Ashford Castle stands on the shore of Lough Corrib at Cong, on the border of counties Mayo and Galway, in the west of Ireland. Its history begins in 1228, when the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family built a castle on the site. It now ranks among the most celebrated luxury hotels in Ireland.
History
After centuries of changing owners, the estate was bought in 1852 by Benjamin Lee Guinness, of the brewing family, who enlarged the castle and its grounds. His son Arthur continued the work. Ashford Castle became a hotel in 1939. In 1951 John Ford filmed The Quiet Man in and around the village of Cong. The hotel was restored after it joined Red Carnation Hotels in 2013.
Architecture and design
The castle combines a medieval core with the Victorian Gothic additions of the Guinness era: battlements, towers and a drawbridge over the river Cong. Inside, the hotel is furnished with antiques and oak panelling. It has 83 rooms and suites, a spa and an indoor pool.
Location and estate
The estate stretches across woodland, gardens and the lakeshore. Guests can try falconry, fishing on Lough Corrib, horse riding or golf, and explore Connemara a short drive away.
Weddings and events
Ashford Castle is one of the most sought-after wedding venues in Ireland, with its reception rooms, its terraces over the lake and its grounds.
At a glance
What sets it apart
- 01Castle founded in 1228 by the de Burgo family
- 02Enlarged by the Guinness family from 1852
- 03A hotel since 1939, on the shore of Lough Corrib
- 04Falconry, fishing and riding on its estate
Chronology
Dates that matter
1228
The Anglo-Norman de Burgo family builds a castle on the shore of Lough Corrib.
1715
The Browne family adds a French-style château to the medieval castle.
1852
Benjamin Lee Guinness buys the estate and begins enlarging the castle.
1905
The Prince of Wales, the future George V, visits the castle as a guest of Lord Ardilaun.
1939
Noel Huggard opens Ashford Castle as a hotel.
1951
John Ford films The Quiet Man in Cong and on the estate.
1970
The hotel is bought by John Mulcahy, who enlarges it and lays out the golf course.
2013
Red Carnation Hotels buys the castle.
2015
The castle reopens after a two-year restoration.
