Lodge at Ashford Castle

Overlooking the waters of Lough Corrib, the 19th century Lodge at Ashford Castle welcomes holidaymakers to enjoy a wide variety of outdoor activities including golfing, tennis, cycling, kayaking and horseback riding on the 350 acres of Ashford Castle’s estate.

The Deluxe Courtyard rooms feature king-sized beds with Egyptian cotton bed linen and duck feather pillows, LCD TV with DVD player, plush bathrobes and slippers, and en suite bathroom with oversized rain showers.

Contemporary Irish fare can be savoured at the Wilde’s at The Lodge restaurant, while the Quay Bar and Brasserie is a suitable place to sample hearty pub grub and sip on colourful cocktails.

Days may be spent admiring the hawks, eagles and falcons of The School of Falconry, horse riding in the woodland paths or fishing for wily brown trout, pike and salmon on the shores of Lough Corrib.

The Cruise

At 10.30am from Ashford Castle Pier guests will step on board the famous history cruise where they will be joined by a local historian and captain Patrick Luskin. During the cruise, travellers may admire the 365 islands and Connemara Mountains surrounding Lough Corrib, and visit the Old Steamers Quay offering views of Lord Ardilaun’s Obelisk. The cruise operates daily, weather permitting.

Groupon’s Guide to Cong

This quaint village provides travellers with plenty of sights worth visiting including the monastic ruins of Cong Abbey with its surrounding waterways, forest and caves.

Tourists may also head to The Quiet Man Cottage Museum, housed in a replica of the cottage seen in John Forde’s 1950’s famous film. Guests may also enjoy traditional Irish cuisine at one of the many pubs which also provide live music on most nights.