Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle

Nearby Courses

22 miles away

Westport

36 miles away

Connemara

41 miles away

Lahinch

Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

Ashford Castle is one of several Irish venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list, and the only one that plays host to just nine holes of golf. The venue reaches high on our list thanks to exceptional accommodation, an exquisite spa, and a top-notch range of fine dining options. 
 
The golf course, a 9-hole track in the old deer park of the estate, was designed by world-renowned golf course architect Eddie Hackett. The Par 35 layout measures in at less than 3,000 yards, making it very scorable. There are a number of dog-legs on the property, and just the one par 5 to take on. 
 
The hotel is one of the main reasons that Ashford Castle sits where it does on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list. The 5-star offering provides a sublime array of rooms and suites. Corrib and Deluxe Rooms can both come with views of Lough Corrib, while the Deluxe Queen Family Rooms offer a much larger floor space and two double beds. There is also a brilliant range of suites, and The Boathouse sits on the shores of Lough Corrib and offers a stunning private accommodation option. 
 
Ashford Castle also plays host to a glorious spa and wellness facility which houses a swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a selection of treatment rooms. Massages, treatments, and facial treatments are all available from a team of qualified therapists.  
 
  
Visit Ashford Castle’s website here

Ashford Castle Overview | NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts

9-Hole Beauty

Ashford Castle is one of a rare breed when it comes to venues you will find anywhere on the NCG Top 100s. That is simply because Ashford only has nine holes of golf. The Par 35 layout measures less than 3,000 yards from the back tees.  
 
The course was designed and constructed by world-renowned golf course architect Eddie Hackett, and he did so on the original deer park of the estate. Christy O'Connor Sr began his career at Ashford Castle, and he of course went on to have a great career, including that infamous 2-iron at the Ryder Cup
 
There are four teeing options, with the idea being that golfers play nine holes from one set, before playing a second nine from another set, making up a round of 18 holes. There are no par 4s more than 400 yards, and just one par 5, which is less than 500 yards. That means the golf course is scorable and enjoyable.  
 
The hardest hole on the course is the 3rd – a strong dog-leg left par 4. At around 300 yards to the green on a direct line, it is reachable with driver, but it would require picking a line over the trees and hoping for the best. The 6th is the only par 5 on the property, and is another dog-leg, this time to the right. It measures just shy of 500 yards from the back tees and offers a birdie opportunity.  

Luxurious Accommodation

The range of accommodation at Ashford Castle is sublime and beautifully appointed. There are 83 rooms and suites at the hotel, each providing comfort and elegance for its guests. The Boathouse provides the most luxurious stay at the castle, its own separate building by the lake. 
 
The Corrib Rooms and Deluxe Rooms both come with views of either the lake or the castle’s courtyard. The Corrib Rooms are the standard offering at Ashford, while the Deluxe Rooms add a touch of luxury. There are also Deluxe Queen Family Rooms for larger groups that want to share a room during their stay. 
 
There is also a selection of incredible suites at Ashford Castle, culminating in the Reagan Presidential Suite – named after President Reagan who stayed at Ashford in 1984. There are Suites, Junior Staterooms and Staterooms, along with the Kennedy Suite, all of which offer a separate living area to bedroom. 

The Spa at Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle is the home to an award-winning spa and wellness facility, having been named ‘Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa’ eight years in a row from 2016 to 2023. There is a relaxation pool, Middle Eastern style hammam, steam room and infused showers. The Spa also has a fitness suite for those looking to stay active during their time at Ashford Castle.  
 
For those who want another level of relaxation, there are also five treatment rooms, with a range of massages and treatments on offer, including facial treatments and hot stone massages, all given by a range of qualified therapists. 

FAQs about Ashford Castle

Where is Ashford Castle?  
Ashford Castle is based in the west of Ireland, on the border between County Mayo and County Galway. The castle is in the latter, while the golf course is in County Mayo. Ashford Castle is on the edge of Lough Corrib, with Galway being the nearest city to the resort, around 25 miles to the south. 

What is the nearest airport and station to Ashford Castle?
 
Galway is also the home to the nearest train station to Ashford Castle, with visitors to the resort having to then take a taxi or bus to get to their destination. 
 
In terms of air travel, Ireland West Airport Knock is the closest for international visitors to Ashford Castle, sitting around an hour to the north of the resort. More than 800,000 passengers travelled through the airport in 2023, making it the fourth busiest in the country. Dublin, Cork and Shannon are the three big airports in Ireland, with the airport servicing the nation’s capital sitting around a three-hour drive from Ashford Castle.  

What golf facilities does Ashford Castle offer?
 
For those coming to play the 9-hole course at Ashford Castle, there is the opportunity to hire golf clubs and buggies.  

Does Ashford Castle offer golf lessons?
 
There is nothing that mentions golf lessons or coaching on the Ashford Castle website. 

What are the green fees at Ashford Castle?
 
The price of a green fee at Ashford Castle changes throughout the year, depending on the season. It is also different depending on whether it is a weekday or weekend. 
 
For more information on current green fees at Ashford Castle, visit their website here

What accommodation is on offer at Ashford Castle?
 
There are over 80 accommodation offerings at Ashford Castle, with rooms suites and the Boathouse available. The latter is a private property on the shores of the lake, while the rooms and suites are all housed in the Castle’s hotel.  

What other resorts are nearby?
 
Ashford Castle is somewhat on its own when compared to other venues on the NCG Top 100s: GB&I Golf Resorts list. Dromoland Castle, Trump Ireland and Adare Manor are the closest to Ashford, but they are all more than 90 minutes away by car. 
 
 
Visit Ashford Castle’s website here