Your Travel Specialist On: Ashford Castle - An Irish Gem

By MAUREEN JONES (Star Patcher)

Every week we have a staff meeting and get training from people in the travel industry from all over the world so that we are all up to date on new products, and special offers. We recently had an Irish delegation in and it was two hours of delight.

The Earl of Iveagh, who owns the famous Irish dry stout brewery, Guinness beer in operation since 1759, had an 350 acres estate dating back to 1228, and he sold it in 2013 to the Red Carnation Hotel Group, owned by the Tollman family who are originally from South Africa. Mrs. Beatrice Tollman and her daughter Toni decorate each of their seventeen hotels around the world (London, Dorset, Guernsey, Ireland, Geneva, South Africa and Palm Beach ) and they are all gorgeous, unique, and make them something special. I always enjoy staying at one of their hotels in London when I go home. Ashford Castle is their first property in Ireland. They spent $75 million on this project.

It has 70 guest rooms and 15 suites, all different in décor. Since opening under the new ownership, it has won many awards, such as the Best Luxury Hotel in 2014. It is the finest antique showroom in Ireland. They have eleven priceless Waterford crystal chandeliers in the dining room.

It is a wonderful place for a wedding, a honeymoon, a family gathering, or a small executive conference. You can take the entire castle for your exclusive use. What is unusual, is that it has its own nine hole golf course so you could have your own tournament. What a thrill to be able to go play golf every day without having to get a tee time. You can go horseback riding, learn falconry, or play tennis. Since its located on the shore of Lough Corrib, the largest lake in the area, you can bet the fishing for brown trout, salmon and pike is outstanding suitable for total beginner or competent fishermen alike.

There is a sporting clay range for shooting and archery. This area is a cyclist’s heaven, with great trails. Cycle hire is available at the hotel.

You can enjoy kayaking on the river Cong with an experienced guide. Lake cruising at Ashford Castle is a magnificent way to explore the surroundings with some 363 islands and a view of the Connemara mountains, you will have a great opportunity to photograph the castle from the water.

On top of all these great activities, they have a spa in a fairytale setting to pamper you. With the gym, and swimming pool, you can keep yourself busy.

Another unusual feature is the cinema which can seat 32 people, along with a spectacular billiard room and cigar terrace.

They even have a lego room service menu to keep the youngsters entertained.

www.ashfordcastle.com

Suggest you have a few days in Dublin, stay at the Westbury Hotel, then go to Cork and stay at the Hayfield Manor, near the world famous Blarney Castle, and then Ashford Castle in County Mayo. You are seeing the best parts of the country and staying at outstanding properties. It is three hours drive from Dublin, 255 km. or fly in and out of Shannon, which is 1.5 hours or 130 km to the castle.

You will experience a warm Irish welcome in each of these properties. All recommended by the Signature Travel Network which we are a member of. This means that our clients get extra special amenities amounting to a considerable savings.

If you find driving on the wrong side of the road frightening, we can arrange for a car and driver to take you around.
Do have a Guinness Stout while you are in Ireland. I remember a doctor telling my father that a pint a day was better for his health than any prescription.

Maureen Jones

• Other recent columns from Maureen:
• Your Travel Specialist On: A New Way To See The Old World
• Your Travel Specialist On: Going Behind The Curtain In New York City
• Your Travel Specialist On: Fiji - Where Happiness Finds You
• Your Travel Specialist On: How To Relax On A Yacht Charter In The Caribbean

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street, Los Altos. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.

Image courtesy of Aer Lingus