The ambience around the Ashford Castle is very impressive. The gardens are beautiful and well kept. The interior of the castle is covered on rich panelling, intricate woodcarving, and old works of art. The furnishings are antique and the fireplaces add an atmosphere that reminds you of old world elegance. Ashford's long history goes back to 1228 A.D. when it was originally built as a monastery. Today this wonderful castle with its imposing exterior has become a renowned deluxe castle. Ashford has become one of the top luxury castle hotels in the world and has had many famous guests including past US presidents and many other heads of state.

The original castle was built by the de Burgos family after their defeat of the native O'Connors of Connaught. Successive lords expanded the castle and fortified it. The central building, a French style chateau that incorporates the 13th century castle, was built in the mid 1700's by Lord Ardilaun. In 1852, the castle became the country home of the Guinness family, it has since been restored and transformed into Ireland's finest resort hotel. The castle is situated on 350 acres of wooded estate on the shores of Lough Corrib.

Ashford is unique in that each of the 83 bedrooms is individually designed by a leading designer who has captured the essence of magic that permeates each room. Each has magnificent views of the spectacular Lough Corrib, the River Cong and wooded parkland. The Castle offers standard or a deluxe rooms or even a suites or staterooms. During the summer season there is a choice of 2 Restaurants: The George V Dining Room, offering classical Irish Cuisine; or the restaurant The Connaught Room, which offers classical French Cuisine.Enjoy a Cocktail in The Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar, specifically built for the visit of the Prince of Wales who subsequently became King George V in the late 1800's.

The Health Centre has exercise facilities include compterised state-of-the-art equipment, whirlpool, steam room, sauna or power shower.....and refreshments in the conservatory overlooking Lough Corrib. Ashford has its own nine hole golf course, fishing on local rivers and lakes, game shooting, horse riding, walking/hiking, or just sight seeing around the picturesque countryside.

Ashford Castle is situated in the town of Cong on the west coast of Ireland. The film The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, was filmed in Cong and the surrounding are a including Ashford Castle. The city of Galway is about 30 minutes far away from the castle. Galway is a city, a mentality and a way of life. It represents a carefree vitality and an appreciation of the good things in life. From this pulsating heart, the rest of the country flows.