Happy Monday ladies!
Check out my recap of our time at Ashford castle and some recommendations we would suggest to anyone venturing to this gorgeous place!
The first thing we did as soon as we got to the Castle was high tea inside the most gorgeous and ornate room overlooking the lake. The castle has been meticulously preserved and is more beautiful in person than any picture depicts. Some things to note:
-If you stay at the castle, its much more expensive. There is The Lodge at Ashford Castle, which is where we stayed. It's a third of the price and is gorgeous and has a great interior!
-In order to see the castle interior, you need to be a guest staying at the castle or have a reservation for one of the restaurants or for tea. If you plan on walking in for tea without a reservation, know that it most likely won't work out as its very popular! Book in advance!
One of my favorite activities was bike riding around the lush grounds that span over 365 acres. It was so fun to ride around and discover little bridges and creeks and horse stables. There was so much nature all around us and it was so impressive. I really felt like I was in another world. The bikes are complimentary at The Lodge too!
Other things I would have liked to know before we planned our schedules:
-The Castle and The Lodge provide a huge list of activities you can book from and we heard from numerous people that Falconry, clay shooting, the boat ride on the lake, and horse riding were activities we need to book. We did do the boat ride and it was absolutely gorgeous and so enjoyable. When we come back, I will definitely clay shoot, that is something I have always wanted to do!
- Take morning walks around the grounds to see things more up close and grab a coffee from the cafe near the castle bridge.
- Take a walk into Cong, the village a few minutes by foot from the Castle. Its small and quaint and so cute! I'll be posting a little about Kong and other areas at Ashford in an outfit post later this week.
Lets talk more about The Lodge:
-Totally different from the castle with a fun color palette and a more modern look. If you stay at The Lodge, you have the same access to the property and grounds. The perks are the same as long as you book reservations at any of the restaurants inside Ashford Castle. I am a sucker for ornate and historical detailing and the castle is a feast for the eyes! I also have a thing for pretty bathrooms and the woman's room on the main level is breathtaking. PURPLE MARBLE PEOPLE. PURPLE! It's so fun!
- From The Lodge, you can walk down to the boathouse to get picked up for the boat ride that happens twice a day for around 25 euros.
-There are a couple awesome eateries at The Lodge and they are great for casual eats and bar bites. The rooms are funky and clean and trendy which I love! They are the opposite of the ornate, historical, and traditional vibe of the Castle. If you are wanting the experience of staying on the grounds but don't want to pay so much, The Lodge is the perfect alternative for you.
Outfit Details
SHOES Robert Clergerie
JEANS Madewell
TOP similar here Madewell
Have a great Tuesday ladies and don't forget to check out my instagram to enter my giveaway with Matiko Shoes! The contest ends July 18th and I will announce the winner on my blog next week! See you in a few days!
xo,Kim