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Stay at Ashford Castle, one of the best hotels in the world

Ashford Castle Mayo
Ashford Castle by Ericci8996 . CC by SA 2.0

Have you ever imagined yourself staying in one of the best hotels in the world? Know, then, that one of the most luxurious hotels in the world is in Ireland. This is Ashford Castle, located in the city of Cong, County Mayo, and has a beautiful green area, medieval architecture and impeccable quality of service.

The place was even the setting for the 1952 Oscar-winning film “After the Gale” (The Quiet Man).

It was no coincidence that the Ashford Castle hotel was elected the best hotel in the world in 2015. , landscaping, service and natural beauty make it unique. All this in an 800-year-old castle, opened in 1228.

Its list of distinguished visitors includes George Harrison, Brad Pitt and John Lennon. In the featured visitor gallery you will be delighted with so many celebrities who have stayed, and even married, at this hotel.

The total area is about 105 square kilometers, equivalent to 13 official football fields. Located in a privileged area, you have access to several natural beauties such as a river, woods and lush gardens.

Is staying at Ashford Castle worth it?

An attraction is the possibility for visitors to visit replicas of the film sets of the movie After the Gale, recorded on site. In addition, you can watch this classic in a local mini cinema, which seats 32 people.

At the entrance, you are already dazzled by a luxurious accommodation, with a crystal chandelier, imposing paintings, always fresh flowers and typical decoration of a luxurious castle.

Above the entrance hall, there is a library with over 800 old books at guests’ disposal. Also visit the billiards room, a nostalgic and elegant atmosphere.

The restaurants and bars give you a wide list of options to try unique drinks, delicious dishes and snacks that you have never tried in your life.

Each of the 83 rooms are individually decorated, with beautiful decor, with lots of period furniture, upholstery and rich textiles. If you are allergic to fabrics, don’t worry, the environments are very clean, soft and pleasant, so you will be treated like a true member of a royal family.

The Regan and Kennedy suites are the most outstanding. They were decorated in honor of these American politicians who visited Ashford Castle in the 1980s.

Here, you can take a boat tour of the nearby islands. During the tour, you get to know the history of each island and each personality linked to its history. It is also possible to fish and kayak while staying here.

You can even learn a little about falconry, the skill of training falcons, as the castle has professionals on this activity, in addition to real falcons, of course. 

The Ashford Castle hotel also offers many other facilities and activities, such as a tennis court, golf course, shooting range, archery, cycling and a wonderful spa, awarded internationally.

In addition to all the hotel’s activities, another attraction is the small village of Cong, close to Ashford Castle. This small village offers a cozy and picturesque setting for you to experience a little bit of the Irish countryside.

If you want to know all the hotel’s facilities and services, visit the official website by clicking here.

So, if you want to live like a king, or queen, you need to stay at Ashford Castle, at least for a weekend. And you will have an unforgettable experience.

Author: Thiago

I moved to Ireland 2012. I work as a business administrator and travel a lot to Europe with my work. I enjoy writing and athletics during my vacation and try to visit friends and family every year in Brazil.
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