Ashford Castle

Amazing property.....loved my stay!

If like myself and my wife, you have high expectations when staying at a hotel, then be prepared to have that benchmark elevated to a new high which will leave you wondering where to go next that may compare or exceed your expectations. Possibly the most fantastic location in Ireland - Definitely the best customer service in Ireland - Undoubtedly the finest cuisine (including breakfast) in any hotel we have stayed in the country. Atmosphere - transported back 100 years and more and to a place and time we would love to live given todays pressures. Rooms - Absolutely incredible, go yourself, i have no words. Value - Worth every penny ! Cleanliness - Impeccable, staff constantly on the lookout for any imperfections - Wow. Noise level - The silence was deafening & such a treat. Amenities - Everything and more you could wish for, everything catered for - a true 5 star experience. Make sure to ask Lorcan's advice on the food in the Dungeon, he is the most knowledgeable young man in his industry, so much so, we let him select our meal for us - not a single disappointment - incredible.

(This is a copy of the letter I penned to Jonathan Raggett, the CEO of Red Carnation Hotels, including The Lodge at Ashford Castle) Our stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle was the highlight of our UK vacation-of two weeks in England and the week spent in Ireland. The property was magnificent, its natural beauty enhanced by the meticulous care you give it. We enjoyed every moment of every step while strolling the grounds. Both my wife and I agreed the dinner at Wildes' was the best meal either of us had experienced in years, at any restaurant, anywhere. Kristen was seated in your dining room, at an intimate table and window, facing over the lawns down to the bay. Our server (I am ashamed to not to remember her unique name) was attentive, perfectly charming, and the food was excellent. Adrian set me up with clubs and "A buggy" for the first tee time the following morning. We loved The Lodge at Ashford Castle. Gordon & Kristen Clawson

We had an amazing time staying at the Castle . We were on a private tour with 6 friends for 12 days in Ireland. Started in Dublin and last night was at Ashford Castle which was the BEST place we stayed in the entire tour

Words to describe the Ashford Castle: Impressive, warm, welcoming, opulent, and wonderous. We were here on a custom, group itinerary for 33 guests. We were all treated with grace. Our rooms were amazing with every amenity and luxurious linens. You had the opportunity to freely roam around and check out all the nooks & crannys. The bar and multiple restaurants on site were so delicious. We also included the Falconry Experience for our group... needless to say it was a highlight. If you have an extra night while visiting Ireland, I highly recommend you dash off to treat yourself like a bit of royalty for anight.

Our stay was amazing The facility was spectacular The tours were outstanding The food fantastic The wine with Paul 100 points The people were extremely helpful and friendly We will be back My rating 10+ Thank you Mark Seiden

My visit to the Ashford Castle spa was disappointing. The spa facility was every bit as luxurious as expected. The castle and spa staff were lovely. The massage itself was among the worst I've had. The therapist spent a lot of time very delicately spreading oil on my body. I asked for firmer pressure but it was still very light. The snack was only okay. I get excellent massages a couple of times a month for far less. This experience was not worth the cost.

Had the most expensive spa service and was very disappointed. The facility is beautiful and the staff were lovely; however the service was basically was oil and lotion being gently massaged on your back, legs and arms. I was expecting a little more for the price. If you are looking for an actual spa service this is not the place.

To be honest I’m not even sure a destination like Ashford Castle needs another gleaming review or any additional accolades. This place is near perfection. We have had the privilege of staying at many exceptional luxury hotels but Ashford may indeed stand atop this list. The property itself is like walking back into time with the conveniences of today. The castle is simply gorgeous. Walking around from room to room and getting yourself lost is part of its magic. It’s really like you step back into an era of the past. Each room has a uniqueness, decorated in rich opulence. You exit the main foyer, walk beneath a crystal chandelier, pass a roaring fireplace, and within minutes feel a deep calm and gratitude for the privilege of staying within its walls. We were in room 220. At first glance the room was next to the luggage storage and had a view of the parking lot but it absolutely did not detract from the sense of warmth and satisfaction we felt once inside. The bed was incredibly comfortable and the bathroom was spacious with a soaking tub and shower. The bathing products were luxurious and the towels soft and appeared new. The room grew on us as the days went on and we felt so at home by the end of our 3 night stay we were so sad to leave. The grounds are sublime. We often found ourselves just wandering outside taking photos of the castle and meandering our way through the paths, past fountains and gardens, admiring the small waves lapping against the shore of the lake. The grounds are enchanting and beg to be explored. The activities are plentiful. We booked a private hawk walk, 3 hour fishing tour, golf, massages and tennis. Everything was exceptional. The hawk walk is a signature activity and rightly so. It’s such a tremendous and educational experience. You meet and learn about the hunting birds. Your guide will teach you much of the hunting history and lots of wonderful information about the birds themselves. You will then walk these tiny paths throughout the property while your bird flies from tree to tree attempting to hunt flying back often to your gloved hand to retrieve a treat. It’s such an exhilarating experience. The fishing tour with their guide Frank is amazing. He will take you out on a boat he handmade and go fishing in many spots on the 44,000 acre lake. He is fun, knowledgeable and charismatic. He will assure you have a wonderful time. The golf course is a lot of fun. It’s 9 holes and you play it twice for 18. Adrian will assist in getting you set up and he is such a great person. Always happy to assist and seemingly always smiling. The course is in good shape and allows for a bit of challenge combined with forgiveness every amateur golfer requires. We did hit the spa up for one day. The massages were amazing. We had both Yvonne and Sarah. We did deep tissue massages and both had a nice combination of strength and finesse to assure your body was being treated for any alignments but at the same time with a technique that allowed you to really relax. Now let me tell you how our experience was with the Castles Dining. It was glorious!!!! Each morning they gave us breakfast and Patrick was there to greet us and was so unbelievably warm and cordial. The food was devine. All options you could think of were available and they seem to always remember what you like. We also ate at the Dungeon, Cullen’s and George V. The Dungeon was fun. It was like dining in an underground pub. Cullen’s had some really amazing choices and the room was cozy. Felt like you were in a fishing lodge. George V is their fine dining restaurant where you get all dressed up and the food and staff absolutely deliver. All options were tremendous. I could keep writing on how amazing everything at the property was but none of it would be remotely possible without the Castles staff. WOW! When you stay at a luxurious 5 star property you come to expect great service but Ashford takes this to a new level. Every single member goes above and beyond to help assure your stay is not only memorable but one of the best in your lifetime. There were so many instances where my wife and I were left speechless at their over the top hospitality and graciousness. Everyone seems to utterly love working at this property and it not only shows to us as guests but it oozes out of them with sheer pleasure. It is a resounding success of this properties ownership and management. I could go on and on about the staff but rest assured from this weary traveler it’s as good as it simply gets. When we were driving off the property we both felt sad and happy at the same time. Sad we were leaving but happy we had just discovered a gem like Ashford. There is absolutely no doubt we will be back. In fact we would come all the way back to Ireland just to have the opportunity of staying here again and once again being in the presence of these wonderful people.

What is there to say, it's the place that of fairytales. We had a wonderful time in Ashford Castle. It ticks all the boxes, from the moment you arrive at the front gate until you depart from the front gate. Staff, food & the energy of Ashford Castle is tops.