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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.

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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.

Serene surroundings adorned with elegant decor, soothing sounds of water, and the gentle aroma of essential oils – that can only be a luxury spa.  But how do you make the most of your visit? And what treatments do you try? To find out the spa secrets to make the most of your visit, we spoke to Joanna Moran, Director of Spa and Wellness at Ashford Castle.

Luxury Gold guests visit this sensational 5 star hotel on our Castles & Kingdoms, and Ultimate Ireland small group journeys. Not only home to one of Ireland’s most prestigious spas, the  castle features elegant rooms, fine dining, and a range of activities including falconry and golf.

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The Secret to a Great Luxury Spa

Joanna Moran, Director of Spa and Wellness at Ashford Castle has worked in the industry for over 20 years.

“A great luxury spa is a place where you can truly relax and rejuvenate, it’s a sanctuary, ”Joanna explains when asked her spa secrets. “It is somewhere you can immerse yourself in a transformative journey of well-being, whilst being nurtured and nourished by beautiful surroundings and high-quality treatments.”

“At the heart of a great luxury spa lies exceptional service, with highly trained staff ensuring a unique and tailored experience for every guest. Having a dining menu available that complements the spa’s wellness philosophy is also a great way for guests to finish of a day of pampering.”

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Four Hands are Better Than Two

“The most incredible spa treatment I ever had was in Ananda in The Himalayas where I experienced their exclusive Four-Handed Abhyanga Massage,” she tells us.

“This ancient Ayurvedic massage involves two therapists working in perfect harmony, using synchronized movements. The result is a deeply relaxing and profoundly rejuvenating experience. Even with all my experience in the wellness industry I was impressed, this is definitely a spa secret worth sharing!

“The massage comes with significant mental and emotional benefits too. The synchronized, rhythmic movements help to release accumulated stress and tension, giving a feeling of inner peace and rejuvenation.”

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Try The Big Freeze

Whilst the main aim of a spa is of course relaxation, that doesn’t mean that you can’t step a little out of your comfort zone and try something new. The jacuzzi, sauna and steam room offer a familiar comfort, but there’s much more on the menu these days.

“I highly recommend ice baths, I’ve tried them and they’re transformational,” says Joanna, “with so many benefits, both physical and mental, they are the best spa secret if you’ve not yet tried one. The cold temperature can help reduce inflammation and muscle soreness. They also help to flush out metabolic waste from the muscles and boost the immune system.

“What I love about though are the mental and emotional benefits. The experience of enduring cold water stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” hormones, which make you feel fantastic.”

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Reach for the Hot Cups

“Hot cupping is another therapy that I really love and encourage everyone to try,” says Joanna, explaining that hot cupping is an ancient therapy with roots in traditional Chinese medicine.

“It’s been used for thousands of years to promote healing and balance in the body. The process involves placing heated cups on the skin to create a vacuum, which draws the skin and underlying tissues upward into the cup. It’s believed to stimulate the flow of energy, or “qi,” and aid in overall wellness.

“One of the primary benefits that I have experiences is its ability to relieve pain and relax muscles. The suction and heat from the cups help to increase blood flow to the affected areas. It really is very effective especially when used in conjunction with acupuncture and massage therapy.”

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My Bucket List Spa

Guests at Six Senses take part in a Cacao ceremony: Photo credit: @sixsenses.ibiza on Instagram

“The Spa at Six Senses Ibiza is certainly one that stands out on my bucket list,” says Joanna, sharing more spa secrets. “It offers a holistic approach to wellness, focusing on mind, body and spirit, and it is renowned for its combination of cutting-edge therapies and traditional healing practices. This comprehensive approach to well-being is something I find incredibly appealing and beneficial for achieving overall balance and rejuvenation.”

Located on the picturesque northern tip of Ibiza, Six Senses offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea – the idyllic setting alone makes it a desirable destination.

“This spa offers a level of exclusivity and personalized attention that sets it apart,” she continues. “With a limited number of guests at any time, they ensure that each visitor receives individualized care and bespoke treatments. This personalized approach is something I deeply appreciate, as it enhances the overall spa experience.”

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A Day at Ashford Castle Spa

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A highlight of your stay at the magnificent Ashford Castle, under Joanna’s careful eye the Spa and Wellness Centre offers an experience second to none. Located in County Mayo, Ireland, this 13th-century castle was once the ancestral home of the Guinness family and has been meticulously restored to offer an opulent retreat. Surrounded by 350 acres of lush grounds, guests can explore extensive gardens, woodlands and Lough Corrib.

“If you were to spend a day with us at Ashford Castle spa I would advise you to begin by indulging in our luxurious Ashford Castle Ritual,” says Joanna. “This is our signature spa treatment and combines a soothing back massage with warm aromatherapy oils, a relaxing foot massage, and a mini spa facial for an instant glow.

“Then you can spend time in our lavish steam room, to detoxify and relax your muscles, and open your pores. Follow this with a refreshing dip in our heated indoor pool with stunning views of the castle grounds, then, after your treatment, retreat to our Relaxation Room to enjoy fresh, healthy nibbles and soak up the ambiance of the spa and the beautiful Ashford Castle estate. We’d love for you to come an experience true relaxation and rejuvenation with us.”

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Joanna’s Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Luxury Spa Experience:

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Before your visit: choose treatments which best suit your needs and preferences. Booking in advance is always a good idea so that you can get your preferred time and treatment.

Arrive on time: Arriving at least 30 minutes before your appointment allows you to check in, change into your robe and slippers, and start unwinding in the pool or thermal relaxation areas. This sets a calm tone for your entire visit.

Share your preferences with staff: Whether it’s the pressure of a massage, the temperature of the room, or any allergies, clear communication ensures a personalized and comfortable experience.

Turn off your phone: or leave it in a locker to fully immerse yourself in the serene environment. Disconnecting from technology helps you to relax and be present in the moment.

Drink plenty of water before and after your treatments to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to use saunas or steam rooms. Many spas offer healthy snacks and beverages, so take advantage of these to keep your energy levels up.

Don’t rush through your spa day. Allow yourself to linger in the relaxation lounges, enjoy the amenities like relaxation pool and steam room and savor the experience fully.

Post-treatment care is crucial for maximizing the benefits of your spa treatments. Follow any aftercare instructions provided by your therapist, such as avoiding direct sunlight after a facial or staying hydrated after a massage.

Remember to reflect on your experience. Enjoy a cup of herbal tea, sit quietly in the relaxation lounge, and let the feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation sink in before you return to the outside world.

To experience the luxury of Ashford Castle for yourself take a look at our Castles & Kingdoms and Ultimate Ireland small group journeys.

Rural Ireland may be most famous for its uninterrupted “Emerald Isle” greenery, but it’s even more of a pleasure to watch its leaves turn gold and amber. Among other forested spots, this spectrum of late autumn foliage is reflected most beautifully in Lough Corrib, the body of water at the foot of Ashford Castle, arguably Ireland’s best hotel and one of the most storied.  

This 800-year-old residence has a pleasing mix of outdoor living and cosy creature comforts that will suit your holiday mood as the season changes. This is a place where you can pull on a cashmere sweater for walks through the 350 acres of grounds, then dress up for dinner before a nightcap by the fireplace in the Prince of Wales Bar.  

While the hotel was recently named the fourth best in Europe (in the Conde Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, in the “Rest of Europe” category), it’s been a magnet for A-listers, leaders and trendsetters for more than a century: Oscar Wilde, King George V, John Lennon and Barbra Streisand have all stayed, whether in the building’s years as a private home or its subsequent life as a luxury hotel. Here’s how to enjoy this landmark hotel in the atmospheric holiday season months.  

Stay at Ashford Castle on: Ultimate Ireland and Castles and Kingdoms

Outdoor pursuits

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As well as heart-pumping walks through the lakeside, woodland and hills around the castle, guests visiting in late autumn can take full advantage of the cooler days to get out and about. Ashford is home to the oldest established falconry school in Ireland, where you’ll get to grips with these beautiful, huge-clawed birds of prey. Try the Hawk Walk experience, where you’ll embark on an atmospheric forest stroll with your own avine companion, giving them room to explore before swooping back to your gloved hand.  

Clay shooting and archery are both quintessential countryside experiences to acquaint you with your surroundings, while a lakeside cruise or fishing trip will get you out on the smooth, rippling waters of Lough Corrib, where the bronzed treetops frame a tranquil view as you cast your rod from a hand-crafted 19ft traditional wooden clinker.  

Equestrian types can enjoy Ireland’s best hotel on horseback. Saddle up with instructors or guides for lessons and trail rides, trotting out to the spectacular paths around the Lough, neighbouring woodland and into the mountains of Connemara to see the rural beauty of the county the way Ashford’s 19th-century guests did. 

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Sublime seasonal cuisine

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Ornate wood panelling, Waterford crystal chandeliers and period fireplaces characterise the dining and drinking haunts at Ashford Castle. But the chef’s vision for your meals is entirely modern: seasonal, local Irish produce is the priority in the George V dining room, where you can graze your way through tangy St Tola goat’s cheese from County Clare, lobster from Rossaveel, 60km away, and lamb loin from Kinvara, just the other side of Galway. The real highlight for many is the restaurant’s signature 28-day-aged Chateaubriand and braised cheek, which is carved for two from a vintage-style chef’s trolley in front of you.  

Autumnal fare in Ashford’s restaurants might include woodland girolle mushrooms, a spiced pumpkin soup or gourmet takes on root vegetables such as parsnip and carrot. Meanwhile, chilly October or November mornings cry out for a Full Irish breakfast before you set off to explore: think sausages from Andarl Farm, 40km north of where you sit, plus sizzling Irish bacon, black and white pudding, mushroom, tomato and eggs to order.  What better way to stay the day at Ireland’s best hotel?

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Warming spa sessions  

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After a day out on the Lough, with the falconry team or simply driving through County Mayo’s autumn foliage, an hour or three at the hotel’s world-class spa beckons. There’s a reason why this pampering palace has been named Ireland’s Best Spa for eight consecutive years at the World Spa Awards: as well as lavish interiors featuring chandeliers, lashings of gold and a striking Tree of Life mural, it has palatial treatment rooms with big-windowed views of the countryside, plus a hammam and relaxation pool.   

Keen walkers and jet-lagged long haulers can ease tense muscles with an aromatic massage using Voya seaweed products, where therapists tap into a long Irish tradition of using the coastal flora for healing and soothing purposes. Meanwhile a nourishing Natura Bissé facial will plump out dry skin after encounters with wind and rain, and an Ashford hammam session employs Atlantic salt and seaweed soap for an invigorating, inimitably Irish take on the Arabic spa tradition.  

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Stay in Ireland’s best hotel and discover the magic of the Emerald Isle on Ultimate Ireland and Castles and Kingdoms