The Lodge at Ashford Castle

An outstanding experience from start to finish. The room was spacious and very comfortable. Food at Wildes was first class. The Golf course was challenging but quiet enough for improvers to enjoy. The access to Ashford Castle grounds was a real treat. We stayed for three days and had an amazing time. All of the staff were attentive, and super helpful

Our family of 12 had great time at the Lodge. It was extremely luxurious and the staff was very friendly and professional. The dinner was 5 stars as was the service. We broke up into 2 groups and went on the Hawk Walk, a must while there. Maddy was our guide and she was wonderful and informative. We learned so much about the hawks as well as their falcons and owl. For about an hour we walked through the woods as the hawks landed on and took off from our arms. We were surprised how light the birds were despite their size and how fast they came off branches in the forest to eat from our hand. If you are visiting Ireland and in the Cong area go to Ashford Castle and take the Hawk Walk.

We're just back from our stay at the Lodge at Ashford Castle and we had a fantastic time. Our room was a superior which was clean and spacious. Dinner in Wildes was excellent, we had a starter and main course, the beef wellington was amazing and my partner had the chicken which was also fab. We were down for breakfast around 9am and we were greeted and sat very quickly. Breakfast was great, one of best frys we have had, we prefer cook to order breakfasts over buffet every time. All the staff were friendly and welcoming and the gounds and gardens were immaculate. 5 stars all round.

My partner is recovering from a serious illness so I booked a suite to ensure we would have a nice large comfortable and relaxing room in case he was not up to going out and about - I even explained this when making the booking. I'm lost for words on the room we were provided with - it was like something you might expect to see in a 'bordello', red shiny patent plastic couch that squeaked and made noises when you sat on it, a matching red shiny headboard, mirrored furniture, horrendous images of famous pop stars and actors with over-exaugurated red lips!! How on earth are you supposed to relax in an atmosphere like that. The room did not resemble any rooms that are on the website. We asked to be moved but there were no other suites available, the alternate room offered was tiny and we even asked could we be moved to Ashford Hotel itself but they were booked out. But it was not just the accommodation, on arriving at the Lodge the entrance had holes in the wooden floor - beware of your footwear choice if visiting, the 'art' behind the reception desk could do with a good dusting and the 'welcome' was not very welcoming. Both mornings we ordered breakfast to the room, the first morning there was no butter and even though I rang down for some to be delivered, it never arrived, the second morning there were no eggs although they had been ordered. For this 'breakfast experience' we were charged room tray rates or 12.50 per day. On checking out, 10.00 per day had been added to our bill for 'discretionary tips', even though we had tipped individuals ourselves during the stay. There was even a 'charity donation' added to our bill. The only saving event of our stay was our dinner in Wilde's Restaurant, the food was lovely and the Manager was superb and very professional. To summarise, very very very disappointed, not worth the money and most definitely not a 5 star hotel.

The hawk walk and riding were great. The room was only acceptable, the check in process was a night mare and the food was overpriced - would not rush to go Back !