Home & Away with Robert Walshe
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Weekend Hotspot The Lodge at Ashford Castle Co Mayo
Situated on the outskirts of charming village Cong in Co Mayo, the Lodge at Ashford Castle is an ideal destination for those seeking a romantic hideaway close to the heart of everything Connemara & the west of Ireland has to offer. This is a place where relaxation, friendly atmosphere, beautiful surroundings , luxury and pure indulgence connect. Recently acquired by the luxury boutique “Red Carnation” collection the “
Lodge “provides a nearby alternative to sister property Ashford Castle. Guests to both properties enjoy the benefits and facilities of the estate with activities including fishing, golf, falconry, clay pigeon shooting and horse riding, as well as the numerous water sports on Ireland’s largest lake, Lough Corrib. Dating back to the 1860s the Lodge was originally built as the home for the Castle’s Estate Manager. The original property contains the hotel’s public rooms which is linked through a courtyard to the property’s 24 guestrooms and 26 newly refurbished suites. All accommodations
n Wilde’s Rstaurant at The Lodge Ashford Castle.
boast warm comfortable colour tones with modern features like under-floor bathroom heating and flat screen TVs. The Lodge offering two dining options is led by Connemara Chef Jonathan Keane an avant garde culinary genius. Named after local legend Sir William Wilde (father of Oscar) “Wilde’s” on the restored first floor of the original house serves a contemporary menu mix while downstairs Quay Bar is more informal. Throughout the experience Jonathan excites guests to his chosen fresh local and seasonal ingredients through personal interaction and clever social media engagement. Only 40 minutes-drive from Galway, Westport, Knock and Connemara the Lodge is superbly located for an adventure of exploration or an opportunity to simply sit back, relax and completely unwind. You’ll have to stop at Kylemore Abbey if you are in the vicinity, even if just for a quick snapshot of the main building from across the lake. This perfect view is one of the top attractions in the West of Ireland. Situated wa-
For our best deals call 0044 28 9038 1111 or visit www.mooneyhotelgroup.com terside and along a hill, the Abbey’s Victorian walled garden is the gem, with more than 6 acres of manicured terrain that includes banana trees, vines, and various herbs and flowers, all displayed with a thoughtful and wonderful symmetry. The Lodge at Ashford is part of Red Carnation Hotels a member of The Travel Corporation, whose exceptional portfolio of n The Lodge at As award-winning interhford Cong Co Mayo. national travel and tourism companies Young at includes a number of guided Heart “ a two night bed and escorted holiday op- and breakfast package includerators including Trafalgar, ing a welcome drink on arBrendan Vacations, Insight rival, dinner in “Wilde’s”and Vacations, and Grand Euro- a Quiet Man Tour and screenpean. Their award-winning ing with local guide and collection of five and four star historian, Gerry Collins. Highfamily-run boutique hotels lights include a trip around also include prime locations Cong village to locations in London, Dorset, Guernsey, from the movie such as the Geneva, Florida and South dying man’s house, Innisfree, Africa. Each property has its Castletown, the river fight own individual character and scene, ‘hats in the air’ scene, unique location that reflects Reverend Playfair’s house, the local environment, cul- Pat Cohan’s Bar, and many ture and cuisine. The Lodge more. Rates are €329 based at Ashford are now offering “ on two people sharing, with
the option of a threenight package from €419. Secret Sundays at the Lodge cost from €239 per room (including tasting menu, breakfast and lunch in the Quay Bar. Visit www.thelodgeac. com Robert Walshe is a travel broadcaster with Q Radio in Northern Ireland and Travel Editor for River Media newspaper titles across the island of Ireland. www.robertwalshe. com