Ashford Castle is a 13th century castle located in County Mayo, Ireland that has been converted into a 5-star hotel known for its luxury accommodations, fine dining, and scenic grounds overlooking Lough Corrib. The castle has a long history, changing ownership several times over the centuries and undergoing restorations that have expanded its facilities while maintaining its medieval charm. It is now a premier wedding and event venue that aims to provide guests with an unparalleled fairytale experience in one of Ireland's most historic and elegant castles.

2. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALxuEmdl8gk

3. Ashford Castle is a medieval castle near Cong in
Co. Mayo on the shore of Lough Corrib. It is a five
star castle hotel, one of the finest in Ireland.

4. For over 700 years, Ashford Castle and its 350 acre private
estate have offered a myriad of ways to enjoy the hospitality of
a castle in Ireland. From the imposing exterior one enters a
richly decorated interior that speaks of centuries of care and
love of fine craftmanship.

5. HISTORY
 The castle was built in the 13th century by the Anglo-Norman de Burgos
family, after their defeat of the O’Connors of Connaught.
 The Estate was purchased in 1852 by Sir Benjamin Guinness, he extended
the estate to 26,000 acres, built new roads, planted thousands of trees
and added two large victorian style extensions.
 Arthur Guinness took his title from an island on the lake. The Guinnesses
sold Ashford in 1945.
 In 1970 Ashford Castle was bought by John Mulcahy who oversaw its
complete restoration and expansion, doubling its size with the addition of
a new wing in the early 1970s, building a golf course and developing the
grounds and gardens.
 In 1985 a group of Irish American investors purchased Ashford. The Castle
was sold on by these investors in 2008 and is now in the possession of the
Galway-based property investor Gerry Barrett and his family.

6. The hotel currently has 83
bedrooms, six of which are
suites. Barret's plan to add
another 13 penthouse
bedrooms and 30 lodges in the
castle grounds has not gone
through.

7.  Ashford Castle in
Mayo, Ireland, has an
unsurpassed reputation for
providing guests with the
very finest Irish 5 Star castle
accommodation. Each guest
room is individual. Many of
the 83 rooms retain their
original features and all are
equipped with modern
amenities, including
broadband connectivity and
interactive TV. As one of the
finest and most sought
after 5 Star hotels Ireland
has, Ashford Castle is truly a
private retreat, free from
distractions and intrusions
of the outside world.

8. In order to further enhance the dining experience at Ashford, the
executive chef, Stefan Matz, has brought his signature 5 or 7-
course tasting menu, made famous in Ashford's former Connaught
Room, right into the heart of the castle’s fine dining
restaurant, George V. This menu is now available to guests seven
nights a week, all year round.

9. Afternoon Tea & After Dinner
 Afternoon Tea is served
in the elegant Drawing
Room with magnificent
panoramic views of
Lough Corrib.
• Retire to the
Dungeon Bar where
nightly entertainment
is provided.

10.  Two styles of weddings can be accommodated at
Ashford Castle, for either a maximum of 40 persons
or a maximum of 160 persons. This is due to the
capacities of the restaurants, the Connaught Room
or the George 'V Dining Room.

12. … a fairytale experience…

13. CONTACT
http://www.ashford.ie/castle-hotel-rooms.html#
http://twitter.com/ashfordcastle
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashford-Castle-in-Ireland/115664027323