The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Our second visit to The Lodge at Ashford Castle in two years not only lived up to our expectations but exceeded them once again. Last summer, our initial experience was so incredibly positive that we rearranged our entire itinerary on the day of arrival just to return at the end of our trip. We left so delighted that returning this summer was an easy decision. Upon our return, we felt immediately welcome. The personal touch of being recognized by several staff members, even before check-in, was truly wonderful. The entire team—from Cristina at check-in to staff in the Quay Bar, Wildes Restaurant, both during breakfast and dinner—were exceptionally friendly and attentive. Drivers, housekeeping, and everyone working across the magnificent Ashford estate deserve immense praise; they truly make the experience fantastic. This year, we also made sure to try the swimming pool, which we highly recommend! Rooms (we have tried three room types): In our first visit we couldn't decide between the Courtyard Deluxe King room and the Superior Deluxe Room as the description and pictures online looked very similar, we therefore decided on the Courtyard Deluxe room. When we returned on the same trip we tried the Superior room. On our most recent trip, this year, both our previous room types were booked so we decided on the Duplex Suite. • Courtyard Deluxe King room: very nice room, the smallest one, however, big enough for two suitcases. • Superior Deluxe Room: bigger than the Courtyard Deluxe room. It also felt a lot more airy and it felt like a much bigger room. As this room was not that much more expensive than the Courtyard room we would definitely recommend the Superior Deluxe room if available. • Duplex Suite: The suite was excellent, featuring a nice living room, great bedroom and a very comfortable shower (the best shower of the three). The two floors were a nice touch if one of the travelers is a bit slow getting ready. We also had a little patio for ourselves, however we did not use this as we preferred sitting outside the Quay Bar when we had some time. Location: The hotel has a great location. Just a ten-minute walk (or a short drive as the staff are always ready to take you by car if you would prefer) to a lovely cafe/shop (Mrs. Tea) and a very good restaurant (Cullens at the Cottage). Here is also the entrance to the beautiful Ashford Castle. Guests at the Lodge are most days allowed to take a stroll in the gardens at Ashford, which we also would recommend in addition to trying one of the restaurants there. Another ten minutes walk and you are in the lovely Cong village. Here you have walking paths, some shops, restaurants and our favourite in the village, the Danaghars bar that has live music seven days a week (at least in the weeks we have visited) and an amazing atmosphere. The location of The Lodge is also great for exploring other parts of Western Ireland. Galway is only approximately 45 minutes away with a car, perfect for a day trip. From the dock in Galway you can also take a ferry to the Aran Islands, where a bike trip around the island is highly recommended. We also went for a hike in Connemara, saw Kylemore Abbey, Downpatrick Head, and visited Westport. So as long as you have a car, The Lodge is a perfect starting point for many experiences and a perfect place to get back to after a day of exploring the other wonderful parts of Western Ireland. The estate offers a lot of activities. Last time we went horseback riding in the woods around the estate. It was so much fun, the horses were wonderful and the guide was very pleasant and knowledgeable – an amazing way to see the estate. We certainly weren't ready to leave when our visit ended, but hopefully we´ll be able to visit again soon.

We stayed at the Lodge for two nights From the moment we arrived the staff from top to bottom could not have done anymore to make the stay more enjoyable. The deluxe room was immaculate and very cosy. We had an evening meat in Wildes restaurant on the first evening food and staff was exceptional. We booked Cullens a thatched restaurant on the grounds for our second meal another great experience. The swimming pool and facilities were very good also. The morning we were departing we went for a walk with the estate Irish wolf hounds what a treat that was. We plan on returning in the future for another stay. Thank you to all involved in our stay.

I booked a suite which was dog friendly so we could bring our Cocker Spaniel, Marley, with us. Upon arrival and until departure it’s the staff that made the entire experience. The professionalism, interaction and everything inbetween was top class. The checkin process was informative and personal, such a warm welcome and even for Marley there was a treat and water bowls and a dog bed waiting for him in the room. If you are looking for a dog friendly stay then the lodge at Ashford is ideal. You can have breakfast in your bedroom, and dine in the gallery with Wilde’s menu with your dog. Plenty of walks around the grounds and a short walk of 20 mins to Cong village. Pat Cohen’s is a nice spot for food and drink in the village. Cullens at the cottege within the grounds was also a stunning place to dine with astounding service, from Glen. Just to summarise I’ve never experienced such well spoken, mannerly and interactive staff with a consistent standard. Well done to all and thanks.

Magical experience in the West of Ireland. We'd heard about Ashford Castle, which is incredibly beautiful, but not within our budget for a week-long stay. We opted for the Lodge at Ashford and could not have been happier with our choice. The staff were incredibly warm and welcoming, always ready to help with whatever you need. The rooms are large, with very comfortable beds, huge, beautiful bathrooms with heated floors, fully air conditioned. The onsite experiences on the Ashford Estate, from horseback riding, to kayaking on Loch Corrib, to falconry were all tremendous fun and run by kind people who are there to make your stay memorable. I can't recommend this property highly enough.

We just had a great few days at the lodge. The service and the food deserve 5 stars. The Ealu fitness and pool are gorgeous, and the grounds are stunning. Access to some of the facilities at Ashford castle really added to the experience. My only criticism is the lack of coffee machine in the bedroom. The only option was instant coffee, not really what I expected in a 4 star in 2025.