Ashford Castle

Cong

Ireland, the Emerald Isle, is rich in Celtic myths and legends and an agitated, often painful history. This western European country, battered by wind and rain, is nevertheless a land of tremendous hospitality. The warmth of its inhabitants and the magnificence of its landscapes make a visit here truly unforgettable.

Visiting Ireland means taking the risk of leaving a part of yourself there. You don’t discover Ireland with tourist guides or by staying in the official tourist areas. Ireland reveals its true self off the beaten track, in searching for the unknown. It’s by discovering these mysteries that you find yourself face to face with the soul of the country and its many surprises. The county of Mayo is on the east coast of Ireland and has become a major tourist destination thanks to its charming beach resorts, fabulous fishing areas and incredible hiking trails. In short, Mayo possesses all the charms of Ireland in one single county, in addition to a diversified and contrasting number of unique settings including wetlands, valleys, plains, mountains, lakes, and wild, natural landscapes. And since one can find anything here, it’s not surprising to find, near the peaceful village of Cong, a sensational luxury hotel.

A peaceful, well established castle

Ashford Castle is a medieval structure dating back to the 13^th century. Located on the banks of the Lough Corrib and surrounded by forests and mountains, its situation is breathtaking. How can one not succumb to the charms of this majestic building, once the property of the Guinness family? This 110 square kilometer property, considered to be one of the best hotels in Europe, owes its reputation in part to its magnificent environment. Ensconced in the natural beauty of a sublime Irish landscape, the visitor cannot help but be thrilled by the scenery around him. Transformed into a hotel in 1939, the establishment distills a classical and historical charm with a modern approach to comfort and reception, without neglecting its illustrious history which is etched into every inch of wood of its rich interior. The hotel’s 83 rooms all have high ceilings with generous and luxurious decorations. It’s not difficult to imagine oneself in total harmony with the elements in a space that is so well organized.

In addition to its situation which defies all competition, the strength of Ashford Castle lies in the number of activities offered which include horseback riding, musical cruises, art exhibits, fly fishing, hiking and of course, a golf course whose renown goes far beyond the borders of Ireland. The castle is also home to an extremely well known falconry school.

The Castle was used as the décor for the 1951 John Ford film, “The Quiet Man” with John Wayne. Crowned heads and film stars come here regularly and have included John Lennon, George Harrison, Oscar Wilde, Ronald Reagan, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, as well as Prince Rainier of Monaco and his wife, Grace Kelly.