Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle is on the border of County Mayo (Irish: Contae Mhaigh Eo) and County Galway (Irish: Contae na Gaillimhe) near the village of Cong at the northern end of Lough Corrib (Irish: Loch Coirib) in Ireland (Éire). It was built in 1228 by the de Búrca family on the outer edge of a monastic site. It has been extended in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries This 800 year old castle is now a prestigious luxury hotel and is set on a spectacular 350-acre site on the shores of the Lough. Lough Corrib is itself steeped in ancient Irish legend dating to the time of the pre-Christain Tuatha Dé Danann. They are a supernatural race in Irish mythology and are also important figures in Manx and Scottish folklore and legend. Marine archaeology in the Lough has uncovered a number of objects of historical significance. These include Bronze Age and Iron Age vessels and one from the tenth century carrying Viking battle axes. It has also been designated a Special Area of Conservation, noted for its natural habitats and wild fauna and flora.

Link: Ashford Castle Hotel & Country Estate.

Image: Ashford Castle From Lough