Ireland’s iconic Ashford Castle will begin welcoming guests back through its doors in March following a restoration program that has completely restored the historic building.
Having acquired the Castle in June 2013, Red Carnation Hotels, a family owned collection of 16 luxury award-winning hotels, has meticulously worked to preserve Ashford’s history and charm while enhancing its guest facilities and levels of luxury and comfort.
Once owned by Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family, the castle has welcomed royalty, celebrities and heads of state across its illustrious history including King George V (then Prince of Wales), Ronald Reagan, Brad Pitt, John Wayne, Fred Astaire, Barbra Streisand, John Travolta and many more.
Now, every inch of the glorious castle estate, parts of which date back to 1228, has been carefully examined, restored and enhanced to enable the hotel to cater for all generations, holiday requirements and business needs.
The renovation will ensure family members are well catered under one historic roof with the addition of a 32-seat cinema, children’s games room and even a Lego Room Service menu to keep younger family members entertained. Adults will appreciate the creation of a billiard room, two outdoor roof terraces (one of which will serve fine Cuban cigars) and an array of enhanced public areas, all of which provide the perfect environment in which to kick back and relax in comfort and style.
Couples in search of a romantic hideaway will find exactly that at Ashford Castle where the ancient underground wine stores will be transformed into private dining cellars and the old boat house on the shores of Lake Corrib is set to become a private and secluded honeymoon suite.
Each of the 68 guest rooms and 14 staterooms and suites has been refurbished and furnished with carefully sourced antique pieces.
Outdoor activities at the estate include falconry, horse-riding, water sports, clay pigeon shooting, fishing, hiking, golf and tennis. The addition of a spa and indoor-ozone filtrated swimming pool are slated to open by August.