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Guided walks

Our guided walks are enjoyable educational activities and are free to those staying at Ashford Castle. Whether you’d like to learn about the awe-inspiring history of the Ashford Estate, discover our productive Kitchen Gardens, or simply walk through the estate’s beautiful surroundings with some furry companions, our guided walks have got it covered.

Alex, Gardener Ashford Castle

Kitchen Garden Walk

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.

This exclusive one-hour guided tour runs every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from June to mid-October, and welcomes guests staying at either Ashford Castle or The Lodge at Ashford Castle. 

Time: 10am

Heritage walk

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.

This walk departs from the castle front steps on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Time: 8.30am

Nature Walk

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.

The guided nature walks will take place on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday mornings, meeting in the hotel reception at 6.50am. These walks will be available throughout the month of May and feature the dawn chorus.

Time: 6.50am to 8am 

Morning dog walk

Take in the magnificent grounds of the Ashford Estate amidst the bounding company of our resident dogs and their handler, James, with a morning dog walk. As you meander through the lush woodlands and rolling hills of Kinloch Woods our Irish wolfhound, Mulligan, our labrador, Dubh, and our Irish red and white setter, Shay will guide you with affectionate enthusiasm.

Our morning dog walk takes place every Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We encourage appropriate footwear for the walk. If required, wellington boots can be borrowed at reception.

Time: Meet at reception at 8.15am

Guests kayaking on Ashford Castle grounds

A haven of adventure

Immerse yourself in the activities of our 350-acre estate and create memories that last a lifetime.

Our experiences