Time Out has ranked the world’s ‘most beautiful hotels’, and Ireland has come out on top (no surprises there).
Ashford Castle in Co Mayo clinched the top spot, and was also named the world’s best heritage hotel. Once home to the Guinness clan, the 800-year-old venue is now a five-star Red Carnation castle hotel.
Ashford Castle, a ‘350-acre fairytale estate’, boasts a private cinema and secret gardens. It’s not just somewhere to rest your head at night; it’s an experience.
The publication gushed: ‘The 350-acre estate has been welcoming illustrious guests including Oscar Wilde and the Guinness family since 1228.
‘Now a beautifully restored luxury resort, it features a grand labyrinth of corridors, Donegal crystal chandeliers and a spa pool ringed with seashells.’
‘The castle’s layout is so intricate that the team will personally walk you to your room when you check in (you’ll still want to memorise the way back for later),’ it continued.
‘Inside, the bedrooms go heavy on bold colours, and most have views of Lough Corrib straight from your pillow. Catch it in autumn when the lake mist rises, and the leaves turn golden.’