For over 700 years Ashford and the private estate have offered a myriad of ways to enjoy the hospitality of Ireland. The castle in 1855 was sold to Benjamin Guinness. His son, Lord Ardilaun, later developed the 35,000-acre estate into what was considered to be the premier woodcock shoot in the world; he also added the massive Victorian-Baronial structure to his f's 'Chateau d'Ashford' for which, under the sturdily Anglo-Saxon name of Ashford Castle, the property is celebrated today. Guests staying at this wonderful castle hotel can enjoy the comforts of gracious living and the many leisure activities on offer.