Tabletalk - Ashford Castle
Friday 09 October 2020
Long regarded as the jewel in the crown of Irish tourism, Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo, was recently voted the number-one resort hotel in the UK and Ireland by the high-end US Travel + Leisure magazine. North Americans make up 80pc of its guests, but a lot of that business is 'on pause' now, but no doubt, like the rest of us, folks across the pond are planning their trips for 2021 and 2022. The upside for us is that, with special breaks being aimed at the Irish market, there's never been a better time to experience the magic of the castle.
Once upon a time
Built by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family in 1228 as their principal stronghold, following their defeat of the O'Connors of Connacht, Ashford Castle remained under their control for three centuries, passing down through other families, who added to the property.
lucindaosullivan.com
First Published In The Sunday Independent