There’s no scarcity of historic and splendid lodges dotting the picturesque Irish countryside, however when you arrive at Ashford Fortress, it rapidly turns into clear that you just’ve reached a really particular place. The dreamy property was initially constructed as a fortress within the twelfth century, and over the previous a number of hundred years, it has belonged to quite a lot of outstanding Irish households; most notably, it was a longtime nation house of the Guinnesses.
The property was finally remodeled right into a resort, which opened in July 1939, and whereas it’s lengthy been an opulent retreat, its newest multimillion-dollar revamp turned it into a really noteworthy, bucket list-deserving vacation spot. Ashford Fortress grew to become part of Crimson Carnation Assortment in 2013, and shortly thereafter underwent a formidable $75 million renovation. The resort reopened its doorways in 2015, revealing the outcomes of the dear refurbishment, together with freshened up rooms, a lavish spa and a non-public movie show (to call just some updates), all whereas taking care to take care of the property’s historic nature.
The resort has hosted fairly just a few well-known faces through the years, too, welcoming everybody from Brad Pitt and Pierce Brosnan to Grace Kelly and Ronald Reagan. Whereas luxurious lodging and a ridiculously photogenic backdrop are admittedly vital components in figuring out one of the best lodges, Ashford Fortress doesn’t cease there: the resort is nothing in need of magical, in no small half because of the attentive employees and revered historical past. Talking of which, anybody who’s fortunate sufficient to remain on the resort ought to ensure to ask Robert Bowe, Ashford’s restaurant and wine program supervisor, a couple of sure ghost story.
On that be aware, right here’s all the things to find out about Ashford Fortress and why it ought to prime your journey bucket record.
Subscribe to Observer’s Way of life Publication
What’s the decor state of affairs?
If I preserve mentioning the renovation, it’s as a result of it actually was carried out that properly. Ashford Fortress’s decor and furnishings handle to include fashionable touches whereas paying cautious consideration to historic particulars, as a result of let’s be trustworthy right here, whenever you’re spending a big amount of cash (charges begin at $776 an evening), you need consolation, and up to date additions are obligatory for that! The interiors are luxurious but inviting, with oak paneling, velvet material and comfy fireplaces with ornate mantles. Every area within the resort has a definite, particular person aptitude, however completely enhances the remainder of the enclaves, from the elegant sparkle of the George V restaurant to the refined sophistication of the drawing room.
What’s there to do?
Ashford Fortress occupies 350 acres in County Mayo, on the West Coast of Eire. You would simply spend your whole journey throughout the confines of the property; there’s a nine-hole golf course, a clay capturing vary, fly fishing, archery and horse stables. Ashford Fortress can also be the place you’ll discover the oldest established falconry college in all of Eire, the place you’ll be able to be part of a non-public hawk stroll and hike alongside the grounds with an teacher—you’ll get the dangle of it very quickly. For a much less strenuous however actually pretty exercise, head out on one of many morning Wolfhound Walks, the place you’ll discover the property with the resort’s beloved wolfhounds. For a much less outdoorsy second, cease by the newly completed cinema, which has totally different film screenings every week.
What in regards to the rooms?
The historic fortress consists of simply 83 rooms and suites, all of that are uniquely (and lavishly) furnished with plush material, textured wallpaper, customized patterned carpets and fairly probably the softest sheets I’ve ever had the posh of sleeping in. The suites have separate residing rooms, and a number of the largest lodging even have personal eating areas. Whereas all the rooms have pretty views of the grounds, I used to be significantly thrilled that my suite had the dreamiest vista of the lake exterior, which I may absorb from the consolation of a Sleeping Magnificence-worthy, four-poster mattress.
Let’s speak eating places.
Ashford Fortress is house to a minimum of seven (sure, seven) eating places, a few of that are discovered inside the principle fortress, and others that are situated additional out on the grounds. Anybody who has checked right into a considerably remoted resort, solely to seek out that there’s one restaurant with the identical menu for just about each single meal, is aware of what a deal with it’s to have a real abundance of alternative with regards to eating choices. Whereas I do advocate heading exterior of Ashford to one of many neighboring native eateries, there’s no denying that you just’d be completely content material (and in no way bored) when you caught to the plethora of eating places throughout the property.
The crème de la crème, nevertheless, is unquestionably the George V Eating Room, which was initially in-built 1905 in honor of the Prince of Wales, following the longer term king’s go to to the Irish property. Whereas there have been fairly just a few refurbishments through the years, the room continues to be decidedly match for royalty, full with wooden paneling, many a glowing chandelier, gold accents and plush blue velvet chairs. It’s undoubtedly essentially the most formal of all of the eating choices, and when you actually wish to deal with your self, think about indulging within the tasting menu, which comes with superbly paired wines courtesy of a really spectacular sommelier.
For a cozier or extra informal expertise, attempt Stanley’s, which is situated on the decrease stage of the property, or Cullen’s on the Cottage, which is a separate constructing a quick means from the principle foyer. And, after all, a cocktail or two within the Prince of Wales bar is nonnegotiable; you’ll be able to calm down within the sumptuously upholstered leather-based chairs and couches whereas sipping on a customized drink creation. On that be aware, a wine tasting within the cellar (which you entry through many a hidden door and low-ceilinged hallway) is the proper ending (or starting) to an evening.
A spa second is essential.
Entering into the spa at Ashford Fortress looks like a whole escape, in so small half due to the distinction within the decor. Whereas the vast majority of Ashford is adorned with basic furnishings, jewel tones, deep colorways and all of the becoming antiques you’d anticipate of a luxuriously renovated 800-year-old Irish fortress, the spa is decidedly mild, ethereal and fashionable. The spa, which was created within the final part of the multimillion-dollar renovation, consists of 5 therapy rooms, a conventional hammam and a soothing stone steam room. No element is just too small; there’s even eucalyptus infused into the steam room to assist with respiratory and circulation.
It’s the comfort pool, nevertheless, that actually makes the spa stand out from the remainder. It’s a serene area that’s not solely calming and tranquil, with an enthralling seashell chandelier and mirrored doorways, but additionally embraces the historic property’s historical past, with a “Tree of Life” mural symbolizing Irish Celtic mythology all alongside the wall extending the size of the pool.
Sure, it’s best to go away the resort—not less than for just a few hours.
Now that you understand all about what Ashford has to supply with out ever leaving the property, you may marvel why you’d ever wish to go away the property throughout your keep, which, to be honest, is certainly a thought that crossed my thoughts. The beautiful surrounding panorama and tradition, nevertheless, is way too great to move up when you’re within the space. Ashford Fortress lately launched a “Meet the Makers” program with rigorously curated itineraries which are personalized for particular person visitor experiences, so you’ll be able to actually immerse your self within the native tradition of the group. Ashford has 37 totally different expertise companions thus far, which give attention to all the things from food and drinks to crafts and dance, together with workshops, tastings and extra, a lot of that are held in native artisans’ personal houses or workplaces. The partnerships simply is smart, and exhibits the respect Ashford Fortress has for his or her neighbors and the area people. It’ll take your Eire expertise to an entire different stage, and proved to be the proper addition to an already dreamy keep.
*The keep at Ashford Fortress was courtesy of the resort. The views and opinions expressed are the journalist’s personal.*
