The Lodge at Ashford Castle
Where the wilds of Connemara meet eight centuries of Irish grandeur
Reserve this StayBoutique Hotel in Cong, County Mayo
/The Lodge at Ashford Castle
The Lodge at Ashford Castle
17 Total Rooms
17 Room Types
3.6 (5 Reviews)
The approach alone tells you something. A long, tree-lined drive through ancient woodland opens onto the shores of Lough Corrib, where The Lodge at Ashford Castle sits within the sprawling 350-acre estate of one of Ireland's most storied properties. Originally built as a country retreat on the grounds of the medieval castle, The Lodge carries its own distinct character. The architecture is warm and grounded, more country house than grand palace, with interiors that balance traditional Irish warmth with a relaxed, contemporary sensibility. Stone, wood, and deep-toned furnishings set against views of the lake and surrounding parkland create an arrival that feels both intimate and quietly impressive.
Accommodations across the property range from well-appointed guest rooms to more spacious suites, many offering views over the estate grounds, gardens, or the lake itself. The design leans into comfort without sacrificing style, with textures and palettes that echo the natural landscape outside. Wilde's Restaurant serves as the property's main dining room, offering dishes rooted in the flavors of the West of Ireland, with local ingredients and seasonal menus that reflect the region's rich culinary traditions. For more casual moments, the bar and lounge areas provide the kind of atmosphere where an afternoon drifts easily into evening over a glass of something local. A wood-fired oven and terrace dining extend the experience outdoors when the weather allows.
Guests at The Lodge enjoy full access to the extraordinary range of activities across the wider Ashford Castle estate. Falconry, archery, clay shooting, cycling, fishing on Lough Corrib, lake cruises, and woodland walks are all part of the offering, creating a rhythm of days spent outdoors in some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery. The estate also includes a cinema, a billiards room, and a dedicated spa and wellness space where treatments draw on the restorative character of the surrounding landscape. For those drawn to the water, kayaking and lake activities add yet another dimension to the experience.
The location places you at the edge of Connemara, where the west coast of Ireland reveals itself in shifting light, rugged boglands, and villages that still carry the cadence of Irish-speaking communities. Cong, the nearby village, is a destination in its own right, known for its abbey ruins and its connection to the classic film The Quiet Man. The surrounding countryside offers some of the finest walking, fishing, and cultural exploration in all of Ireland. The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers something rare: the grandeur and legacy of a centuries-old estate with the approachability of a place that genuinely wants you to feel at home. Days here are shaped by the land and the water, and evenings carry the kind of stillness that only the Irish west can provide.
The approach alone tells you something. A long, tree-lined drive through ancient woodland opens onto the shores of Lough Corrib, where The Lodge at Ashford Castle sits within the sprawling 350-acre estate of one of Ireland's most storied properties. Originally built as a country retreat on the grounds of the medieval castle, The Lodge carries its own distinct character. The architecture is warm and grounded, more country house than grand palace, with interiors that balance traditional Irish warmth with a relaxed, contemporary sensibility. Stone, wood, and deep-toned furnishings set against views of the lake and surrounding parkland create an arrival that feels both intimate and quietly impressive.
Accommodations across the property range from well-appointed guest rooms to more spacious suites, many offering views over the estate grounds, gardens, or the lake itself. The design leans into comfort without sacrificing style, with textures and palettes that echo the natural landscape outside. Wilde's Restaurant serves as the property's main dining room, offering dishes rooted in the flavors of the West of Ireland, with local ingredients and seasonal menus that reflect the region's rich culinary traditions. For more casual moments, the bar and lounge areas provide the kind of atmosphere where an afternoon drifts easily into evening over a glass of something local. A wood-fired oven and terrace dining extend the experience outdoors when the weather allows.
Guests at The Lodge enjoy full access to the extraordinary range of activities across the wider Ashford Castle estate. Falconry, archery, clay shooting, cycling, fishing on Lough Corrib, lake cruises, and woodland walks are all part of the offering, creating a rhythm of days spent outdoors in some of Ireland's most dramatic scenery. The estate also includes a cinema, a billiards room, and a dedicated spa and wellness space where treatments draw on the restorative character of the surrounding landscape. For those drawn to the water, kayaking and lake activities add yet another dimension to the experience.
What we love about this stay
There's a weight to Ashford Castle that has nothing to do with grandeur for its own sake — it's the quiet accumulation of centuries pressed into stone, felt in hallways lined with hand-picked antiques and rooms that resist uniformity. Sitting where Lough Corrib meets manicured grounds and wilder Connemara countryside, the estate holds a tension between refinement and ruggedness that feels distinctly Irish. Falconry on the grounds isn't a curated add-on — it's an ancient thread tied to this specific landscape. The dining here leans into locality without making a performance of it. This is a place that earns its reputation not through spectacle, but through a layered sense of belonging that's genuinely hard to replicate.
Explore our rooms & suites
Where you'll be staying
Ashford Castle, Cong, Co. Mayo, F31 CA48, Cong, County Mayo, IE
Hear it from other travelers
Guest
FEB 2026
We stayed in The Lodge Hotel, on the grounds of Ashford Castle, for two nights, in a lovely room at the front of the hotel, with the best view. I have stayed there a few times and in Ashford Castle too, and each stay is better than the last. It was Brian’s first time and we cannot wait to return again. I want to start by praising every single member of staff in both hotels. They were the friendliest hotel staff we have ever met, they made us feel so welcome. They were all so professional, helpful, caring and explained everything we ordered from the menu. They were all so relaxed and happy. It makes such a difference to a guests stay. We had an excellent dinner there both nights, with wine and cocktails and drinks after, downstairs in the bar. Breakfast was equally as good. They catered for whatever we asked for and always asked about allergies before taking any order. We had afternoon tea in The Connaught room, in Ashford Castle, with beautiful champagne. Everything was so tasty and perfect. I cannot praise everything in both hotels and the leisure centre enough. The leisure centre is beautiful, it has a jacuzzi, a lot of loungers and garden type furniture to sit on to relax. There was a young chap constantly scanning and cleaning the centre. It was spotless. We helped walk the estate dogs, three Irish Wolfhounds, a rare red and white red setter and the friendliest labrador, Ruby, through the woods, before breakfast. It was a wonderful experience. We had photographs taken with the dogs and got to pet them. I also got to fed the estate pet Robin from my hand. We walked the excellent grounds a lot and they are very well lit up at night. We were driven to and from Ashford Castle in their electric vehicles. They have poly tunnels and grow a lot of produce used in their restaurants. A Perfect stay in every way. 😁
Guest
FEB 2026
We have just returned from the best 2 night break ever. Everything was perfect from the welcoming staff, the glorious food, the bedroom and the leisure facilities. A big shout out to Clemente, Laura, Enda and Adrian
Guest
FEB 2026
Had a lovely few days with my family. The archery was great fun and the scenery is spectacular. The dog walk is really lovely and the pool and gym area is immaculate The breakfast is really lovely and the staff very attentive for the most part. I was a little disappointed when I asked for a prosecco at dinner and got served lanson champagne that cost 35 euro for a glass. I initially blamed myself as I didn't think the hotel served prosecco but it was pretty frustrating to see on the menu later. Unfortunately there wasn't a bike suitable for my son which scuppered our plans a bit
Guest
FEB 2026
There's a few things about the Lodge that I absolutely loved however there's a number of things I was really disappointed with our room being one of them. I understand there are rooms set aside for customers that check in with dogs but what I don't understand is the cleanliness of the room being compromised because of this. The bathroom sink had brown marks around the plughole... I can't stand a dirty bathroom sink. The tiles and grouting need to be scrubbed. The non slip mat for the shower is all stained and in my opinion could not be used and needs replacing. The USB chargers beside the bed are not working. There was a big iron burn on our quilt cover and the bed itself was really uncomfortable. On the plus side the staff are unbelievably friendly and welcoming and couldn't do enough for you. They are fun, engaging and interested when you chat to them. The breakfast was gorgeous and afterwards the surrounding walks are stunning. Overall we had a lovely time I just feel for the price we paid the small touches in a room need to be worked on.
Guest
JAN 2026
My husband and I were really looking forward to staying at the Lodge as it is newer than the Castle. The rooms appeared to have much more modern amenities. We stayed in room 165 the Bingham suite which overlooked the lake. The room itself is in a separate building with only one other room. The only way to the room is up two flights of stairs. Luckily someone from the front desk brought up all of our luggage. The view on from our balcony was quite lovely. To reach the balcony, you need to climb through a door up a couple of steps. There are a couple of chairs & a small table to sit outside. In the suite, there was a couch and two chairs. All three items appear to be antiques from the turn of last century. We attempted to sit on the couch, but was unable due to no cushion padding. The chairs were both equally uncomfortable, but at least you can sit in the chairs briefly. When we arrived, there was a tiny piece of chocolate left for us that we had to share. There was no Nespresso or coffee maker only a pot for hot water. The desk was so old and had numerous stains. The bathtub was outside of the bathroom. The bathroom had a horrible smell to it. We ran hot water and spritz some cologne down the drain, which seemed to help. I could understand if we were in the castle, but the lodge is newer. As for the tub outside of the bathroom, it is in much need of a replacement. Perhaps a complete overall of this room is needed. I do not know what the other Lakeview suites look like but this room, has the appearance of a brothel. The pictures on the walls were so grotesque that I refused to even acknowledge them. This room was not inexpensive. Granted the Castle prices are more but I am truly sorry that we didn’t stay in the Castle section. Upon arrival, the breakfast was explained to us as an experience. I stated that we wanted to go walking with the dogs at the castle, but we were told that we would not be able to because we need to experience the breakfast. I also inquired if we could go to the castle prior to dinner and drink at the bar. I was told they would have to check with the Castle if this was possible. The next day I stopped by the front desk to ask if we could go to the Castle for cocktails because no one had called me. I was told yes, but you could not go more than 30 minutes prior to your dinner reservations and we were not to go any sooner than that because we were not allowed. The staff at the lodge definitely has a dislike for the employees of the Castle. One afternoon I walked to the spa. I asked about their juice and they said I could have a glass. I was then told that I could not be trusted to take the glass back to my room. I was truly offended. It was a tiny glass. I was made to feel like a thief. I was given a tour of the spa, which is not really a spa basically, just a pool. Again, so disappointed. We did dine at Wild‘s restaurant which I will have a separate review. As for the so-called breakfast experience, it was OK. The breakfast did not last two hours and we would’ve been able to go walking with the dogs. Again and again so disappointed. The breakfast food was good, but it was not an experience and was not the best we ever had. We did go to the falconry school for a hawk walk, which was excellent. We also dined at George V’s at the Castle & we were treated wonderfully. The Lodge staff even discouraged us from taking the boat tour. Our driver from the Lodge to the Castle had attitude problems he seemed to have a problem with driving us over to the Castle. He never even opened the door for me & I was dressed up with heels. When we arrived at the Castle for our dinner and cocktails, we were greeted with open arms. We were personally taken to the lounge for our cocktails and were told who our server would be. Everyone at the castle was very warm and very friendly. I asked if I could take pictures and I was told most certainly. I will have a separate review of our cocktails and dinner experience at the castle. Once dinner was over we inquired for a ride back to the lodge. This time our driver was from the Castle. He was very friendly and talked to us the entire way back to the lodge. Also, our driver told us to wait while he opened the car door. Overall, I cannot recommend staying at the lodge at Ashford Castle. If we were to go back to this area, I would consider staying in Ashford Castle.
What you need to know
4:00 PM
We understand that plans can change. The cancellation terms below describe the standard policy. Your specific booking’s eligibility for cancellation and refund is determined by the terms shown at the time of booking. **Standard Refundable Terms** For reservations that are marked as refundable: - Guests may cancel up to 48 hours before check-in to receive a full refund - Cancellations made less than 48 hours before check-in may be eligible for a partial refund No refunds are issued for: - No-shows - Cancellations made after check-in - Non-Refundable Reservations Some reservations may be marked as non-refundable. - For these bookings, cancellations or no-shows are not eligible for a refund, regardless of timing. **Refund Processing** Eligible refunds are processed to the original payment method and typically appear within 5–10 business days, depending on your payment provider.Reservation Changes Changes to reservations, including date modifications, are subject to availability and may incur additional charges and must be made up to 48 hours before check-in
Professional property host/manager Essential workers only - NO Contactless check-out is available Cashless transactions are available Contactless check-in is available LGBTQ friendly
12:00 PM
Not allowed
Watch this Stay
Get notified when this stay runs special offers or becomes available during your preferred travel dates. We'll also connect you to the property so you can be eligible for insider rewards and premium experiences.
