One of the most prestigious hotels in Europe, Ashford Castle offers unrivalled service, warm Irish hospitality and five-star luxury. An amazing stay at any time of year, an Ashford Castle Christmas goes above and beyond. Think Santa, giant trees, sumptuous cuisine and a festive cruise. Read on to see why Ashford Castle is one of the best hotels for Christmas and find out how they celebrate the holiday season.

Ashford Castle – An Iconic Stay

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The Ashford Castle hotel is situated in a spectacular 350-acre estate. Over 800 years old, the castle is a grand, historic structure of great national significance. The former home of the Guinness family, it has hosted countless notables over the years, including The Prince of Wales (who later became King George V) and President Ronald Reagan. Sumptuous rooms and suites combine with divine interiors brimming with antique furniture, fine fabrics and unique features.

Stay in luxury at Ashford Castle on: Ultimate Ireland & Castles & Kingdoms

A Time to Make Guests Feel Special

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“At Ashford Castle we’re an extended family for our guests and it is viewed as a home,” Catherine, Ashford Castle’s Rooms Division Manager tells us. “It is important that when guests arrive, either on Christmas Eve or before, they feel they are coming home, and that they know someone. Everybody at Ashford understands the importance of our guests coming for Christmas. They all go above and beyond and there is a lovely excitement in the house.”

“We reach out to guests in advance and keep in touch with them in the months leading up to their arrival. This way we build a relationship with them and learn about their preferences, which we try to incorporate into their stay in some discreet way.”

Of course, the most VIP festive guest to visit the castle is Santa. Arriving on Christmas Eve, he presents all of the guests with a gift.

You may also enjoy reading: Ashford Castle: A beloved icon magnificently restored

Christmas Trees, Grown on the Estate

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Taking pride of place in the magnificent Oak Hall is a 20-foot-high Christmas tree, which Catherine tells us proudly “is grown and matured on the estate.” A palatial space, the Oak Hall with its storied interior veneered in rich oak paneling and draped in deep scarlets, makes a magnificent setting for the tree.

Ashford Castle’s Head Gardener Martin keeps an eye out through the year for the best tree, so the hunt begins months ahead. The tree provides the perfect backdrop for the Christmas family photograph that all guests receive. Additional trees are also placed in the Staterooms and Suites.

For travel inspiration: Ireland destination guide

Festive Feasts and a Pudding Parade

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Decadent festive breakfasts, a flow of mulled wine, and quintessential afternoon tea pepper the festivities. On Christmas Eve a black-tie gala dinner provides a sumptuous feast. The centerpiece is, of course, the Christmas Day lunch. Dine on a thoughtfully chosen menu of traditional favorites. Or there are a wide range of alternatives to choose from.

The festive five-course menu includes decadent dishes such as beetroot-cured organic salmon with blinis and horseradish cream, spiced pumpkin and chestnut soup, and mulled wine sorbet. And of course, traditional roast turkey and ham, served with bread stuffing, goose-fat roast potato, turkey sausage roll, and rosemary gravy.

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Special wine-tasting sessions are offered over the festive days. Guests can also relax in the lounge and sip a signature Baileys Hot Chocolate, made with Valrhona chocolate.

A festive highlight is the Pudding Parade. “Christmas pudding is made here in the Castle,” Catherine says. “Our team of Chefs in full uniform parade the hot puddings into the restaurant, piped in by Benny the Piper. It’s quite a sight.”

Bookmark for later: Hives and honey: Meet Ashford Castle beekeeper Steve Watson Oughterard

Christmas Day Cruise on Lough Corrib

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“A highlight for guests on Christmas Day is a leisurely cruise on Lough Corrib, a truly beautiful setting,” shares Catherine. “We serve hot whiskeys and there is traditional music on board. Everyone gets into the festive spirit.”

The second largest freshwater lake in Ireland, the stunning Lough Corrib is around 35 miles in length and contains over 300 islands. It separates the fertile limestone plains of east Galway from the lake-strewn bogs and rugged mountains of Connemara in the west.

Music and Merriment

It wouldn’t be an Irish celebration without live music. And Ashford Castle has lined up some of the greats. This includes the legendary Irish singer Keith McDonald who will perform both with his Show Band and solo. One of Ireland’s leading male vocalists, expect a toe-tapping evening and a festive tune or two.

Discover a world of relaxation from an Ashford Castle expert: Skip The Jacuzzi and Brave the Ice Bath: Industry Insider Joanna Moran Reveals Her Top Spa Secrets

St Stephens Day Celebrations

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December 26th is known as St Stephen’s Day in Ireland, also called the Feast of Saint Stephen. On this day Ashford Castle invites guests to join them in the great outdoors.  The 350-acre castle estate boasts stunning parkland, woods and gardens. The magical setting on the edge of Lough Corrib with the Castle as the central feature is truly unique. The gardens combine a thoughtful balance of formal and informal areas, with a Walled Garden full of perennial borders, fruit and vegetables. The great woods are home to ancient trees, perfect to wander through at leisure and enjoy the wildlife.

Fly a Harris Hawk

Guests can try the ancient form of falconry, a fascination that has enthralled people for 5,000 years. Ashford Castle is home to the oldest established Falconry School in Ireland and flying hawks is an experience of a lifetime. You can also test your archery skills or even try your hand at sheep herding on the estate.

And to top off St Stephen’s Day, in the evening there is a visit from the Wren Boys offering a feast of traditional music. This celebration gives a nod to the age-old Irish Wren Boys custom that, in the past, saw people dress up and travel from door to door singing, dancing and playing traditional music.

Why is Ashford Castle Famous?

An icon of County Mayo since the 13th Century, Ashford Castle is now an exquisite 5-star hotel. Originally built in 1228 as a fortress, it has served as a noble residence for centuries. In 2013, the Tollman Family spent two years lovingly renovating the historic property, restoring it above and beyond its former glory. Today Ashford Castle is reconginsed as one of the best hotels in the world, and earning the accolade of Ireland’s only Forbes five-star rated hotel .

How Far is Ashford Castle From Dublin?

Ashford Castle is 240km (150 miles) from Dublin, roughly a three hour drive.

You can experience the delights and luxury of Ashford Castle for yourself on our Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms limited-edition tours.

For those who have traveled with Luxury Gold, you’ll appreciate the amount of personal care, attention to detail and professionalism that goes into delivering that dream vacation. One past guest who can personally testify to the exceptional quality of a Luxury Gold journey is Sandy, who has traveled with us twice, with a third journey coming up.

She kindly agreed to talk to us about her experience of a Luxury Gold vacation, including her favorite destination to visit, and why she and her husband plan on taking more vacations with us in the future.

Hi Sandy. How did you first hear about Luxury Gold?

“We first heard about Luxury Gold via some friends we made on a river cruise. They sang the praises of Luxury Gold’s five-star hotels, Michelin-rated restaurants, expert guides, and brilliant Travel Concierges and drivers. The one thing they kept reiterating was the small number of people on each tour. It sounded like a dream vacation.”

Which journey did you end up booking?

“Right after Covid, we took our first Luxury Gold holiday: Spain and Portugal in Style. There were 17 of us. We had the most glorious time together, visiting Valencia and the orange blossom coast, the Alhambra Palace, Andalucia, Barcelona, Madrid and Lisbon.

“Our tour director and driver were fantastically knowledgeable, and fluent Spanish speakers. Our tour director made lots of beautiful dinner reservations for us and booked various events along the way. She led us to pasteis de nata in Lisbon, found us Flamenco lessons in Seville and organized a horse and carriage ride, too. I fondly remember a Michelin star restaurant in Lisbon overlooking the city, and a fabulous former Portuguese convent with a winery. It was truly a dream vacation, and we were hooked.”

Did you follow Spain & Portugal with Italy with another journey?

“Yes. Our next trip was the Ultimate Italy journey. I loved Rome so much, and the Grand Hotel Quisisana in Capri was incredibly special – a real jewel. We took a cooking class in the hunting lodge of the Medici family in Tuscany and an art historian introduced us to Renaissance Florence. We saw the grottos and coves of the Capri coastline on a private cruise. Over the course of the journey, we traveled by water taxi, gondola, funicular, train and ferry. It felt like such an adventure.”

Two guests recline on Luxury Gold’s private boat tour of Capri

What is it about a Luxury Gold journey that keeps you coming back?

“We love that the opulence begins the moment you leave your house, and lasts until you get home. There’s so much one-on-one care, and everything is tailored to your needs – meals, events, concerts, tours, transport. You feel special, looked after, relaxed, which is the most important thing. In between the big moments, your tour guide will regale you with treats and stories from the region as you travel on your comfortable bus. You really get to sit back and relish it all.”

And do you have anything else booked?

“Our next tour will be Ultimate Southern France, ending in Paris. We look forward to it. It’s our dose of elegance. I feel like royalty when I travel with Luxury Gold.”

Want to experience the glamor of a Luxury Gold vacation for yourself? Explore our full catalogue of journeys here, or browse our luxury holidays in Spain.

Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, located along the Adriatic Sea, is renowned as one of the most stunning coastlines you’ll have the pleasure to witness. Stretching from Zadar to Dubrovnik, it features crystal clear waters, a myriad of islands, ancient Roman ruins and vibrant local culture. To hear first-hand  what its like to cruise this coastal paradise, we had the pleasure to speak with Luxury Gold guest Sal who recently travelled with his wife on our Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast tour.

Discover the journey: Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast

An Unexpected Delight

“It was phenomenal,” says California resident Sal when asked to sum up his journey along Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast, admitting to not knowing much about this Balkan paradise before he and his wife set off on this tour. “Usually, I do a lot of research before a vacation,” he tells us, explaining that this was a more a spur of the moment decision. Originally looking to spend a month in Italy, a country they love, Sal decided to mix it up a bit and chose Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, with its seven day cruise of the islands..

“It was the best decision I made,” he tells us. “We’ve been to Italy six times and it’s lovely, but Croatia was just like a real breath of fresh air. Everything was clean and bright, the people were friendly, and it felt very safe. And the country is just beautiful. I had wanted to be surprised, and we were pleasantly surprised throughout the whole trip.”

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Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast – The Tour

Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast is a 2-week luxury small group journey, starting in the capital Zagreb with a stay in the magnificent and storied Esplanade Hotel. With the first few days on land, you’ll experience Croatia’s extensive natural beauty at the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park and explore the country’s rich history with a visit to the ancient Pula Arena. You’ll also enjoy an exclusive introduction to Croatian cuisine as you try your hand at truffle hunting in Istria on this luxury vacation to Croatia.

Then, on Day 5 it’s time to take to the crystal waters for a seven-day cruise. Built to the highest specifications, the MV Markan Deluxe yacht-like cruiser provides you with an unforgettable sailing experience through the charming islands that adorn Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast. Geographically, the Dalmatian stretch of Croatia’s coast begins from the town of Zadar at the foot of the Northern Velebit Mountains, running south past major towns along the coast at Sibenik, Trogir, Split, down to Dubrovnik, the ‘Pearl of the Adriatic’.

You may also enjoy reading: Travel Concierge Sharon, on the experience that awaits when you visit Croatia

A Thousand Islands, and More

Croatia is in fact and archipelago made up of 1,244 natural islands, of which 48 are inhabited. These range from glitzy party islands catering to the rich and famous, to islands hosting tiny communities and preserving a medieval way of life. From large to small, flat to hilly and forested to barren, there’s something for everyone, and together these islands form the centerpiece of Croatia’s charm. On Luxury Gold’s Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast journey, your cruise takes in the islands of Hvar, Sibenik, Sali, Mali Losinj, plus the coastal stops of Mali Ston, Zadar and Dubrovnik.

“As you sail, seemingly out of nowhere, there’s these little islands everywhere you look, hundreds of them,” says Sal. “Then as you get closer you see a development, whether it be a single house or a little community, an actual village or a bigger city. The architectural feats that they overcame to create these places I find amazing. Along with using rocks from the island, everything has to be brought by boat, every window, every brick.

“Each of the islands we stopped at had their own charm and their own individual character. The architecture is similar, as are the food and the people, but they all had different topography and were different in their own special way.”

See behind the velvet rope: After Hours: Travel Like a VIP With These Exclusive Experiences

Front Row Seats to Croatia 

Cruising the islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian coast with Luxury Gold is more than just sailing in VIP style. On the island of Lošinj you’ll enjoy a private tour of the Museum of Apoxyomenos, home to a famous 2000-year-old Greek bronze statue, which had been perfectly preserved in the nearby seabed. While in the quiet town of Mali Ston, you’ll stroll out to the floating oyster beds and savor fresh, briny oysters straight from the sea.

When asked his highlights, Sal tells us that though there were so many it is hard to pick, but for him ultimately it was life on the water. “It felt like it was like our own private yacht, you know the lifestyle of the rich and famous,” he says with a grin. “As you arrive you have front row seats. You pull in right at the heart of the harbor, where most of the life of the city revolves around, they tie up the boat, you walk off and you’re in the heart of everything.”

Bookmark for later: A Day in The Life of One of Croatia’s Top Truffle Hunters

The MV Markan

At 48 m long, the elegant MV Markan is spacious yet intimate. Modern amenities include air-conditioned cabins with private facilities and a large sundeck with a hot tub and chaise loungers. Your every need is attended to by a dedicated crew and the cuisine on board is delicious.

“Dining during the cruise was a nice combination,” Sal says. “When it was convenient, we would eat on the boat, including breakfasts, or when travelling overnight and we had a fabulous Captain’s Dinner. Alternatively we would eat at restaurants on our stops.

“I’m not a big seafood person and I don’t actually eat fish, which is not ideal when you’re in the Mediterranean and Adriatic Sea and every stop is a harbor town! But I was still able to enjoy myself and eat well – the on-board chef was very accommodating and talented.

“Even though it’s a small crew running the boat, the service is exceptional. We had two bartenders who were also waiters. They wore lots of hats but knew all our names from the first day and were at our beck and call, they treated us so well.”

Discover the passion behind every tour: How Luxury Gold Journeys Go Above and Beyond with Expert Karen Gower

Your Travel Concierge

At the helm of every Luxury Gold journey is your Travel Concierge. Fluent in the local language and experts in flawless service, they take care of all the details while you relax and enjoy yourself.

“Danielle our Travel Concierge was really great,” says Sal. “Very friendly and knowledgeable, happy to help with anything, and also very patient! It was great knowing that she was taking care of everything, and also on hand for all questions and recommendations.”

You may also enjoy reading: 100% Meaningful, 100% Memorable: Why Every Luxury Gold Journey Matters

Overall – Spectacular

“We’ve travelled with Insight Vacations before,” Sal tells us, talking of our sister brand at The Travel Corporation offering ‘Business Class’ style tours targeted at the curious mind, “and we heard about Luxury Gold being a bit of a step up. And it was. The hotels were spectacular, the small group size worked well for us, and the free time built into the itinerary.

“A lot of people think that guided tours are always going to be rushed but that was not the case. At almost every hotel we were there at least two nights, so we didn’t have to pack and unpack. Then on the cruise we were there for seven days, before a few more days on land. And when in Dubrovnik we just walked right out of the door of our hotel [the 5-star Hilton] and into the city. I really liked the pace of the tour, a perfect balance for us.

“Overall, it was just a spectacular trip. The beauty of Croatia combined with the lovely meals and restaurants, exceptional hotels and small group size made it the luxury vacation that we really deserved.”

Join us on Croatia & The Dalmatian Coast, a 15-Day luxury small group journey.