lifestyles | luxury travel 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.
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WHEN IRISH EYES AREN’T SLEEPING clubbing The Ashford Castle Golf Course is a nine hole, 2,996 yard parkland course set between Lough Corrib and Ashford’s mixed woodland grounds. Numerous other courses are close by, making the castle a perfect homebase for avid golfers. CruisING Nicknamed “St. Patrick Island,” Inchagoill Island is where you can find Europe’s second oldest Christian inscription written in 470AD by St. Patrick himself. GallopING With one of the most advanced equestrian centers in all of Ireland, Ashford’s facility includes a sand floored arena, changing rooms, show jumping rings, and a crosscountry course. By appointment only. FISHING Lough Corrib is one of the most famous fisheries in Ireland thanks to its trophy wild brown trout and local salmon stocks.The season runs from February until July but the best time is during the Mayfly hatch in May and June.Ask for Orvis-endorsed fishing guide Frank Costello to find the best spots. SHOOTING In line with the hunt and hound culture, guests can choose clay shooting or archery. STROLLING Walk the grounds of the Walled Gardens of Lady Ardilaun and the famed Guinness Tower, former viewing point for famous lovers Lord and Lady Ardilaun. SPA-ING Ashford’s pampering options are performed usingYon Ka products, which “offer visible results after each skin treatment.”
the Town & Country getaway The Leading Hotels of the World offers three different customized six-night trips that include accommodations and activities at Ashford Castle and The Merrion Dublin. The Silver Experience (US$2,450 per person), The Gold Experience (US$3,364 per person), and The Platinum Experience (US$7,825), which features helicopter ferry service and three spa treatments per property. 1-800-223-6800.
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