Safe to say it impressed the hosts and viewers alike.
If you’ve ever been, you’ll know that Ashford Castle, located in Cong in Mayo, is regularly listed amongst the best hotels in Ireland and the world for good reason.
The venue for Rory McIlroy’s wedding a little under a year ago, the 800-year-old castle sits on a 350-acre estate on the outskirts of the village of Cong, made famous after The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara, was filmed there in the 1950s.
The reputation of the hotel made it the perfect fit for the BBC series, Amazing Hotels: Life Behind the Lobby, in which hosts Giles Coren and Monica Galetti work alongside staff in some of the most extraordinary hotels across the globe.
Amongst the things that impressed Giles and Monica during their stay was the falconry school, the 24-hour kitchen, the fact that the chef employs a forager to seek out the finest ingredients and that some rooms come with a gallery “basically just so you can admire your awesome bedroom,” as Giles put it.
This 800-year-old hotel in Ireland is simply incredible. 🇮🇪 #AmazingHotels pic.twitter.com/X3smKCMrxq
— BBC Two (@BBCTwo) March 20, 2018
The programme also explored the history of the hotel, its strong links with the local community and a recent €50 million restoration.
Viewers who hadn’t seen it or heard of Ashford Castle before were suitably impressed and with good reason too…
That's that been the best episode of #AmazingHotels. No bling for the sake of it, just an astounding old building and location, and incredible traditional (non OTT) service.
And what wonderful owners!— David Dan%iels (@OzoneVibe) March 20, 2018
Brilliant episode of #AmazingHotels featuring @ashfordcastle It really is as special as shown. One incredible experience for anyone who visits. Well done @red_carnation for an epic restoration and protecting the local community there with employment and training. pic.twitter.com/MUsJjzy8sy
— David Eck (@davideck13) March 20, 2018
Great to see @ashfordcastle profiled on #amazinghotels. Ireland isn't known as a #luxurytravel destination but has some brilliant hotels and when the hospitality is well-executed it's unparalleled
— John O'Ceallaigh (@johnoceallaigh) March 20, 2018
Just finished watching BBC2’s #AmazingHotels life beyond the lobby and I was delighted to see @AshfordCastle as this weeks featured hotel. Such an amazing property that showcases the world class hospitality we have to offer here 🇮🇪
— Peter McMahon (@PeteMcx) March 20, 2018
Watching @bbctwo #AmazingHotels in @ashfordcastle – great portrayals of excellence in Irish hospitality, with plenty of charm & wit to boot! pic.twitter.com/vzVsPNithi
— Tourism Ireland GB (@media_IrelandGB) March 20, 2018
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