07/20/2026
We didn’t want to leave. That’s the best way I can describe our time at Ashford Castle.
We arrived late afternoon, dropped our bags, and walked into the tiny village of Cong for dinner at Pat Cohan’s — the pub made famous by the 1952 John Wayne film The Quiet Man. We sat in that same pub, had a Smithwick’s and thought… Ireland is something special!
The next morning we hopped on bikes and explored the 350-acre estate — winding paths through ancient woodlands along the shores of Lough Corrib. It’s the kind of place that makes you slow down and just take it all in.
In the afternoon we did the Hawk Walk with our Harris Hawk, who flew freely through the castle grounds and returned right to our glove. If you ever stay at Ashford, do this. Don’t think about it, just do it. We ended the evening with a gorgeous dinner at Cullen’s at the Cottage in Cong — a charming thatched cottage that was once the village cinema.
Day three we walked into Cong for some shopping and a tour of Cong Abbey along the river — absolutely beautiful, and free to visit. Back at the castle we played 9 holes of golf on the estate course, which is complimentary for all guests. Hole number 3 has a plaque dedicated to Kansas City’s own Tom Watson — we may have stopped for a photo or two 😄
That evening we found a table on the outdoor patio at Lydon’s in Cong and just lingered over dinner talking to our server about life in this little village. Everyone here is so genuine and warm.
And then there was today. We were up early for the Irish Wolfhound walk through Kinlough Woods — these magnificent animals leading the way through the trees with the castle and lake behind us. I have no words for how beautiful it was. Then a boat cruise with Captain Patrick who had once caddied for Tom Watson while he visited Ashford. He shared the history of the castle while the lake unfolding all around us.
Back on the bikes — because apparently we couldn’t get enough — and we navigated a hidden woodland path to find the Guinness Tower tucked away on the estate. Eighty-two winding steps to the top and views that made every one of them worth it.
Tonight we had dinner at Stanley’s (only 12 seats!) and they stayed late with us — just us, the chef, and our server talking and laughing like old friends. A dinner we will never forget.
They were showing the World Cup Final in the cinema on the big screen so we had a great place to watch the game after dinner.
What makes Ashford Castle truly extraordinary isn’t just the 800-year-old history, or the celebrity photos lining the walls (Rory McIlroy got married here!), or the breathtaking grounds. It’s the people. Every single staff member has a story, a joke, a piece of local wisdom they want to share. They remember your name, they remember your preferences, and they make you feel like you belong here.
And then tonight, on our last evening, Ebenezer — who has looked after us all week, making sure our golf clubs were just so and greeting us throughout our stay — left us a beautiful handwritten note and a gift.
This place feels like a warm hug. And we didn’t want to leave.
If Ashford Castle is on your bucket list — and it should be — we’d love to help you plan every detail. Drop us a message or visit lovetotravel.com 🍀
