Ashford Castle to turn green for national celebrations tomorrow

THE historic Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo is among the world’s most iconic buildings set to turn green for St. Patrick’s Day tomorrow – a first for the 800 year old property.

 The annual initiative organised by Tourism Ireland will see a selection of the most renowned landmarks, buildings and statues from around the world light up in green to celebrate St. Patrick on a global scale.

Once home to the Guinness family for over 100 years, the five-star Ashford Castle and its 350 acre estate offers guests the ultimate luxury resort vacation, boasting elegantly appointed rooms and suites, fine dining and acclaimed Irish hospitality on a grand scale.

 Following a three-year restoration of the building which dates back to 1228 by owners Red Carnation Hotels, the hotel reopened to guests in April 2015, modernised and enhanced far beyond the requisite standards of a leading luxury hotel, while retaining the original features and essence of the castle’s history.

The careful restoration process included the addition of new facilities such as a French-inspired conservatory extension housing a new state-of-the-art Spa, a 32-seat cinema, a billiard room, cigar terrace and wine cellar.

 Since reopening in 2015, Ashford Castle has received global recognition with international awards and accolades, firmly enhancing Ireland’s reputation as a leading destination for visitors from around the world. Most notable was the title of World’s Number One Hotel awarded by Virtuoso for 2016.

General manager, Niall Rochford, commented: “We are honoured to be among the world’s iconic buildings selected by Tourism Ireland to turn green this St. Patrick’s Day. Ashford Castle is steeped in history, from its Norman origins to the days of Lord and Lady Ardilaun of the Guinness family.

'We are delighted to contribute to Ireland’s thriving tourism industry and in particular, helping to grow visitor numbers to the West of Ireland.

'This is the first year for the castle to turn green and we hope this will become an annual tradition.”