OUR journey begins with a smooth 50-minute drive from Knock Airport, a small yet efficient gateway that makes reaching the west of Ireland effortless. We glide through misty country roads in a silent electric BMW i7, past sheep-dotted fields and storybook cottages.
Ashford Castle rises like a fairytale above Lough Corrib, its halls echoing with centuries of stories. Since acquiring the estate in 2013, the Tollman family has restored it with great care, preserving its 800-year history while adding thoughtful modern comforts. The Castle offers 83 rooms and a private lakeside boathouse, all set against shifting Irish weather that makes the landscape feel alive.
Ashford Castle Exterior
We stay in the Kennedy Suite, complete with beamed ceilings, antique furnishings and sweeping lake views. A cherub-carved four-poster bed and a dreamy, silk-lined bathroom set the tone for a regal stay.
What truly elevates Ashford Castle is its people. Many staff have been here for decades. Managing director Niall Rochford is in his 25th year, while restaurant manager Robert Bowe has served for more than 38, sharing the Castle’s heritage with unmistakable pride.
Spa Pool
Dinner at Cullen’s at the Cottage – a cosy, thatched restaurant that once served as the local cinema – offers perfectly cooked mackerel and a caramelised vanilla tart. Returning to our suite, with a crackling fire and classical music playing, feels like coming home to our own private retreat.
Morning begins with pastries in the George V Dining Room, built by the Guinness family in 1905. Pastry chef Charles Hindi tells us each croissant contains more than 50 delicate layers. A juice sommelier pours fresh blends made from produce grown on the estate under head gardener Alex Lavarde’s “ground to plate” philosophy.
The award-winning spa, overlooking the lake, is a highlight. It’s the first in Ireland to offer Augustinus Bader treatments using the exclusive Bader Method. Heated relaxation pools, state-of-the-art thermal suites and serene treatment rooms framed by floor-to-ceiling windows make it a deeply restorative escape.
Wine Cellar
During the Castle’s £57m restoration, a hidden 17th-century wine tunnel was uncovered – it is now a candlelit cellar for tastings and private dinners. We explore it before enjoying a five-course meal, the deconstructed minestrone a standout.
Before departing, we join the 8am Irish hound walk, where gentle giants, especially Shey, the mischievous red-and-white setter, win us over. A breezy boat ride on Lough Corrib, Guinness in hand, becomes our perfect farewell.
As we’re whisked away to Cork, we leave Ashford Castle already planning our return. A magical stay in a magical place – pure Irish fairytale.
by Ashleigh Jacobs
Nightly rates at Ashford Castle start from €490.00 (approx $565/£425) per Corrib Double Room B&B including taxes
Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, F31 CA48, Ireland; +353 94 954 6003