Discover the estate from a different perspective. Our guided walks, exclusively available to residents of Ashford Castle, offer an opportunity to learn, explore and immerse yourself in the surroundings. From the history of the estate to the Kitchen Gardens, or a relaxed walk with our canine companions, each walk reveals something new.
Join Vincent Campbell, a Cong native with a deep-rooted passion for the history and natural wonders of the Castle's surroundings, as he guides you through the estate, woods, and Cong village. This morning walk reveals the historical and natural treasures within Ashford Castle's grounds and its vicinity. Reservations are not required.
Season: Available year-round
Held on: Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Time: 8:15am
Duration: Approximately one hour
Meeting point: Hotel Reception. The walk also concludes back at the Hotel Reception.
Take in the magnificent grounds of the Ashford Estate on a morning dog walk, accompanied by our resident dogs and their handler, James. As you meander through the lush woodlands and rolling hills of Kinlough Woods, our Irish wolfhounds, Mulligan, Molly and Dougal, alongside Shay, our Irish red and white setter, and Ruby, our Labrador, lead the way with gentle enthusiasm. Reservations are not required.
Season: Available year-round
Held on: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Time: 8:15am
Duration: Approximately one hour, returning at around 9:35am
Meeting point: Hotel Reception
Begin your morning in the charming surroundings of Squire Danagher’s with our Meet and Greet with the Estate Dogs, including our three majestic Irish Wolfhounds.
Designed as a leisurely and intimate experience, this gathering offers unhurried time for photographs, gentle cuddles and meaningful moments with our beloved resident dogs.
Their handler James will share stories about the heritage and character of each dog, and happily answer any questions, creating a warm and memorable start to your day. Reservations are not required.
Season: Available Year-round
Held on: Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Time: 9.45am until 11am
Duration: Flexible, guests are welcome to come and go during this time
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
Explore Ashford Estate's gardens with our estate gardeners, Alex and Niamh. Starting at the historic Kitchen Garden once owned by the Guinness family, you'll delve into sustainable gardening practices and discover the fresh produce featured in our seasonal menus. Additionally, you'll learn about our dedication to sustainability, including our organic, no-dig, no-chemicals approach, as well as composting, crop health, and local biodiversity. Reservations are not required.
Season: June until mid-October
Day: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Time: 12.15pm
Duration: Approximately 45 minutes
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
Enjoy an early morning walk to discover the rich wildlife and nature around the Ashford Estate. This is a special opportunity to join local naturalists, Lynda Huxley and Michael Kingdom, for a relaxing early morning amble. Identify some of the birdlife and rich biodiversity surrounding Ashford Castle. Appropriate footwear is recommended as the terrain is uneven on the woodland paths. Reservations are not required.
Season: The month of May only
Day: Tuesday, Thursday, Sunday
Time: 7.15am
Duration: Approximately one hour
Meeting Point: Hotel Reception
Immerse yourself in the activities of our 350-acre estate and create memories that last a lifetime.
Our experiences
