Gem of the Emerald Isle

The heartbreakingly beautiful 12th century Ashford Castle lay sprawled in ancient glory below me. The 13th century castle silently guards the northern shore of Lough Corib and is one of Ireland’s premiere retreats. Nestled regally amid 350 acres of woodlands and hills, it offers golf on an emerald course, fine equestrian facilities, falconry, archery, fishing, boating, and miles of hiking trails traversing the rolling hills of the castle grounds.

A variety of wonderful restaurants and pubs can be found in the nearby town of Cong. If you are not in the mood for a hike along the paths, the castle offers fine dining facilities that cater to both the casual and formal mindset.

Cullen’s At The Cottage lies across the River Cong from the castle and bears the name of the late Peter Cullen who served as maître d’ for more than twenty-five years. The small cottage has a fetching informal air about it. Waiters and waitresses bustle about while the traveler sits at a small table in a lovely garden overlooking the castle grounds. The menu consists of sandwiches such as chicken and apricot chutney, Dubliner cheddar and pepper relish, and open smoked salmon along with various pannini and light desserts.

The Drawing Room, located inside Ashford Castle, is a wonderfully intimate room which serves as a gathering area for families and couples for a more casual experience. Long ceiling to floor windows bring a wonderful glow to the rich woods which adorn the room. Large comfortably overstuffed chairs form groups around small tables. The Drawing Room serves from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with afternoon tea being offered from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. each day. A wide variety of sandwiches, soups, and stew are offered along with wonderful clotted cream, cheeses, and fruit. You absolutely can’t go wrong with whatever you choose, so try a bit of it all!

The Connault Room offers intimate formal dining. The menu boasts a lavish offering of such items as Supreme Irish chicken, char grilled ribeye steak, and glazed shank of lamb. A wide variety of side orders, appetizers wines, coffees, and desserts promise to tempt even the most precocious of gourmet pallets.