The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Really wanted to try this hotel but changed our minds due to the really poor response from staff on a simple query. Tried phoning, emailing the contact us, reservations and finally the manager. It took two days to get a reply by which time we had booked another hotel, which...

Really wanted to try this hotel but changed our minds due to the really poor response from staff on a simple query. Tried phoning, emailing the contact us, reservations and finally the manager. It took two days to get a reply by which time we had booked another hotel, which we really enjoyed. Disappointing!

I was very disappointed with my recent stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, especially considering it was for my wife’s birthday. The biggest issue was the lack of communication about the closure of the Ealú leisure centre. We only discovered upon arrival that it was closed for maintenance—something that...

I was very disappointed with my recent stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, especially considering it was for my wife’s birthday. The biggest issue was the lack of communication about the closure of the Ealú leisure centre. We only discovered upon arrival that it was closed for maintenance—something that was never mentioned in any pre-arrival emails or even on the Lodge’s Instagram page. Initially, it was made to seem like the closure had just happened due to unforeseen issues, but after pressing the staff for more details, they admitted that Ealú had been closed since early January. We were told it was originally meant to reopen before our stay but had been delayed further into March. Had we known this in advance, we would have booked elsewhere. After our stay, I found this notice on the Ealú page of the website (which was not there when I booked back in December): "Please note that from 6th January to the end of March, the swimming pool, steam room, sauna, and jacuzzi will be closed for essential maintenance." This directly contradicts what we were told at reception, where it was implied the closure was unexpected and only recently extended. If the maintenance was planned to run until the end of March all along, why were guests not informed in advance? It feels deliberately misleading. Adding to our disappointment, the room itself was unpleasant. The most shocking part? A large portrait of Mao Zedong on the wall. Having a portrait of a dictator responsible for millions of deaths in a luxury hotel room is completely inappropriate and honestly, quite disturbing. On a more positive note, the food and drinks were excellent. Our dinner and breakfast were delightful, and the cocktails at the bar were top-notch. However, our experience soured again at check-out when we noticed we had been overcharged by €200. Thankfully, the receptionist was accommodating and removed the incorrect charges to our bill, but it was still an unnecessary stress to end the trip. Overall, while some aspects of our stay were enjoyable, the lack of transparency about the leisure centre, the poor room décor choice, and the billing mistake left us feeling very disappointed.

We loved almost everything about this place. The warmest of welcomes at reception included mulled wine and mince pie. Our room was fine, comfortable enough but a bit dated - could do with a spruce up, including the bathroom. The bar and surrounding seating areas were lovely, beautifully decorated for...

We loved almost everything about this place. The warmest of welcomes at reception included mulled wine and mince pie. Our room was fine, comfortable enough but a bit dated - could do with a spruce up, including the bathroom. The bar and surrounding seating areas were lovely, beautifully decorated for Christmas and the service was excellent. The food in the restaurant was exceptional and the service too. The same at breakfast - loads of choice and super service. Breakfast was made to order and served to us at the table. We enjoyed 2 lovely walks around the grounds. Would definitely return for special occasions.

Stayed here on a Sunday night. Everything from the booking to the entire stay was easy. Reception was friendly and helpful. Our room was spacious, spotless and very comfy. We had dinner in Wilde's restaurant and the food was amazing. The manager there is on the ball. Our dessert did...

Stayed here on a Sunday night. Everything from the booking to the entire stay was easy. Reception was friendly and helpful. Our room was spacious, spotless and very comfy. We had dinner in Wilde's restaurant and the food was amazing. The manager there is on the ball. Our dessert did not arrive for a long time and she sent over a couple of glasses of prosecco with an apology. This was very much appreciated. Breakfast was lovely too, everything was fresh and so tasty. We had a private hawk walk with the local falconry school (organised by reception) and I would thoroughly recommend this. One of the best outdoor activities I have done in a long time. We also went on the dog walk just before breakfast which was brilliant. Both are owned by James and he is informative and very entertaining. Reception organised lifts to and from each activity. The grounds are amazing to walk around and Cong village is only a 10 minute walk away. We are already planning to go back here and will stay for longer and do more of the activities available. Overall our trip was fantastic. Great location, great food, great activities, great service and staff. We can't wait to go back.

Room 150 - Didn't get a good nights sleep. Thermostat unable to control room temperature. Had to abandon thick, hot duvet and open the window. Not good. Sink hot & cold water lines are reversed. Wakeup call came 10 minutes late. 25 cm cobweb hanging from the bathroom ceiling (see...

Room 150 - Didn't get a good nights sleep. Thermostat unable to control room temperature. Had to abandon thick, hot duvet and open the window. Not good. Sink hot & cold water lines are reversed. Wakeup call came 10 minutes late. 25 cm cobweb hanging from the bathroom ceiling (see Photo). I picked up one of the 2 drinking glasses to have a drink of water. It looked dirty in the bottom of the glass. I stuck my finger into the glass and the bottom was sticky. Disgusting! (see Photo). Everything else okay.

Stayed here for 1 night for the wife's birthday and can honestly say that it was the best experience of hospitality ever. A lovely welcome and birthday card and cake from the team was most appreciated. Bedroom was lovely and very comfortable with fresh milk for tea and fridge with...

Stayed here for 1 night for the wife's birthday and can honestly say that it was the best experience of hospitality ever. A lovely welcome and birthday card and cake from the team was most appreciated. Bedroom was lovely and very comfortable with fresh milk for tea and fridge with water for your convenience. Bar food was excellent as was the cocktails and breakfast again was 5 star and nice to have table service . Free courtesy bikes available to get around the castle estate which is stunning. But the most important thing is just how friendly all the staff are to everyone and that leaves a mark on most people. Will definitely return but for longer and can highly recommend this wonderful experience to all .

We had the most incredible stay for our 30th Anniversary. The rooms are wonderful, the common area is cozy, the location is beautiful and views across the lake are breathtaking. Ealu, the new activity center is a wonderful addition. However, it is the staff that make this hotel so special...

We had the most incredible stay for our 30th Anniversary. The rooms are wonderful, the common area is cozy, the location is beautiful and views across the lake are breathtaking. Ealu, the new activity center is a wonderful addition. However, it is the staff that make this hotel so special and makes you want to come back again and again. We were greeted as honored guests on check in and even though we were very early for check-in Ana took care of everything and went out of their way to take care of us. We had a great time celebrating our 30th anniversary, from the warm welcome, anniversary card and special treat in our room to everyone going out of, our way to make sure we wanted for nothing during our stay. The special treatment started before we even checked in, Anna worked with me on our itinerary for our stay at the estate making wonderful recommendations and personally took care of all the reservations, I did not have to do a thing. When I say they go above and beyond they truly do, even though Anna was on off the days we were staying at the Lodge she made it a special point to stop by our table at Wildes so we could meet in person and make sure we were enjoying ourselves. Wilde’s restaurant is a must, the atmosphere is relaxing and comfortable, the food is wonderful. Joseph is the star of Wilde’s, we dined there three times during our stay, and he ensured we felt like treasured friends. The Lodge is located within walking distance of Ashford Castle, and while you cannot enter the castle you can roam the magnificent estate and partake in any of the activities offered. They will happily arrange transportation is provided anywhere onsite if you're staying at either the Castle or the Lodge. Our room had access through the courtyard which was beautiful and had a lovely fountain in the middle with flowers and benches around it. It's a special place, we loved it. Again, special thanks to Ana at reception for taking care of everything we needed during our stay, I really appreciate your help getting my husband into a pair of Wellies. Josef in Wilde’s we truly enjoyed meeting you, and Nighn who took care of us at Wildes. Tristan, it was a pleasure meeting you and our conversation about the Lodge and estate. And a very, very special thank you to Anna for arranging everything for our stay and for the very special gift you delivered to our room at the Castle. I am waiting for a special occasion to open and enjoy, but every time I see it in the cabinet, I reminds me of our wonderful stay. God willing, we will be able to visit again.

We stayed here for one night and I have to say our room was nothing like what is shown. It was just a room with a small table and two chairs and a comfortable bed along with a TV and the usual ho hum amenities along with a kettle and...

We stayed here for one night and I have to say our room was nothing like what is shown. It was just a room with a small table and two chairs and a comfortable bed along with a TV and the usual ho hum amenities along with a kettle and instant coffee. Bathroom was fine and more modern with a walk in shower. We had dinner here and since we were travelling with a group we put shunted off into a large room - it was like sitting at a conference table. Not at all conducive to a nice dining experience let alone being able to chat with people. Food was just OK - I had the beef shortribs - they were terrible - very fatty. The Lodge is located on the grounds of the Ashford Castle - magnificent gardens and grounds to enjoy. Staff was pleasant.

We stayed at the lodge for 4 days and loved every minute. The staff are wonderful and go above and beyond to provide whatever assistance required. Alex, the duty manager was exceptionally brilliant and seemed to multitask to meet guests needs. We will definitely be back.

Lots to like, great food (breakfast, bar and formal dinner). Super comfortable beds and rooms, staff who are friendly and attentive without doing the subservient thing. Easy clean facilities including pool. Great walks and freebies ( tennis, bikes, gym, steam room, jacuzzi, sauna) with options to step up if wanted....

Lots to like, great food (breakfast, bar and formal dinner). Super comfortable beds and rooms, staff who are friendly and attentive without doing the subservient thing. Easy clean facilities including pool. Great walks and freebies ( tennis, bikes, gym, steam room, jacuzzi, sauna) with options to step up if wanted. Great kitchen garden talk by Alex enhancing the evening meal we enjoyed. Real treat stepping out with the wolfhounds in the morning. Would love to return.

We had an amazing stay at the lodge - total rest and relaxation, the beautiful room with view of the courtyard, bike ride around the estate, tea and scones at Mrs Teas and the lovely pool at Ealu. Breakfast was magnificent. Staff were very helpful and friendly. We look forward...

We had an amazing stay at the lodge - total rest and relaxation, the beautiful room with view of the courtyard, bike ride around the estate, tea and scones at Mrs Teas and the lovely pool at Ealu. Breakfast was magnificent. Staff were very helpful and friendly. We look forward to returning!