The July 2 reopening of Ireland's 800-year-old Ashford Castle happily coincides with the hotel today receiving Travel+Leisure magazine's World's Best Award for the "Best Resort in Ireland and the UK 2020." The hotel closed in March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and has reopened under the strictest guidelines of safety and hygiene ordered by the Irish government and refined by its parent company, Red Carnation Hotels.
Ashford Castle underwent a massive restoration and beautification in 2015, and during the pandemic its caretakers, Laura Jamieson and Michael Smith, were the subject of worldwide media attention, including this segment on CNN International. 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, suites and a Lakeside Cottage, and is renowned for a range of country sports including an equestrian centre, 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. It is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. For more information please visit www.ashfordcastle.com.
