The five-star luxury hotel Ashford Castle has received more global recognition this summer from renowned media outlets around the world–for its fine dining, opulent spa and distinguished pastry chef. Since its reopening to the public in 2015, the 13th-century castle hotel in County Mayo, Ireland, owned by the Tollman family of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, has received top marks for its unrivaled service and warm Irish hospitality. In addition, the recently released Travel+Leisure’s World’s Best Awards readers’ survey named Ashford Castle #2 on the list of “The Top Resort Hotels in the U.K. and Ireland” and #6 in the “The Top 15 Resort Hotels in Europe.”
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Wine Spectator Award:
The 350-acre estate received “The Best of Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator‘s 2017 Restaurant Awards released on July 5, 2017, honoring 3,592 restaurants for their outstanding dedication to wine across three categories: Award of Excellence, Best of Award of Excellence and Grand Award.
 According to Wine Spectator, “The Best of Award of Excellence, granted to 1,168 restaurants in 2017, honors wine programs that take their commitment a step further; it recognizes lists that display excellent breadth across multiple regions and/or significant vertical depth of top wines, along with superior presentation.” Having previously received the Award of Excellence for its wine program in 2005, Ashford Castle has now climbed the awards ranks, firmly positioning the resort among the leading wine-inspired destinations of the world. Boasting a state-of-the-art cellar of more than 3,500 bottles, the hotel offers unique private wine tastings with an expert sommelier through appointment each afternoon. The full review of the George V Dining Room by Wine Spectator can be found here.
Irish Tatler Spa Awards:
The Spa at Ashford Castle also took home trophies for “Best in Service” and “Connacht Spa of the Year” at the 2017 Irish Tatler Spa Awards on Thursday, July 6th. The facility won the title of “Ireland’s Top Hotel Spa” at last year’s World Spa Awards and continues to seduce guests with its calm and serene setting. Commenting on the achievement, Ashford Castle General Manager Niall Rochford said, “Our ethos has always been to deliver a level of service that is over and above expectations, so we are delighted to have been named ‘Best in Service.’ To have been recognized as the ‘Connacht Spa of the Year’ is another great honor for us and we will continue to offer our guests one of the finest luxury experiences in the world.” Valrhona Pâtisserie Champion:
 An award-winning staff also accompanies the hotel’s accolades with the crowning of Executive Pastry Chef Paula Stakelum as 2017 Valrhona Patisserie Champion. The talented pastry chef succeeded over six other pâtissiers to take home the coveted title on Tuesday, May 30th. Judges were captivated by Paula’s winning dish, ‘Taobh Istigh Iompaithe Amach’ – the old Gaeilge phrase, “the inside is turned outside.” The dish was a contemporary and avant-garde take on the classic French bavarois combining Guanaja, pine oil and wood sorrel to create a beautiful story. As with all her creations, Paula used the beautiful surroundings of Ashford Castle as inspiration, incorporating pine tips and wood sorrel which had been foraged on the estate. |
