Ashford Castle is unlike anywhere I have ever stayed before. Nestled in a 350-acre estate in Co Mayo, Ireland, the exterior of the building is magnificent and looms large on the horizon as we wind towards the entrance, which is flanked by two stone statues of Irish wolfhounds . Many guests don’t drive to Ashford Castle, my chauffeur informs us on the way, referring to the estate’s helipad. ‘How often is it used?’ I ask. ‘I have actually seen a queue of helicopters before,’ he says.

Located on the shores of Lough Corrib, which comes with 365 miniature islands, the 800-year old castle is the only Forbes Five Star hotel and spa in Ireland. It is also one of the former homes of the Guinness family, who elevated the estate when it was in their ownership, making it one of Ireland’s most cele

See Full Page