In the western part of Ireland lies the quaint village of Cong. Friendly ginger haired locals are quick with smile and a wave or to share a tankard of stout should you visit one of their festive taverns. The town’s second claim to fame it’s the location of the then Hollywood blockbuster, The Quiet Man staring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara. In fact there’s a life-size statue of the big-screen lovebirds in the town center. However, the town’s premier landmark is one of the top castles in Europe and less than a mile away, the Ashford Castle. The Ashford Castle is a fairytale destination and everything you would expect in a proper European Castle. 350 acres of land set in front of the daunting Lough Corrib with the Connemara Mountains as the back drop. The castle sprawls out in front of the lock with an emerald green 9-hole golf course as its front lawn. …show more content…
Green Range Rovers whisk guests about the grounds of the castle and to the entry of the lodge. Once inside a warm and cozy living room is there where guests sip on toddies in front of the proper English bar. The lodge sits in picturesque gardens with sweeping views of the lock and castle grounds. The lodge was originally built in 1865 as the castle estate manager’s home and guest house. Today it provides its guests with a mellow country house hospitality combined with sleek contemporary style, and warm Irish service. The Lodge at Ashford Castle has won a cadre of luxury hospitality awards over the years such as 2017 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards - Voted No. 2 in the Top 10 Hotels in