In Ireland, on the shores of Lough Corrib, an ancient Ashford castle is located. A long time ago, in 1228, the Anglo-Norman family de Bourg started to build a powerful fortress. For a couple of centuries it was a reliable haven of the family and withstood many attacks of the conquerors.
Photo: By Ericci8996, from Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Photo: Elin B/flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Ireland has been fighting for its independence for a long time, and often Ashford Castle was at the center of hostilities. Nevertheless, the Tudors conquered Ireland.
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: Bob Familiar/flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: John Menard/flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
In the second half of the 16th century the forces of English official Sir Richard Bingham approached the castle. The battles lasted several years, but still, in 1589 the castle fell. Richard Bingham became its new owner and immediately started to build new fortifications.
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: John Menard/flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Up to the middle of the 19th century, the castle changed several owners, until in 1852 the aristocrat Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness bought it. His family owned the castle until 1939. During this time, several buildings were added, roads were laid and several thousand trees were planted.
Photo: Larry Koester/flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: Larry Koester/flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
In 1939, Noel Huggard purchased the old castle and within some time turned it into a high-class hotel. Since then, Ashford has changed its owners several times. In 1970, a large-scale reconstruction of the castle was carried out. An excellent golf course was built, park and garden area were put in order as well.
Photo: Larry Koester/flickr (CC BY 2.0)
Photo: John Menard/flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Photo: John Menard/flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
But not every tourist can visit Ashford castle and admire its attractions. Only guests of the hotel can appreciate its splendid interior.
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
The hotel has luxurious rooms, from which you can enjoy views over the lake and the forest. Many rooms have unique antiques purchased at auctions. 2 restaurants, a SPA and a wellness centers also welcome guests. Lovers of active rest can go fishing, take a horse ride, walk around the park and the forest, take a ferry ride on the lake Lough Corrib.
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Photo: ashfordcastle.com (© ashfordcastle.com / used under permission)
Celebrities such as Prince of Monaco Rainier III and his wife Princess Grace, US President Ronald Reagan, Prince Edward, John Lennon and George Harrison, Senator Ted Kennedy, Brad Pitt and many others stayed at the hotel in different years.