Ashford Castle – A Sporting and Luxury Experience Unlike Any Other

My wife and I recently had the opportunity to stay at Ashford Castle in western Ireland, a trip we had been looking forward to for quite some time. We both enjoy active vacations, and what initially drew me to Ashford Castle was the incredible variety of sporting pursuits available right on the estate. Falconry, horseback riding, golf, sporting clays, hiking, and fly fishing, all within the grounds of one of Ireland's most iconic castles, was simply too good to pass up.

Beyond the sporting opportunities, we both appreciate exceptional accommodations, fine dining, great spirits, and impeccable service. I am also something of a history enthusiast, so spending several days in an 800-year-old castle with such a rich heritage was especially appealing. Ashford Castle checked every box we were hoping for and then exceeded our expectations.

Our journey began with a flight to London, followed by a short flight to Knock, Ireland. From there it was only a brief drive through the beautiful Irish countryside to the castle. From the moment we arrived, the staff made us feel genuinely welcome. Every member of the team seemed eager to tailor the experience to our interests, and their attention to detail was remarkable throughout our stay.

We stayed in one of the castle rooms, and while the building itself is over 800 years old, the accommodations blended historic charm with every modern luxury imaginable. The room featured wonderfully comfortable beds with high-thread-count linens, luxurious bathrobes, and one of my favorite touches—a bottomless crystal decanter of sherry waiting in the room each evening.

The dining throughout our stay was outstanding. We enjoyed meals at several restaurants across the estate, each offering its own unique atmosphere and menu. Every morning began with an exceptional breakfast. Along with an impressive buffet, the staff would prepare anything you desired fresh to order. My favorite quickly became the Eggs Royal, perfectly poached eggs served over smoked salmon, a breakfast I looked forward to every morning.

Our first afternoon included a cruise on Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the Republic of Ireland and the second-largest lake on the island. Our captain had begun guiding on the lake with his father over fifty years ago when he was only ten years old. His knowledge of the castle, the surrounding countryside, and Irish history made the cruise every bit as enjoyable as the scenery itself.

Following the cruise, we experienced the traditional afternoon high tea, which was both elegant and memorable. We then enjoyed our first round of golf on the estate's beautiful golf course. The course was in outstanding condition, and perhaps most surprisingly, we enjoyed perfect weather throughout our entire stay, without a single drop of rain. In western Ireland, that is about as lucky as one can get.

That evening we dined at The Wildes, where I enjoyed a perfectly prepared ribeye steak accompanied by an excellent bottle of wine.

The following morning, after another wonderful breakfast, we were transported by one of the estate's Range Rovers to the sporting clays course. The setting alone was spectacular, and the course itself was tremendous fun. It was exactly the kind of sporting experience I had envisioned when planning the trip.

That afternoon my wife, Gretchen, enjoyed a treatment at the castle spa. She later remarked that it was the finest spa she had ever visited, a remarkable compliment considering the many world-class resorts we have experienced throughout our travels.

While Gretchen relaxed at the spa, I headed to Lough Corrib for an afternoon of fly fishing for wild brown trout. My guide, Frank, had spent decades guiding on the lake and picked me up in a beautiful handcrafted wooden rowing boat that he had built himself. Equipped with a small outboard motor, the boat was a work of art. Although the fishing itself was a bit slow that afternoon, it hardly mattered. The scenery was breathtaking, the equipment was first-rate, Frank was wonderful company, and simply spending an afternoon on that historic lake in his handcrafted boat was an unforgettable experience.

That evening we dined at Cullen's at the Cottage, whose atmosphere reminded me of a classic fishing lodge. Gretchen enjoyed the soft-shell crab while I ordered the fresh trout, and we shared oysters as an appetizer. Every course was excellent.

After dinner we retired to the castle's cocktail bar, where an exceptional bartender crafted one of the best smoked Manhattans I have ever had. Live piano music filled the room, creating the perfect ending to a wonderful day.

The following morning we returned to the golf course for another enjoyable round. After eighteen holes we grabbed lunch in the clubhouse before heading out for a horseback ride around the estate. I rode a paint horse that sported what could only be described as an impressive mustache, while Gretchen rode a beautiful Connemara pony, a breed native to this very region of Ireland. Riding through the estate's woodlands and open countryside provided yet another perspective on the remarkable property.

For our final evening, we enjoyed the multi-course tasting menu in the magnificent George V Dining Room. The elegant surroundings, impeccable service, and beautifully prepared cuisine made it a fitting finale to an unforgettable stay.

On our final morning we took our time, enjoyed one last leisurely breakfast, and were driven to Knock Airport in another of the estate's Range Rovers. From there we flew back to London, where we spent one final evening at a lovely country estate before returning home.

Ashford Castle is much more than a luxury hotel. It is an experience that seamlessly blends history, adventure, refined hospitality, outstanding cuisine, and the timeless beauty of western Ireland. Whether your interests lie in sporting pursuits, golf, fly fishing, horseback riding, falconry, exceptional dining, or simply relaxing in one of the world's great historic castles, Ashford Castle delivers an experience that is difficult to match anywhere else.

It is rare to visit a destination that not only meets every expectation but exceeds them. Ashford Castle accomplished exactly that, and it is a place my wife and I hope to return to again someday.