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Bouchard Finlayson

Hermanus, Western Cape

Bouchard Finlayson Vineyard Background

A vineyard between heaven & earth

Cradled amid the hills of the Hemel-en-Aarde (Heaven and Earth) valley,
Bouchard Finlayson is widely acclaimed as one of South Africa’s leading boutique wine cellars.

With a terroir defined by both ancient soils and a cool maritime climate, the vineyards of Bouchard Finlayson are famous for producing award-winning
Pinot Noir, elegant Chardonnay and terroir-driven Sauvignon Blanc, while inspired blends showcase the depth of skill and innovation in our winemaking team.

The Bouchard Finlayson cellar is conveniently located a scenic 90 minutes’ drive from Cape Town, close to the world-famous whale-watching centre of Hermanus.

Discover the rich history of Ashford Castle

1228

1589

1715

1852

1868

1915

1951

1970

1985

2013

2014

2015

2016

2019

Men fighting in a field with an image of a shield with a crown ontop of it

1228

Ashford Castle was founded by the Anglo-Norman de Burgo family following their defeat of the native O'Connors of Connaught. The de Burgos built several such castles throughout the province, but Ashford in Ireland remained the principal stronghold.

paining of Sir Richard Bingham

1589

After more than three and a half centuries under the de Burgos, Ashford passed into the hands of Sir Richard Bingham, Lord President of Connaught, following a fierce battle against the forces of the de Burgos. A fortified enclave was added within its precincts.

Ashford Castle back in 1715 pictured with trees and creeper growing on the castle walls

1715

The famous Ashford estate was established by the Browne family and a fabulous French style chateau was added to the architectural splendour of the castle. The double-headed eagles are still visible on the roof, representing the Browne's coat of arms.

Picture of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness

1852

Sir Benjamin lee Guinness purchased Ashford and extended the estate to 26,000 acres, building new roads and planting thousands of trees, as well as adding two large Victorian style extensions.

picture of Lord Ardilaun

1868

Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness bequeathed Ashford to his son, Lord Ardilaun, an avid gardener who oversaw the Castle's development and rebuilt the entire west wing.

Man walking through the grand oak hall with luggage to the reception

1915

Ashford was retained by the Iveagh trust on behalf of the Guinness family until it was bought by Noel Huggard in 1939. Huggard established the castle as a first class hotel renowned for the provision of its country pursuits.

John Ford who directored a movie classic "The Quiet Man" with a pipe in his mouth with two gentleman along side him

1951

The director John Ford came to the West of Ireland to film what would become a movie classic "The Quiet Man". Many of the film stars stayed at Ashford.

Man putting his ball on a golf course with Ashford Castle in the background in 1970

1970

Ashford Castle Hotel was bought by John Mulcahy who oversaw its complete restoration and expansion, doubling the size, building a golf course and developing the grounds.

An areal shot of Ashford castle with the tennis courts and Lough Corrib in view

1985

A group of Irish American investors purchased Ashford Castle. In the 16 years since, Ashford has been voted not only one of the best hotels in Ireland by the most discerning guidebooks, but also one of the top 50 resort properties in Europe.

Three people standing in the back drop of Ashford Castle with two falcons in hand

2013

In May 2013, Ashford Castle was bought by Red Carnation Hotels and began a major refurbishment to bring the castle back to its former glory.

The billiards room at Ashford Castle with a snooker table in the background and comfortable sofa's with whiskey and books on a table

2014

As part of the new refurbishment, Ashford Castle introduced a 30 seat Cinema, luxurious Billiards Room and Cigar Terrace. In 2014, The Lodge at Ashford Castle was acquired by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection.

Ashford Castle Spa with pool loungers in the background and the spa mosaic wall

2015

In August, Ashford Castle introduced the brand new state-of-the-art Spa, wine tasting tunnels and Mrs Tea's Boutique. The Castle was also voted Best Hotel in the World by Virtuoso.

Ashford Castle boat house with bicycles and a wooden boat with a motor in the foreground

2016

In June 2016, the romantic and private lakeside Hideaway Cottage was completed - once the old boat shed in the gardens of Ashford Castle.

Landrover driving up a muddy track with Lough Corrib in the background

2019

Adding to an exciting selection of over 30 Estate activities, including Ireland’s first school of falconry, horse-riding and fishing, the Castle introduced a thrilling off-roading course across the stunning Connemara landscape.

Ancient walls & storied rooms

Ashford castle Spa background pattern

A new chapter

This 800-year-old castle is truly remarkable, a grand, historic structure with national significance. The former home of the Guinness family, it has hosted countless notables over the years, including The Prince of Wales (who later became King George V) and President Ronald Reagan. Red Carnation’s impeccable five-year restoration, drawing on local experts and artisans, has reaffirmed Ashford Castle’s status as one of the most prestigious hotels in Europe – a true celebration of past, present and future.

Ashford castle Spa background pattern

Our differences

A favourite welcome drink on arrival, fresh-cut bouquets in the suites, candlelit turndowns, personalised gifts, complimentary use of our ‘wellies’... these all create a cosseting experience that make guests feel truly valued.

Reasons to love Ashford Castle

Meet our team

Led by General Manager Niall Rochford, with over 30 years of service, every member is empowered to make a difference, offering exceptionally considerate attention to detail, and our warm, Irish welcome is world-famous.

Meet the characters of Ashford Castle
Amazing Hotels Life Beyond the Lobby by Monica
Carnation illustration

As seen on screen

We were delighted to be featured on the BBC's "Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby", and for the Castle to be described as "magical" by Giles Coren.

Discover more

Discover more about the Castle

The stories of Ashford Castle

Discover our gallery
View of Ashford Caslte's Spa and Gym surounded by trees and grass

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades
Ashford Castle Exterior

Live from Ashford Castle

We care

Explore our sustainability initiatives

In the press

Discover articles written by journalists & media professionals

The stories of Ashford Castle

Discover our gallery
View of Ashford Caslte's Spa and Gym surounded by trees and grass

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades
Ashford Castle Exterior

Live from Ashford Castle

We care

Explore our sustainability initiatives

In the press

Discover articles written by journalists & media professionals

The stories of Ashford Castle

Discover our gallery
View of Ashford Caslte's Spa and Gym surounded by trees and grass

Wonderful recognition

Explore our awards & accolades

Sleep beautifully

Enjoy unequalled luxury and service in our Staterooms.

Discover our beautiful bedrooms

Our Suites are masterpieces

Elegant and exceptional, each Suite is named after our most famous past guests, from Senator Kennedy to President Reagan.

Discover our Suites

On the shores of Lough Corrib

Our private hideaway boathouse serves as the ultimate romantic retreat, and pays homage to the heritage of the estate.

Discover the Hideaway Cottage
Carnation SVG

The power of passion

"When Ashford Castle was purchased by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection in 2013, it marked another extraordinary time in the history of the estate. We were privileged to be given the opportunity to restore the castle to its former glory and ensure it could be enjoyed by future generations.


Having been General Manager for almost 20 years, I was particularly proud of the devotion shown by our team during the restoration, especially by those team members who have served the hotel for close to 50 years. Their loyalty and dedication to Irish hospitality is exemplary and the reason we have so many lifelong guests.


Ashford Castle has been the recipient of many notable awards. The accolade of being awarded Ireland’s only Forbes Five-Star hotel and the first Irish winner of Virtuoso ‘Best Hotel in the World’ in 2017 are two I am extremely proud of, for both the Tollman family and our team.


More recently, we have been recognised for our sustainability endeavours, demonstrating our commitment to providing an environmentally conscious five-star experience. We have deep roots in our community and promote the rich traditions of the crafts people, food producers, musicians and artists which make our corner of the west of Ireland so unique and authentic.


It is my honour to be a custodian of such a respected building and lead a team committed to genuine Irish hospitality. It is my privilege to share Ashford Castle with you, our distinguished guests."


- Niall Rochford, General Manager

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