Staying at Ashford Castle means stepping back in time without losing the finest that modern comfort has to offer. Castle hotels might conjure up medieval images of stone halls, wooden banquet tables, and suits of amour, but nothing could be farther from the truth here (although, a few suits of armor can be found quietly standing guard in selected corners.) And while the weathered exterior remains a foreboding vestige of 700 years of Irish sun, wind, and rain, inside, warm dark panelling adorned with intricate carvings, cavernous but cozy fireplaces, fine tapestries, and plush carpets provide a welcoming bed and breakfast atmosphere.

Its impressive list of guests includes: politicos Tony Blair, Mary Robinson, President Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Sen. Ted Kennedy, and George V of England; Hollywood A-Listers Brad Pitt, Barbara Streisand, Jack Nicholson, Pierce Brosnan (who held his wedding here in 2001), John Travolta, Omar Sharif, and Bob Hope; and musicians U2, Rod Stewart, Johnny Cash, and Liam and Noel Gallagher. The property has received numerous awards including Travel + Leisure’s “Top 100 Hotels of the World,” 2006; Condé Nast Traveler’s Gold Lit, “Best Places to Stay,” 2006, 2005, 2003; and Wine Spectator’s “Award of Excellence,” 2001-2005.

ROOMS and AMENITIES
Ashford Castle has been expanded numerous times throughout the years. Its current form houses 83 guest rooms, including six state rooms and five suites. Each is individually designed and includes such touches as marble fittings in Italiandesigned bathrooms, antique furniture, interactive TV, high-speed Internet access, and a decanter of sherry or an Irish liqueur to help warm up on chilly nights. We recommend the state rooms located in the sections of the castle dating back to the 13th and 17th centuries. State room prices vary depending on the season ($954/night Jan. 1 to March 21 and Nov. 1 to Dec. 22; and $1,278/night from mid May to end of September.)

RESTAURANTS and BARS
Award winning executive chef Stefan Matz overseas all of Ashford’s restaurants. His “modern- Irish-meets-internationalcuisine” emphasizes locally grown ingredients. “The Atlantic Ocean, the lake and surrounding farmland provide fresh fish and the best Connemara lamb and succulent Irish beef anywhere,” says Matz, who worked at Michelin-starred restaurants for 17 years before helming the castle’s kitchens.

The George V Dining Room is Ashford’s main dining room and provides an elegant table d’hôte culinary experience that encompasses seasonal menus and classic cuisine. Signature dishes include Connemara lamb, fillet of turbot on black seafood pudding, and lobster-baked monkfish on a light bisque sauce.

Dinner in The Connaught Room, arguably the most spectacular space in the castle, is more intimate yet equally as gourmet as in the George V. Here, guests can enjoy Matz’s French cuisine served in innovative seasonal five- and seven-course tasting menus and paired with wines specifically chosen by sommelier Robert Bowe. The restaurant is open for dinner from May through September only.

While “gents” are requested to wear suit and tie in both the George V and the Connaught rooms, Cullen’s at the Cottage, just a short stroll across the river provides a more casual gastronomic experience. And what would castle living be without a spot of tea? The Drawing Room, overlooking Lough Corrib, is the perfect place to imbibe in Lord and Lady Ardilaun’s afternoon tea.

There are several options for cocktails on the property (this is Ireland after all) at both the Prince of Wales cocktail bar and The Dungeon Bar. The medieval ambiance of the latter is great, but the watered down entertainment is, appropriately enough, torturous. If you’re looking for a nightcap and some fun, it’s best to stroll into the nearby village of Cong to enjoy a pint and croon with the locals at a pub.