Ashford Castle Celebrates the Holidays with Festive Irish Style

  • November 6, 2008
Ashford Castle Celebrates the Holidays with Festive Irish Style
Ireland's top castle resort (according to the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine) throws the ultimate house party with a festive afternoon tea service throughout the month of December building up to a full program of Christmas and New Year's events.

The host is Niall Rochford, General Manager, who welcomes guests with mulled wine and mince pies on Christmas Eve. The evening unfolds with a cocktail reception and dinner in the George "V" Dining Room as Ireland's West Quartet plays in the background. After dinner, children gather for the arrival of Santa Claus and a performance of the St. Mary's Children's Church Choir. Then, warmed up and spirited, guests dance the night away to the music of the New Avengers Band.

Christmas morning options include golf on the estate grounds, a cruise on Lough Corrib, the annual Christmas Treasure Hunt or simply a rest by the nearest fireplace. Cocktails, a Gala Dinner and more dancing rounds out the holiday.

Guests are also invited to ring in the New Year on December 31st with a banquet dinner in the George "V" Dining Room followed by midnight celebrations including champagne toasts and dancing. New Year's Day starts with a hearty Irish brunch accompanied by the Bucks Fizz Band before the annual New Year's Day golf competition, falconry demonstrations, boat trips with live music and clay pigeon shooting.

Ashford Castle is set on 350 acres in County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river, and mountains. It features 83 guestrooms and is renowned for a range of country sports including an equestrian center, fly fishing, an exclusive nine-hole golf course and Ireland's first school of falconry. Several dining rooms and bars, along with a gracious afternoon tea service are among the amenities.