 1939. Where else could one spend the morning learning how to fly a hawk at the School of Falconry, escape to the Walled Garden for a romantic picnic, and relax in the afternoon with a soothing massage at the spa? Filled with family heirlooms, rich furnishings and priceless objets dâ€(TM)art, Ashford presents the chance to enjoy the splendor of a bygone era in comfort and style.
Location
Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle Estate, Leaf Island,
County of Mayo, Ireland
F31 CA48
Nearest Airport: GWY
Features and Amenities
- Dining
- Private Dining
- Wine Cellar
- Bar
- Afternoon Tea
- Wine Bar
- Lounge
- Seasonal Restaurant
- Restaurants
- On-Site Amenities
- Heliport
- Fitness Center
- Garden
- Theater
- Movie Theater
- 3 9-Hole Golf Courses
- Chauffeur Service
- Equestrian Center
- Complimentary WiFi
- In-Room Amenities
- Turndown Service
- In-Room Safes
- Satellite Television
- Flat-Screen Televisions
- Work Desks
- Bathrobes & Slippers
- Complimentary WiFi
- Deep Soaking Tubs
- Activities
- Bicycling
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Sailing
- Tennis
- Wine Tasting
- Canoeing
- Clay Bird Shooting
- Billiards
- Archery
- Boating
- Zip-Lining
- Business
- Meeting Rooms
- Business Center
- Conference Facilities
- Business Services
- Catering Services
- Family
- Children's Programs
- Teen Activities
- Arts & Crafts
- Interests
- Active & Adventure
- Chateaus & Castles
- Culture & Arts
- Golf
- Honeymoons & Romance
- Horseback Riding
- Hotels
- Signature Perks
Reviews for Ashford Castle
Perfect stay
Our stay at Ashford Castle was perfect. This was our 3rd visit to the castle and we love it so much we brought our family with us this time. Our 2 sons, their wives and our 4 grandchildren, they have also fallen in love with it. We can’t really single out anyone on the staff because they were all so wonderful. They are all so friendly, welcoming and helpful. We especially loved how sweet the staff was to our grandchildren. The whole experience at the castle is wonderful, but the highlight for us was the Hawk Walk. That was really amazing. Thank you so much for the great stay and helping us make such wonderful memories with our family.
tpiet1 - Valparaiso, Indiana
Wow! Expensive, but WOW! Couldn't be more complimentary of the experience
Unbelievable experience. We went for our wedding anniversary, the entire staff without exception treated us at a world class level. We did golf (which is included) wine tasting, all our dinners and breakfasts there. My wife adored the spa facilities and the pool. Also did a morning guided tour of the area. Extremely romantic venue, although expensive to stay it was worth every penny.
socaltraveller18 - Los Angeles, California
Our first of many visits to Ashford Castle
Our stay began warmly with Dan at the gate and Joe at the entrance, who handled our car and luggage professionally. Although our room was still being prepared, Sabrina managed this superbly by arranging a fascinating history tour and offering champagne in the bar, making the wait enjoyable. In our room, chocolates, sherry, and a personalised TV welcome were lovely touches. After a long drive, the accessible spa was the perfect way to unwind. Dinner was memorable. Arezki, our French waiter, kindly ensured our steaks were cooked exactly as requested, and the restaurant manager’s complimentary drink afterwards showed real care for guest satisfaction. At breakfast, the kitchen kindly prepared fresh laminated bread for us again, which was delicious and much appreciated. As my wife has limited mobility while awaiting knee replacements, Marianna arranged a Castle minibus tour with Vincent when a buggy was unavailable. His knowledge of the estate and Cong, including the underground river between Lough Mask and Corrib, made it a wonderful experience. Throughout our stay, the staff’s impeccable manners impressed us. Marianna, Sabrina, Joe, Arezki, Vincent, the restaurant team, the chef, and Shane in the Castle boutique were all excellent ambassadors for the hotel.
John M
Highly recommended.
Fantastic resort. Highly recommended.
GoPlaces35716984178
An Unforgettable, Truly Special Stay
Our stay at Ashford Castle was extremely special—one of those rare experiences where everything, from the setting to the activities to the people, feels exceptional. The castle itself is breathtaking, rich with history yet kept in immaculate condition. Walking the halls genuinely feels like stepping into another era, but with every modern comfort perfectly in place. Every detail—inside and out—has clearly been cared for with intention and pride. The nearby Cong is absolutely charming and well worth exploring. It’s small, picturesque, and adds so much character to the overall stay. You truly need at least two days here, if not more. There is an incredible amount to do on property. We did the trap shooting, which was phenomenal—the gentleman running it was extremely kind, patient, and made the experience both fun and memorable, regardless of skill level. One absolute must-do is the morning dog walk with the Irish Wolfhounds. It’s as magical as it sounds and one of those experiences you’ll talk about long after you leave. The live music in the evenings is also fantastic and adds such warmth and atmosphere to the castle. For golf lovers, the nine-hole course is the perfect size for a relaxed, walkable round during your stay—beautiful, manageable, and a great way to enjoy the grounds. A helpful note for future guests: you don’t necessarily need to pre-book the boat tour far in advance. On our visit, they were happily accepting walk-ons the day of and had plenty of availability. From top to bottom, everything about Ashford Castle is spectacular—the history, the activities, the setting, and the people who bring it all to life. It’s a place that feels genuinely special, not just luxurious. An absolute must-stay.
VincentDM99 - Danville, California
Read more reviews or write a review
© 2026 TripAdvisor LLC. All rights reserved
This is one of the finest properties we have ever visited. It is a beautiful castle, but it is also a world class hotel in the most beautiful setting you can imagine. The grounds are large and bikes are available for guests, the fishing on the river and the lake are first rate, and the service is unmatched. We have stayed twice and can't wait to go back again.
-D. & L. Butler
