Ashford Castle Unveils New Billiards Room and State-of-the-Art Cinema

  • January 15, 2015
Ashford Castle Unveils New Billiards Room and State-of-the-Art Cinema
Currently in the midst of a meticulous enhancement and restoration, the former home to the Guinness family is in the final stages of this multi-phase project with a grand reopening on March 28, 2015.

In keeping with the castle's grandeur, the new owners, the Tollman family of Red Carnation Hotels, have included carefully selected artwork, antique furniture and carpeting from the finest auction houses including Christie's and Lots Road. Multi-colored fabrics from Brunschwig & Fils, the same fabric makers for the White House and Palace of Versailles with upholstery from world-renowned, London-based A.T. Cronin Workshop adorn each space. For an ultra-luxe finish, award-winning Kai velvet curtains and wall fabrics complete the look.

Period piece highlights in the billiards room include a mid-19th-century Jacobean Revival carved oak fireplace and overmantle with Tudor roses and acanthus motifs and a royal-stamped, full-sized mahogany and satinwood cross-banded billiards table from Thurson & Co. Ltd. with Edwardian-era mahogany scoreboard. The table and scoreboard were previously owned by world-champion billiards player Joe Davis who held the title for 20 straight years.

Ashford Castle cinema

Vintage film posters from around the world hang throughout the cinema room, including from John Wayne's action film Chisum and the Italian version of Clint Eastwood's Dirty Harry. Hot popcorn is delivered on request and candy dispensers are also available and fully stocked for those with a sweet tooth.

For more information on Ashford Castle, please visit: www.ashfordcastle.com.