A Magical Stay at Ashford Castle in Ireland

Spending one night at Ashford Castle in Ireland was one of the most beautiful and memorable hotel stays we have ever experienced.

Dating back to 1228, Ashford Castle started as a medieval fortress. It eventually became one of Ireland’s most iconic luxury hotels. Once owned by the Guinness family, the castle blends history and luxury in a way that feels incredibly special from the moment you arrive.

As soon as we drove through the gates, we knew this place was different. One thing we immediately loved was that guests are referred to as residents. It may sound like a small detail, but it perfectly reflects the property’s atmosphere. You are not treated as if you were staying at a hotel; you are treated as though the castle were your home.

The grounds are absolutely breathtaking. Sitting along Lough Corrib, the estate is filled with gardens, walking paths, beautiful stone buildings, and endless views of the Irish countryside. Everywhere you look feels like something out of a movie.

The Gardens at Ashford Castle

The room itself completely blew us away. Honestly, when I first walked in, I thought I was going to cry. It felt warm and elegant. The linens and pillows were unbelievably soft, and the bed was just incredible.

One detail we absolutely loved was the chocolate Irish Wolfhound waiting in the room. This is a nod to the castle’s history and the former owners’ love for the breed. The bathroom was incredible, with heated floors, and the perfect mix of modern comfort while still keeping the character and charm of the castle. The entire room felt like old-world luxury mixed perfectly with modern touches. For a room review, click HERE.

Afternoon Tea!

One of the highlights of our stay was afternoon tea in the beautiful Connaught Room overlooking the grounds. This was not just tea; it was a dining experience. We enjoyed pastries, desserts, savoury bites, and champagne while taking in the scenery around us.

What impressed us most was the level of personalized service. My husband Mark is lactose intolerant and usually does not mention it while travelling because dairy-free alternatives are often disappointing. This time, the staff prepared completely separate dairy-free pastries and desserts for him, and honestly, they were so good that I ended up stealing some of his as they were even better than mine. That level of care and attention really says everything about Ashford Castle. Click HERE for a reel of our experience!

Dining throughout the property was equally impressive. Ashford Castle offers seven unique restaurants and dining venues, including three located directly within the castle itself. During our stay, we had dinner at Cullen’s at the Cottage beside the golf course, which had a relaxed and cozy atmosphere while still delivering incredible food and service.

The castle also features several beautiful bars and lounges, including the Prince of Wales Bar, The Billiards Room & Cigar Terrace, and the historic Wine Cellar. However, no matter where you are on the property, you are never far from a perfectly poured Guinness… I tried, but still not a fan.

The castle has a beautiful nine-hole golf course on the grounds, complimentary for residents. Mark was able to experience it before we headed out on a boat tour across Lough Corrib. From the water, you get breathtaking views of the castle and grounds that cannot be seen from land. We also enjoyed learning about the history of the lake and Ashford Castle from our captain throughout the tour.

One of the most magical moments of our stay happened completely unexpectedly. One evening, a resident arranged a surprise fireworks display for someone special. We stood outside watching the sky light up over the lake with a fireworks show as grand as our Victoria Day celebrations back home.

One of the things that makes Ashford Castle so special is the number of unique experiences available on the property. Residents can visit the famous Falconry School and even hold a falcon on their arm. In the mornings, residents can also walk the castle’s beautiful Irish Wolfhounds around the grounds, which adds such a personal and memorable touch to the stay.

Would we return? Absolutely.

Although we only stayed one night, we truly wished we had stayed longer. I could easily have spent hours sitting in one of the great rooms, relaxing in the lounge, or simply reading a book in the gardens while taking in the scenery.

If Ireland is on your travel list and you are looking for a truly unforgettable luxury experience, Ashford Castle is a must-do, and we can help you make it happen. When booking Ashford Castle with Power Travel, you will receive exclusive preferred partner perks, including: