Description of the attraction
Ashford Castle is an old castle in County Mayo, Irish, on the shores of Lough Carribe near the village of Kong.
The history of Ashford Castle begins in the 20s of the 13th century with a comparative small estate belonging to the Bourke dynasty (also known in history as De Bourg). The family owned the castle for over three and a half centuries, during which time the original medieval castle was expanded and rebuilt several times. However, subsequent owners also contributed to the architectural appearance of the castle, turning it as a result into a huge impressive structure, in the architecture of which various styles are harmoniously intertwined (Victorian, Neo-Gothic, etc.).
Today Ashford Castle is not only an important architectural and historical monument, but also a luxurious five-star hotel, which is rightfully considered one of the best hotels in the world. Together with the magnificent park surrounding it, the castle covers an area of about 350 acres. The interior of the castle is a subtle combination of luxury and elegance. The excellent cuisine of the castle restaurant is beyond praise.
At various times, guests of Ashford Castle were such famous and high-ranking persons as King George V and his wife Queen Mary, John Lennon, George Harrison, Oscar Wilde, Ronan Reagan, Brad Pitt, Pierce Brosnan, Prince Rainier III of Monaco and his legendary wife Grace Kelly as well as many other celebrities.
In 1952, the famous American film director John Ford began work on his Oscar-winning romantic comedy "The Quiet Man" and it was Ashford Castle and its surroundings that the talented director chose as the main film location.
