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Facilities within the Property

 
During the summer season there is a choice of 2 Restaurants: The George V Dining Room, offering classical Irish Cuisine; or our speciality restaurant The Connaught Room, which offers classical French Cuisine.
George V Dining Room: for 150 guests and breathtaking views across the river, luxurious furnishings and most discreet service, is the perfect setting in which to celebrate the traditional art of elegant dining.
The Connaught Room: with a capacity of 48, is Ashford's award-winning gourmet restaurant, rich in wood carvings and delicate furnishings. The room is considered one of the finest in the Castle.
 
A unique and priceless feature is the hand crafted Inglenook reaching twenty feet to the oak ceiling. Afternoon Tea is served in the elegant Drawing Room with magnificent panoramic views of Lough Corrib. Enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail in The Prince of Wales Cocktail Bar, specifically built for the visit of the Prince of Wales who subsequently became King George V in the late 1800's. After Dinner, retire to the Dungeon Bar where nightly entertainment is provided.
 
Corporate falicilties: as you would expect, impressive. Flair and attention to detail ensure that conferences and incentive programmes are unsurpassed occasions. We have a specialist conference team whose experience includes conferences for the European Union and prestigious international companies.

The
Ashford Equestrian Centre is situated within easy walking distance of the Castle, with its rides over the beautiful wooded countryside between the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask and into the mountains of Connemara to the West. These superb natural amenities are backed up by modern purpose built facilities including a large indoor school and outdoor jumps both natural and man made. Rides are mainly of one hour duration.
 
For more experienced riders longer or a full day's scenic ride are available on request. All rides are accompanied by an experienced guide. Protective headgear is supplied and must be worn by all participants. The Ashford sporting clay range features targets that simulate the game typical of this region.

Our resident golf instructor is available for the beginner to the scratch golfer to enable them to play the game with confidence in our Leisure Centre and 9 Hole Golf Course. He will also explain course management and etiquette. Individuals who want lessons or who may wish to practice in private before playing the course with other golfers can advise our instructor who will demonstrate the exercises and warm up procedures so necessary before playing golf. The Castle maintains two all weather tennis courts (to the left of the Terraced Walk on Broad Avenue) and these are available exclusively to hotel guests. Prebooking of the courts is not required. Tennis rackets and Balls are available at the Guest Services Desk.
 
Property Facilities Summary:
Afternoon TeaArchery
BarBicycle Rentals
Boat HireCandle Light Dinner
Clay Pigeon ShootingComputer
Currency Exchange ServiceFalconry
FishingFitness Equipment
Fitness FacilitiesGolf
Golf LessonsGym
HairdresserHorseback Riding
Manicure, PedicureMassage
Meeting RoomParking
Porter ServiceRestaurant
SaunaShuttle To / From Airport
Tennis CourtTennis Lessons
Wake Up Service 
 
Nearby Facilities
 
Lough Corrib Lake: is regarded as one of Europe's best salmon and brown trout fisheries. The Lake is open to the public and ghillies (local fishing guides) can be booked at the Porter or Activities Desk. Ghillies can accommodate up to three fishermen in one boat and are available for half or full day's charter.

Fishing for salmon and brown trout from the river bank in front of the Castle, is exclusively reserved for the Residents of the Hotel. There is no charge for this fishing and there is no booking requirement.
 
If the services of a ghillie or the hiring of equipment is required, such facilities can be arranged at short notice. Ireland's School of Falconry has opened this year on the Estate at Ashford Castle to offer you a rare opportunity to handle and fly a Bird of Prey. No experience is necessary, 'Lessons' and 'Hawk Walks' are suitable for all ages and abilities. Be sure to bring your camera as opportunities to experience the thrill of flying a bird of prey first hand is rare. Be sure not to miss this one. During the introductory lesson you will be taught how to handle and fly a Harris Hawk in the grounds of the Castle. You will never forget the moment your hawk first lands on your gloved fist! A 'Hawk Walk' includes a simulated hunt and possible opportunity to handle or fly one of the other species of birds of prey kept at the school. See the birds at their best during a 'Hunting Session' where you can witness the hawks hunting rabbits and crows. The M.V. 'Lady Ardilaun' is available to hotel residents for cruises on Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake. The launch seats one hundred passengers and comes fully equipped with licensed bar, central heating and outdoor sundeck. Tours with the Lady Ardilaun generally include a visit to Inchagoill, one of the largest of the Lough Corrib Islands, which contains two church ruins of immense historical interest. Beside St. Patrick's church is the Obelisk of Lugina, which marks the grave of St. Patrick's nephew. The monumental stone carries - with the exception of the Roman Catacombs - the oldest Christian inscription in Europe. The entire trip takes just over one hour. The lady Ardilaun leaves from the Castle's jetty twice daily with sailing times posted at the quayside.

Attractions in Galway and Mayo to visit:

Galway Irish Crystal - This timeless tradition of creativity and craftsmanship can be experienced at the Galway Irish Crystal Heritage Centre. Also, a visit to the Crystal Showrooms where the complete Galway Irish Crystal range is displayed is a must.

Galway Cathedral - Situated beside the Salmon Weir Bridge in the Heart of Galway is the massive Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and Saint Nicholas, said to be the last great Stone Cathedral of Western Europe.

Kenny's Bookshop - Dating back to the Eighteenth Century, a visit to Kenny's Book Shop on Shop Street is a must for the book and art enthusiast.

Spiddal Craft Centre - A visit to a unique, working craft centre and art gallery where latter day artisans fashion items inspired by the beauty and heritage of the region is recommended.

Ceide Fields - Preserved beneath the wild blanket bogland on the dramatic North Mayo coast is a 5,000 year old Stone Age landscape of stonewalled fields, dwellings and megalithic tombs. The Ceide Fields are definitely worth a visit along with the visitor centre which will explain the many facets of the Ceide Fields.

Foxford Woollen Mills - Founded by Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard in 1892, the Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre, Craft Shop and Restaurant should not be missed on your visit to Mayo. The Historic Mill Tour will bring to life the story of the Foxford Woollen Mills through an ingenious self-guided historical tour, incorporating life sized models in realistic settings.

Westport House - Situated in a beautiful region is one of Ireland's most beautiful and historic homes. The family are direct descendants of Grace O'Malley, 16th Century Queen of Connaught and the present owner is her 13th great grandson. Over 1,500,000 visitors have been welcomed to Westport House and Children's Zoo and there are many other attractions located on the Estata for the enjoyment of the entire family.