Let’s just say it out loud: most people will never sleep inside an 800-year-old castle on the misty shores of Ireland, with a bagpiper waiting for them at arrival. And most people are missing out. But because you read Travel The Unexpected, we know you’re one of the lucky few who will add this to your bucket list. Because a stay at Ashford Castle Ireland truly transports you back in time, and is one of the most authentic castle hotels in the entire world. It’s one we’ll stay at again and again every trip to Ireland. So here’s everything you need to know to plan your stay at this medieval castle hotel in Ireland.
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What Makes Ashford Castle Ireland So Special?
What’s so special about Ashford Castle is that it’s the real deal. It’s a fully intact medieval fortress in County Mayo, with endless acres of land and more activities than you could squeeze into a week. More on those activities later!
This place drips with lore, which is what makes it one of the best castle hotels in Ireland. The Guinness family (yes, that Guinness!) owned it for decades. Imagine trying to split the G at their own castle! Even Ronald Reagan stayed here. And you might recognize it from a particular historical drama. That’s right, the TV series, Reign, used it as a backdrop. It’s also featured in the 1952 Oscar-winning film The Quiet Man, with John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara.
In more recent history, Ashford Castle underwent a $75 million restoration in 2015. It’s now a spectacular five-star hotel that maintains its medieval charm while balancing the comforts of the more modern, finer things in life.
Ashford Castle Rooms and Suites
There are 83 rooms, suites, and the iconic Boathouse on the property. Every room has its own dominant color carried through the curtains, upholstery, walls, and custom carpets. Think antique furnishings, rich fabrics, ornate details, and art glass chandeliers alongside modern comforts like electronic shades, touch controls for lighting, and free Wi-Fi. It feels like someone actually thought about what it means to make a castle comfortable, while still maintaining the medieval aesthetic.
Here’s a quick look at your options:
- Corrib Rooms: The entry-level option, but don’t let that fool you. It’s still a stunning room… inside a castle.
- Corrib Lake View Rooms: Same elegance, now with sweeping views over Lough Corrib. We recommend at least upgrading to this room if you can, so that you start every day with a magnificent view.
- Deluxe and Lake View Deluxe Rooms: More space, more views, more wow. We don’t necessarily think this room upgrade is worth it, unless you really value more space.
- Suites: President Reagan stayed in the Reagan Presidential Suite. Just saying.
- The Boathouse: A private hideaway perched directly over the lake with its own butler. If you’re celebrating something big, this is worth the splurge.
How much does Ashford Castle cost? Rates start from around €487 per night for a Corrib Room in the winter months, climbing to over €1,000 during peak season. Suites go higher from there. It’s a bit pricy, but look out for seasonal offers and stay-and-dine packages that Ashford Castle runs regularly. And truthfully, with how many activities there are to choose from here, it’s one of the most transportative castle hotels in the world in our books, and thus fully worth the price.
Things to Do at Ashford Castle
This is what truly separates this property from all of the other castle hotels in the world. Here are the activities we’d prioritize during a stay at Ashford Castle Ireland.
Falconry
Do not leave without doing this. Ashford Castle is home to Ireland’s School of Falconry, the oldest established falconry school in the country, and the Hawk Walk experience is one of the most memorable things we’ve ever experienced at any property in the world. You’re introduced to a Harris hawk, then you head out into the ancient woodlands with your guide and fly the hawk from tree to tree. It swoops down and lands directly on your gloved fist in the middle of the forest. The experience runs for about an hour and starts at around €140 for one person. Even non-guests can book it, so you can experience this even if you opt not to stay the night, though guests naturally get priority.
Hound Walks
The castle keeps its own Irish wolfhounds, one of the tallest dog breeds on the planet, and guests can join guided walks with them around the estate. As dog-lovers, this was a can’t-miss activity for us. If you’re missing your pets back home, this is a great way to connect with animals while getting some exercise and exploring the castle grounds.
Boat Tours on Lough Corrib
Most guests experience the castle entirely by land. But they’re missing out on the spectacular view of seeing the castle from the water. The historic boat tours also dive into the stories of the estate and the surrounding area, so you get a history lesson alongside your peaceful and beautiful boat ride.
Horseback Riding, Clay Shooting, Archery, and More
The estate’s equestrian center takes riders of all levels through the forest of County Mayo. Clay pigeon shooting and archery can also be booked, and you feel like you’re living out a reenactment of a period piece. There’s also kayaking, cycling, zip-lining, fishing, and a nine-hole private golf course. This place is a real boredom buster.
The Private Cinema
One of our personal favorite rooms in the hotel is the 32-seat cinema hidden inside the castle walls. The castle screens a different film every evening. How many people get to say they slept in a castle, let alone watched a movie in a private theater in a castle?!
Dining at Ashford Castle
George V Dining Room
If you’re looking for an excuse to get dressed up and bring out your inner king or queen, you’ll love dining at the castle’s flagship restaurant. The food is rooted in classic Irish and European cuisine, served at a typical European pace; i.e., perfectly slow. This is the most elaborate of the Ashford Castle restaurants.
Afternoon Tea in the Connaught Room
We’ve done High Tea in various parts of the world, including London. But there’s something truly special about having tea in a castle. The only requirement is speaking in a posh accent the whole time. Kidding… but how fun would that be?! The spread is absolutely sensational, and you’ll want to return the next day for another round of afternoon tea.
Stanley’s Bar and The Dungeon
If you’re looking for a more casual place to dine, you have the options of Stanley’s Bar or The Dungeon. Stanley’s Bar is perfect for lunch. And The Dungeon, is a casual pub that serves burgers, corned beef, black pudding, and seafood.
How to Make the Most of Your Stay
We are maximizers, and a stay at Ashford Castle Ireland is far too special to wing it. Here’s what to do at Ashford Castle to make the most out of this special stay:
- Book the Hawk Walk as soon as you confirm your reservation. Spots book up way in advance.
- Request a lake view room. Waking up to Lough Corrib from your bed is quintessential to the Ashford Castle experience.
- Get out on the water. The boat tour gives you the castle view that guests who stay on land totally miss out on.
- Walk into Cong. The charming village is just a few minutes from the castle. Visit Cong Abbey, pop into the Quiet Man Museum, and wander around. It’s quaintness is a nice contrast to the grandeur of the castle.
- Have dinner in the George V Dining Room at least once. And don’t forget to dress to impress!
- Stay two nights minimum. One day at Ashford Castle is definitely worth it. But two nights lets you get in all of the activities that truly transport you back in time.
Is Ashford Castle Worth It?
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: how often do you actually get to sleep inside a real castle? And while there are so many castles around the world that you can stay in, few transport you back in time the way Ashford Castle Ireland does. Ashford Castle is not just a luxury hotel inside a castle. It is genuinely one of the most immersive, specific, and once-in-a-lifetime stays on the planet.
Similar Stays You’ll Love
If sleeping inside a historic palace or castle is your thing (and clearly it should be), here are a few more worth adding to the list.
Airelles Chateau de Versailles (France) – A stay inside the actual Palace of Versailles, with exclusive access to the Hall of Mirrors and gardens.
Hotel du Palais (Biarritz, France) – This was originally built as a summer palace for Napoleon III. Now guests get the majesty of the palace alongside a stunning ocean view.
Taj Lake Palace (Udaipur, India) – This palace is only accessible by boat, making it a truly remote getaway that feels ultra exclusive.
We genuinely hope this gets you one step closer to booking Ashford Castle Ireland. It’s one of those special stays that we can’t share enough about. You’ll just have to experience it for yourself to truly understand the magic.
Looking for more castle hotels? Check out everything we’ve found here.
