Ashford Castle: Lavish wedding castle in the west of Ireland

The Ashford Castle has an eventful passed. Each owner has left their traces on this historic building ad left a piece of their character behind. The de Burgo family built the original castle here in 1228, on the site of an old monastic settlement. The Browne family added a hunting lodge in the style of a French chateau in the early 1700s, complete with double-headed eagles on the roofline.

Later the castle became home to the Guinness family and this is where the castle was shaped into its current silhouette. Layer on layer, it's a place with real depth behind the photographs.

Ashford Castle sits on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, right at the edge of the village of Cong in the west of Ireland. It is situated about ninety minutes from Galway and around three hours from Dublin. Guests land in a properly dramatic part of the country, with the lake on one side and Connemara's hills rolling out on the other. We treat it as a benchmark among where to get married in Ireland for couples chasing real Irish scenery.

Cong village, just outside the castle gates, is small enough to explore on foot with local pubs and a charming town centre. Lough Corrib, Ireland's second-largest lake, laps right up to the walls. Beyond the estate, Connemara's mountains and coastline are within easy reach - perfect for couples building a destination wedding in Ireland around a few extra days for guests.

The estate keeps guests busy well beyond the wedding day. Ireland's School of Falconry, founded here in 1999, is the country's oldest, home to around twenty Harris hawks alongside falcons and an eagle owl. A nine-hole course, laid out through oak and beech woodland replaced the old deer park in 1974. Add boating and fishing on Lough Corrib, plus a spa and pool, and there's plenty here to fill a full wedding weekend without anyone getting restless.

The castle holds a number of rooms and suites, plus The Boathouse, a one-bedroom retreat right on the lake. The bridal suite has two bathrooms and can connect through to neighboring rooms, turning into a private three-bedroom wing for the couple and their closest family. With the possibility of full exclusive use, every room on the estate belongs to the wedding party for the duration of the stay - there's no other guest wandering the corridors.

Couples marry outdoors in the castle gardens overlooking the lake, weather allowing. Since Ireland is famous for its rains, it is always good to have an indoor alternative prepared. Luckily the castel boast a lovely selection of halls and rooms for you to choose from.

The Oak Hall serves as the castle's main reception space, while the George V Dining Room handles formal wedding breakfasts. For something different beforehand, the old wine cellar makes an atmospheric spot for drinks. Smaller weddings can use the Connaught or Inglenook rooms, which suit more intimate parties comfortably. Between them, the castle covers everything from a full sit-down banquet to a quieter, fireside celebration.

If you like, book the whole castle and it's yours: full exclusive use covers every room, restaurant and bar, for up to around 160 guests across the stay. Only one wedding takes place at a time, so there's no crossover with other hotel guests during the ceremony or reception. Contact our planner in Ireland to inquire about specific dates and rates.