Checking In: chocolate dogs, cracking food and a view to die for at Ashford Castle
This stalwart of the Irish luxury hotel scene is reinventing itself for the modern luxury traveller while staying true to its roots
The destination
Located just outside the village of Cong in Co Mayo, Ashford Castle offers 83 rooms and suites, as well as a spa with relaxation pool, and a range of dining options including the flagship George V fine dining restaurant.
The 350 acres of grounds which surround the castle mean guests can avail of a wide range of activities, from fishing on Lough Corrib to horse riding, falconry, clay pigeon shooting and archery.
There’s also a nine hole golf course and tennis courts, while Mulligan, the resident Irish wolfhound, takes his keeper, his guests and his fellow canines – Dubh the labrador, and Shay the Irish red and white setter – for regular early morning walks.
