Ashford Castle: Timeless Luxury at the Edge of History

Set on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, Ashford Castle isn’t simply a destination, but a testament to the western coast of Ireland. Originally built in 1228 and meticulously restored in the 21st century, it represents the pinnacle of old-world hospitality reimagined for the modern traveler. For over 800 years, the castle has watched history unfold around it. Today, it offers the kind of immersive, full-bodied experience that is increasingly rare: elegant without excess, indulgent without pretense, and refined without compromise.

The Journey 

Getting to Ashford is half of the fun. After about a 4 hour drive from Dublin, taking turns right before you reach Galway, you arrive at your destination. And when you're there, you're really there. The grounds alone cover 350 acres of woodlands, gardens, and lakeshore. Guests don’t just visit Ashford; they inhabit it. Fly fishing, falconry, horseback riding, and afternoon tea aren’t curated activities but expected rituals, an essential part of the experience. 

What sets Ashford apart is its refusal to chase trends. Luxury here is not surface-level. It’s sensory. You feel it in the linen weight of your bedding, the warmth of carved wood paneling, the smile from the bartenders and hosts. And after a day in the Irish mist, you retreat not to a generic hotel room, but to a suite steeped in detail: carved fireplaces, antique furnishings, and a deep soaking tub that overlooks the castle’s stone courtyard or the water beyond.

The Ritual of Retreat

It’s here, in these moments of quiet restoration, that the connection to Robeworks becomes clearest. For over a decade, Ashford Castle has chosen Robeworks as its provider of spa robes, not simply because of the quality, but because of what the robe represents. When guests slip into our signature Shawl Robe, they’re not just putting on comfort. They’re participating in a tradition of hospitality that respects their privacy, their rhythm, and their need for pause.

Robeworks robes are used across Ashford’s spa, guest rooms, and private suites. Their clean design, precise fit, and distinctive feel make them more than amenities. It's an essential part of a guest experience. And when travelers ask to take one home, as they often do, it’s not just to have a robe. It’s to bring home a piece of Ashford’s ritual luxury.

Hospitality, heritage, and coziness. All products, but really, a part of the art of experience. The robe they buy isn’t just a product,  it’s part of a heritage of exceptional hospitality. Whether you’re soaking in a clawfoot tub in County Mayo or starting your morning routine in the finger lakes of upstate New York, the experience can begin the same way: with a robe that tells the truth about what luxury feels like.

The White Shawl Robe is the same robe selected by Ashford Castle’s spa and suites team. Make it part of your own ritual.