Ashford Castle: Timeless Luxury at the Edge of History

A castle on the western coast of Ireland

Set on the shores of Lough Corrib in County Mayo, Ireland, Ashford Castle is more than a destination. It is a testament to the western coast of Ireland. Originally built in 1228 and carefully restored for the modern traveler, the property represents the pinnacle of old‑world hospitality reimagined for today. For more than 800 years, the castle has watched history unfold around it. Today it offers an immersive, full‑bodied experience that is increasingly rare: elegant without excess, indulgent without pretense, and refined without compromise.

Visitors sense this immediately from the moment their car pulls onto the massive grounds and approaches the imposing yet welcoming castle. Luxury here is not surface level. It is sensory. You feel it in the linen weight of the bedding, the warmth of carved wood paneling, the genuine smiles from bartenders and hosts. After a day in the Irish mist, you do not retreat to a generic hotel room. You return to a suite steeped in detail: carved fireplaces, antique furnishings, and a deep soaking tub that overlooks either the stone courtyard or the water beyond.

The journey becomes part of the stay

Getting to Ashford is half of the experience. After roughly a four‑hour drive from Dublin, turning right before Galway brings you to the property. When you arrive, you are truly there. The grounds cover 350 acres of woodlands, gardens, and lakeshore. Guests do not just visit Ashford; they inhabit it. Fly fishing, falconry, horseback riding, and afternoon tea are not curated extras. They are expected rituals, essential parts of the experience.

What sets Ashford apart is its refusal to chase trends. This is a place where tradition, heritage, and practical luxury matter more than novelty. That philosophy is visible in every corner, from the grounds to the rooms to the deeper rituals that turn a stay into something memorable. Even in that pint of Guinness you have before, during, and after lunch. 

The ritual of retreat, and the role of a bathrobe

It is in these quiet, restorative moments that the connection to Robeworks becomes clearest. For more than a decade, Ashford Castle has chosen Robeworks as its provider of bathrobes, not simply because of quality, but because of what the robe represents. When guests slip into the signature Shawl Robe, they are not just putting on comfort. They are 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. They are an essential part of the guest experience. And when travelers ask to take one home, as they often do, it is not just to own a robe. It is to bring home a piece of Ashford’s ritual luxury.

Hospitality, heritage, and coziness. All products, but also a part of the art of experience. The robe guests buy is not simply merchandise. It is part of a heritage of exceptional hospitality. Whether soaking in a clawfoot tub in County Mayo or starting a morning routine in upstate New York, the experience can begin the same way: with a robe that tells the truth about what luxury feels like.

The Bathrobe story: The Shawl Robe

Here are 3 points why this robe is a natural fit

• Performance first. A plush terry interior for warmth and absorbency, paired with a smooth microfiber exterior that maintains a clean, elegant look through repeated use and laundering. Built for real use after outdoor activities, spa, or evening rituals.

• Quiet, durable luxury. Designed to support the experience without shouting. The material, cut, and finish hold up over time, reflecting the same endurance that defines Ashford Castle.

• Hospitality‑grade track record. Chosen by high‑standard properties that value performance and restraint. Ashford Castle is one such property, and the robe meets the exacting practical standards those environments demand.

Why this matters to anyone who brings a piece of Ashford home

Ashford Castle is recognized worldwide for its standards. Its spa is distinguished as Ireland’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five‑Star spa, a mark of rare excellence and sustained quality. That recognition is not incidental. It signals a deep, proven commitment to hospitality that aligns directly with how Robeworks robes are designed and used.

Whether you are visiting Ireland for the first time or returning for a deeper immersion, Ashford Castle shows that true luxury is measured by how it feels in the moment, not by how loudly it is announced. When you bring a piece of that stay home,wrapped in a robe from Robeworks, you carry that invitation forward. Day after day. Morning and night. In moments that matter most to you.

Continue the experience

• Learn more about the craft and longevity behind Robeworks robes in How a Great Bathrobe Is Made.

• Explore broader guidance on luxury bathrobes in the Ultimate Guide to Luxury Bathrobes.

• Browse the Robe Shop to find the right style for your ritual.