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Ashford Castle

Ireland's grandest castle hotel, with a history going back to the early 13th century, Ashford is set in 350 acres of beautiful parkland.

Grandeur, formality and tranquillity are the essential characteristics, first seen in immaculately maintained grounds and, once inside, in a succession of impressive public rooms that illustrate a long and proud history - panelled walls, oil paintings, suits of armour and magnificent fireplaces.

Accommodation varies considerably and each room in some way reflects the special qualities of the hotel. The best guest rooms, and the luxurious suites at the top of the castle - many with magnificent views of Lough Corrib, the River Cong and wooded parkland - are elegantly furnished with period furniture, some with enormous and beautifully appointed bathrooms, others with remarkable architectural features, such as a panelled wooden ceiling discovered behind plasterwork in one of the suites during renovations (and now fully restored).

The hotel's exceptional amenities include a neo-classical fitness centre, and sporting activities are detailed in a very handy little pocket book.

The castle has three restaurants: The Connaught Room, which is mainly for residents, is the jewel in Ashford Castle's culinary crown and one of Ireland's most impressive restaurants; the George V Dining Room offers fine dining for larger numbers; the new Cullen's Cottage, in the grounds, offers accessible all-day informal dining. In addition The Library and Drawing Room menus offer informal meals including Afternoon Tea.

Executive Head Chef, Stefan Matz oversees the cooking for all food operations in the castle, and Cullen's Cottage; since joining the team in 2003, this highly skilled and modest chef has worked wonders to introduce some gentle modernisation of menus, bring the varying dining operations together and ensure high standards in each (see below).

Conference/banqueting (110/166); business centre; free broadband wi/fi. Archery, boat trips, clay pigeon shooting, equestrian, walking, garden, fishing (fly & coarse), golf (9), fitness centre, sauna, steam room, massage, beauty salon, hairdressing. Children welcome (under 12s free in parents' room, cot available without charge). No pets. Heli-pad.

Rooms 83 (11 suites, 5 junior suites, 61 executive, 21 ground floor, 6 for disabled, all no smoking). Lift. 24 hour room service. Turn down service. Room rate about €485 (max 2 guests, with breakfast), room only €430; SC 15%. Short/off-season breaks offered - details on application.

The Connaught Room:

This small room is one of Ireland's most impressive restaurants. The style is broadly classical French, using the best of local ingredients notably seafood and Connemara lamb, and speciality produce like James McGeough's wonderful cured Connemara lamb from Oughterard.

If at least two people (preferably a whole party) are agreed, a seasonal 7-course Menu Dégustation tasting menu is available - and after dinner you will be presented with a souvenir copy of the menu. Attention to detail is superb throughout, and the experience benefits greatly from the personal attendance of Robert Bowe whose constant, caring presence is at the heart of this theatrical experience, complete with perfectly groomed staff and his own unobtrusive commentary on the various dishes as they are served with perfect, silver-domed timing.

The wine list is a stunning example of an old-fashioned grand hotel list, and has been Robert Bowe's responsibility for nearly 20 years; during that time he has developed it from 250 listings to over 600, carefully sourced from about 15 suppliers.

The Castle's wine programme includes a series of winemaker dinners held each winter (which may involve Irish winemakers from around the world); there also are wines of the month, and recommendations by the glass to accompany individual dishes.

The wine list is a stunning example of an old-fashioned, grand hotel list.

Seats 40 (max table size 14). D only, Thu-Sun, 7-9.30pm; reservations essential (usually residents only); Menu Dégustation 5/7 courses €80/95, also á la carte.

George V Dining Room:

Dinner and off-season Sunday lunch are served in this much larger but almost equally opulent dining room, where a combination of fine food and attentive service, under the direction of Maitre d'Hôtel Martin Gibbons, promise an outstanding dining experience.

A five-course dinner menu offers a choice of about nine dishes on the first and main courses, including some tempting vegetarian suggestions; the choice is wide, with a suggested wine (by the glass or by the bottle) with each starter and main course.

You might begin with the Ashford Castle version of Caesar Salad, and for the main course there's a slight leaning towards seafood, but game will be offered in season, and a speciality that may surprise is the daily roast, served from a carving trolley. Irresistible desserts, or a superb cheese trolley, to finish.

Although unarguably expensive, the dining experience at Ashford Castle gives value for money - and the Sunday lunch menu is very reasonable for the quality of food, service and surroundings; it offers a shortened and somewhat simplified version of the dinner menu, but the same high standards apply.

*All meals in the castle are by reservation. *A light daytime menu is available in The Gallery.

Seats 140. D daily 7-9.30, L Sun only (Oct-May), 1-2pm Set Sun L €39, Set 5 course D €70. A la carte D also available; house wines from €26. SC.15%

Cullen's at The Cottage:

A stone's throw from the Corrib and within sight of the castle, on Ashford's manicured lawns, Cullen's at The Cottage is named after the late Peter Cullen, a much-loved former Maitre D', and offers a completely different experience: mid-priced dining, open to the public, with none of the pomp and ceremony associated with the grandeur of meals served in the castle itself.

The kitchen is operated under Stefan Matz's direction, but functions independently from the main castle kitchen. Internally the cottage has been transformed, with burgundy coloured banquette seating, plain wood tables, tiled floors, and white walls.

The menu, while leaning towards seafood, offers a varied selection of meat and vegetarian dishes, salads and side orders, also a daytime sandwich, pitta and panini section, and coffees, teas and desserts. On a fine summer's day, dining al fresco here has a continental air - and, there's a short fairly priced wine list. Well-trained staff give good service, while appearing to have all the time in the world to chat.

Cullen's at the Cottage: Seats 65 (private room 48, outdoor seating 48). Open 11-9.30 daily (a phone call to check is advised, especially off-season). Reservations accepted. A la carte. Wines from €16. Amex, Diners, MasterCard, Visa, Laser.

Directions:

48km (30 m) north of Galway on Lough Corrib