Why go to Ashford Castle?
In Cong, Ireland, Ashford Castle is an absolute treat to visit. An unparalleled level of service and old fashioned charm are dripping with grown-up glamour. Seriously, this destination is teaming with a killer staff and some of the most beautiful surroundings that I have ever seen. Here’s a snapshot of activities that you can’t miss.
Snooker at Ashford Castle
With slightly masculine overtones, this room is stunning. I almost expected to find medieval knights or royalty toiling in the corner. Instead, I found a bartender serving up classic cocktails. A massive snooker table anchors the middle of the room, and since I know my way around a pool table, I thought this would be an easy game to pick up. Trust me, pool and snooker are not similar. But, don’t let that stop you! Lounge on the tufted leather and top off your night here.
If you’ve never tried this sport, this is the ideal location to start wielding a bow and arrow. The gorgeous setting is a fun way to learn how to let your arrows fly.
Drink up at Ashford
If you want to visit the wine cellar, it is necessary to book a private tasting. The atmosphere alone is worth the experience. It feels like you are walking through an old dungeon, except the location is pristine. It’s one of those moments in time that feels utterly unique and stays with you long after the wine has been poured. Sometimes, ambiance really is everything.
Sometimes I think Ashford should be called Wellies & Windbreakers. The amount of mud you kick up while exploring the grounds is unbelievable. Luckily, if you stay at the castle, the staff provides you with the appropriate attire. Translation: you don’t need to pack extra clothing.
When I stumbled upon the Guinness Tower, it was actually locked, so I’m not sure if I was supposed to shimmy through. Either way, it was an incredibly cool journey up to the top. And, I was rewarded with an epic treetop view. Overall, I found the expansive surroundings magical, and as I sit writing this post, I wish I was back at Ashford Castle.
Giddy up
The equestrian center is top notch. Whether you are an experienced rider or a novice, the staff expertly guides you through the process and ensures that you are paired with a horse that suits your skill set. Riding through the grounds of Ashford Castle is amazing. I felt like I was living out the fairytale dreams of my childhood.
For me, the guide was the best part about this activity, because he spoke about his personal connection to the area. Deeply passionate about Ashford Castle, he regaled me with stories about his youth with such a delightful Irish accent that I couldn’t help but smile. I didn’t even mind that it rained for almost the entire boat ride. His gorgeous hand carved wooden boat looks like something out of a movie set, and you quickly realize that you are somewhere special.
No matter how long you spend at Ashford Castle, do yourself a favor and make sure you schedule a boat trip. I still think about this morning that I spent out on the water, and the etheral beauty continues to move me.
Press paws
As a dog lover, I thought this would be fun, but I wondered, how exciting will it really be? I quickly learned that trekking through Irish ruins with two massive Wolfhounds and their friend Doug, a German Shepherd, is nothing short of amazing. Watching the dogs frolic in the lake and posing with them inside of the castle is something that I will never forget.
Yum!
Affiliated with Ashford Castle, this restaurant is not actually inside the main building. And, it’s nice to step away for the evening and experience a contemporary take on food. Everything is themed after Oscar Wilde and modern art at this upscale restaurant that is surprisingly innovative. Tip, make sure to order the Guinness Ice Cream for dessert. Actually, this might be a good rule of thumb for all of Ireland.
Home to the oldest School of Falconry in Ireland, working with hawks is incredibly special. There is an owl, but you will most likely be paired with a Harris Hawk. You will get to know your feathered friend pretty quickly and ramp up to flying your bird over the lake. Overall, there are countless activities to love at Ashford Castle, but the hawk walk is easily my favorite!
Oh, this place looks amazing! I’m so sad I didn’t get to stay here during my trip to Ireland last year but it gives me another (I have many) reason to return. Thanks for sharing!
Ireland is one of the places I plan to visit. Thank you for sharing.
Absolutely – and you absolutely should visit!
Another great post! The wine cellar looks great and the Wolf Hounds are so adorable!
Thank you! I wish I could have taken the wolf hounds home with me!
Wine tasting and Irish wolf hounds?? Sold!! What an awesome experience!!
It was! I miss those big guys so much!
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[…] Now that you know what to pack for your holiday to Ireland, but what about where to visit, and what to do? We would recommend visiting Ashford Castle! Want to know why? Then you really should check out The ultimate guide to exploring Ashford Castle in Ireland […]
What unique activities to experience when you visit the castle. I love archery so that would be great fun. I’d also enjoy the hawk walk. Your video was lovely.
Thank you so much for taking a gander at my video! And, yes, this is quite a unique experience 🙂
Love your video at the end!
Awww, thanks so much! I really appreciate that!
What a beautiful looking place! That wine cellar is epic, such a creepy experience probably but really unique. I also liked archery when I tried it. I was surprised at how fun it was, even if my aim wasn’t always on point
I know what you mean … I thought archery was a blast! And, this entire trip was unbelievably cool 🙂
Wow this looks amazing! I’ve been to Ireland a couple times but haven’t had the chance to explore the Ashford castle. it looks awesome though, can’t wait to see it someday.
It’s so pretty! I definitely wanna go into that wine cellar!!
Great photos! Looks like so much fun 😁
Ashford Castle looks like a great place to visit! I love how there are so many activities to do. Any chance to try archery, even though I am terrible I always go for it! You’re right about the surroundings too – they look stunning!
It was my first time trying archery, and I loved it! You never run out of things to do at Ashford!
This looks like the type of attraction I would love to visit since I’m obsessed with castles! Thanks for sharing!
Oooh I loved Ashford Castle as a child, but I had no idea that they have a wine cellar where you can do wine tastings! Now I know that, I think I’d love it even more as a adult!
Yes, the wine cellar is gorgeous!! It feels like a private gem. Just make sure to book it in advance.
Oh this looks so fun!! And I’m definitely down for the dog walk!! And the castle of course would be amazing.
This is a fabulous castle. I once stayed in Kilkea Castle and we all had to leave and wait in the garden due to a bomb threat!
Oh no … a bomb threat. That’s awful! But, since you were unharmed, at least you got a crazy story out of your Ireland castle adventures.
I love Ireland especially for all the castles there! I haven’t been to Ashford though so it’s just another excuse to go back 😉
I stayed at Ashford Castle during my Ireland trip! It was the BEST experience and I did everything you mentioned above. The hawk walk was really cool and I also enjoyed horseback riding as well. The only thing I didn’t see were the wine cellars. I hope to go back there in the future. 🙂
As you said, it’s such an amazing trip! And since you haven’t toured the wine cellar, now you have a reason to return.
Ireland is high on my list and now adding Ashford Castle to the itinerary – so beautiful and so much history. And I really want to experience that hawk walk.
What a lovely place to explore for the day! It not only looks beautiful but a fun place to try new activities. I’ve never tried archery but would give it a go along with visiting the wine cellar and going for the boat ride!
This looks like such an incredible time!! I have only visited Ireland once but that was to Dublin – so it was nothing like this! The photographs are beautiful and you describe the experience so well.
Ashford is ridiculously dreamy. I have visited Dublin a few times, and they definitely aren’t similar trips. I bet you would love this destination 🙂
I’d love to be able to visit soon and try archery 🏹. Also wine, I would like to try the wine 🍷 🙂 priorities, I guess.
I have alway wanted to visit a castle in Ireland. Thanks for this post. I’ll make it there one day!
What a nice location and the castle looks stunning. I would love to give a try at horse riding and archery. Ireland is a country I would love to explore.
What a gorgeous place! I cannot wait to go visit! Thank you so much for this! I’m so excited!
Okay I seriously need to get to Ireland – Ashford Castle looks SO cool! I’m also very intrigued by Snooker now. I’m terrible at pool so maybe Snooker will be more my style haha!!
I was sooooo bad at Snooker, but I had a blast trying!!
I only wish we had experiences like this in the USA! All of our castles are just modern-day mansions built by rich people. Nowhere near the same rich history as the castles found in Europe. That wine cellar looks so intriguing. I absolutely would book a private wine tasting for that experience!
I completely agree with you. Going to Ashford Castle is more like stepping back in time. You just feel the history all around you. Plus, there is so much to do that you never got bored. I loved every second of it!
Wow there is a lot to do! I love the hawk experience and the archery! What a great place to explore!
The Hawk walk seems amazing! So many cool things to do, thanks for sharing!
It’s the falcons that would bring me to this beautiful castle. And the archery. Looks like a great stop.
Everything about Ashford Castle sounds intriguing, from horse riding to Guinness ice cream to the school of falconry. So much to discover!
The falconry was my favorite part!!!! However, all of it is incredibly beautiful and fun.