A cinematic, lakeside, bucket list hotel …
BACKSTORY The 13th-century 350-acre estate, formerly the home of the Guinness family, is now part of the Red Carnation Group which invested €47m on its restoration.
DECOR A regal mix of antiques, art, suits of armour, chandeliers and jewel-toned velvets.
Deluxe Room.
ROOMS 83 bedrooms and suites in wildly different styles. Mine, a corner Estate Room, gave Downton Abbey vibes, with a four-poster bed, damask silk wall coverings and great views.
The Connaught Room.
DINING Breakfast is served in the George V restaurant, also the setting for dinner. Forget intermittent fasting and make time to fully enjoy the buffet where the baked ham, and a trolley of smoothies are among the delights. Dinner is served here too with a choice of table d’hôte or tasting menus. For casual dining (it’s all relative) try The Dungeon or The Drawing Room. There’s also the clubby Stanley’s, and the chic Prince of Wales bar. Cullen’s Cottage is noted for its seafood. The Connaught Room is a swish setting for afternoon tea.
The Wine Cave.
DO Take a tour of the wine cellar with Paul Fogerty, head sommelier, and the kitchen garden tour with Alex Lavarde, head gardener. Both work closely with head chef, Liam Finnegan to complement his delicious menus. Take home some edible treats by chocolatier Paula Stakelum. In the luxe 32-seater cinema rewatch The Quiet Man, filmed on the grounds; Squire Danagher’s Cottage can be booked for private dining. Also book the new Augustinus Bader facial in the stunning Spa.
DON’T Miss the daily boat trip on Lough Corrib for an overview of local history. Borrow wellies and a Barbour to explore the woodlands.
VERDICT Opulent and outdoorsy, there is no better place for a fresh air holiday with so many outdoor activities, including falconry, archery, golf, horse-riding and painting. On my visit, the hotel was a hive of activity and not remotely snooty, with the overriding sense of celebration among staff and guests accounting for the infectious serotonin.
THE OFFER A two-night Taste of Ireland experience, which includes dining in George V, The Dungeon and afternoon tea plus complimentary activities, costs €2,030 for two sharing. www.ashfordcastle.com.
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