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You can almost hear John Ford waxing lyrical to Maureen O"Hara and John Wayne about the next days filming of that great Irish movie "The Quiet Man"that utilised so much of the castle grounds for the movie....This is a must for romantics of all ages and to finish the experience you have to dine in the candle-lit George V room as the ambience and food are second to none..enjoy! The impressive drive up to the castle made us giddy like children. The grounds were immaculate and beautiful, even in the fall. Upon entering we were greeted and taken to our rooms, which had a view of the lake and garden. The rooms were clean and fit for a king and queen, especially the bathrooms. There is a DVD in each room with a copy of the movie The Quiet Man, which we watched on our first evening after walking the grounds. Much of the scenery from the movie is right within a five minute walk. It was fun to watch and recognize the many of the sites of Cong and Ashford.

The restaraunts were quiet and classy. Unfortunately the pub was not open, but we were allowed to peek in to see the atmosphere. The staff was quite helpful in recommending an authentic town pub for dinner which had delicious fish and chips. Ashford's restaraunts had wonderful food and the bar made us feel like royalty. Ashford Castle has the distinction of being named one of the best hotels in world by the readers of both Travel Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler. Guests experience the royal lifestyle at this fairy-tale castle dating back to the 13th century. Stately Ashford Castle sits regally amidst a 350-acre private estate, surrounded by woodlands. Facilities include a championship nine-hole golf course, two outdoor tennis courts, a superb health and leisure center offering a plunge pool, whirlpool and a wide range of health and beauty treatments.
Enchanted setting‎
This was a great place to stay -- lovely rooms, great meals (afternoon tea, dinner) and lively entertaining in Dungeon Bar. The grounds are spectacular. Members of our party played ...‎
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Loved the Ashford!‎
We stayed at the Ashford Castle 2 nights after a 8 days trip into the south of Ireland. We loved the Ashford Castle. We reserved a simple room but we were upgrade to a junior suite ...‎
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The Grand dame of Irish Hotels, beware of the up

I love Salthill and it's breezy, beautiful local across from The Burren. Looking out to the Atlantic with the sun shining on the water is a must see when visiting Galway. Stop and have a bowl of seafood chowder or a beer in Rosie O'Grady's across the street. It's a nice atmosphere where everyone seems to be relaxed and enjoying the wonderful view. On a clear day you can see the Aran Islands from the promenade. I always go there for my walk and some chowder whenever I get a chance to go back to the Emerald Isle

Galway is a must-visit location if you take a trip to Ireland. The city is known for it's theatre, music and relaxed atmosphere. One of the nicest things about Galway is its proximity to fabulous scenery in places like Connemara and the Arran Islands. A short 30-minute drive West will take you to Spiddal, a picturesque village by the ocean with great pubs and restaurants. You'll also find many locals there speaking the native Irish (Gaelic) language.

I met by far the nicest people in all of Ireland. At every pub, i met a new group of people who were more than happy to show me around. I found that meeting new people was really easy, and thats how i found some of the coolest "local" pubs, because they were really into me seeing the real Ireland. Another place that is close and worth a day or more to visit is Salt Hill, its a really fun and upbeat beach town about 10 minutes out of Galway.

Galway has many colourful and distinctive districts, despite its small size and population. This is partly due to the city's age and partly due to its recent rapid growth. Like many older European cities, the periods of history which the city has witnessed have left their mark on the central and outlying areas. The city centre is that of a small, coastal town with its roots in the thirteenth century. The streets are narrow and the older buildings cluster cosily together. In this area of the city, many of the buildings and architectural artifacts still testify to Galway's long history. The focal point of the city centre is John F. Kennedy Park, or as it is still known by the locals (Galwegians), Eyre Square. Re-named in the 1970s, JFK Park is a picture postcard scene of greenery and trees, the openness of which is in contrast to the narrow streets which mark each corner. Home to the old city gates and its defending cannon, the vista provided gives a glimpse into the Galway's less than peaceful past. One of the more peaceful residents of the Square is Padraig O Conaire. Renowned writer and carouser, O Conaire's statue has stood (almost) undisturbed since its erection in the first half of the 1900s. JFK Park is also home to a more modern sculpture, the 'Galway Hooker', which despite its suggestive name, is none other than a sculpture of a type of fishing boat used in the waters around Galway Bay for well over one hundred years. For those fond of nightlife, the city centre will not fail to please. The greatest concentration of pubs and clubs is to be found in the centre, with practically every taste catered for. Galway is famous for its live music, particularly the traditional music sessions, often impromptu, which can be found in many of the pubs in the central area. Galway is a coastal city, and has its own Docklands area. Previously a less than attractive section of the city, the dockside has been revamped beyond recognition. New attractive apartment blocks have replaced warehouses and storage containers. While most of the oceangoing traffic passing through the Galway docks is commercial, it is not uncommon to see pleasure boats docked here, and if you are lucky, you may be witness to the breathtaking sight of a fully rigged clipper ship moored for a short stay. As we head north-west of the city centre, the next area of note is the Claddagh. The original town encompassed little more than the Claddagh, and true to this tradition, there is still a king (of sorts) in residence in the area. While the 'King of the Claddagh' has no administrative or ruling power, he is still an indelible feature of this characterful place, the residents of which are intensely proud of their heritage as residents of the original sea-side town which became Galway. The world famous Claddagh Ring is named after this area also, and while the jury is still out on the origin of this evocative design, it would be ill-advised to question its authenticity as a historical object unique to Galway in the earshot of any true Galwegian. Further along the coast is the seaside resort of Salthill. Salthill has traditionally been the destination of choice for generations of sea lovers. Most of the development in and around Salthill took place in the last forty years, but the lengthy beaches have been an attraction for locals and visitors alike for much longer. Salthill was originally a seaside resort in the same vein as north-west England's Blackpool, although on a smaller scale. However, the last ten years has seen much investment and development in the area to ensure that it keeps right up to the mark when it comes to an enjoyable seaside holiday. The road west from Salthill leads into picturesque Barna and Furbo, villages worth visiting for their scenic qualities alone. These areas also mark the beginning of the Galway Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area). This region is steeped in old Irish culture, and the native Irish language is often predominant, with English spoken only to accommodate outsiders. The Gaeltacht area is not only along the coastline. Bleak and rugged Connemara to the north and west of Galway city is also part of this culturally rich vicinity. Much of this area is included within the Connemara National Park and so is protected from unsympathetic development. From Newcastle, in the north of Galway city, the road leads towards Moycullen and on to Oughterard, where, like its seaside relatives, the Irish language and culture still flourish. Newcastle Road, to the east of the city, is also the address of the National University of Ireland, Galway (University College Galway). This split-personality university is rich in old-school academic values and tradition on the one hand, yet is right up to date with the newest technological developments. This can be seen quite clearly in the architecture of the many buildings which comprise the university. The original university buildings, which date from the mid-nineteenth century, combine with the latest in contemporary building design. A visit to Galway is never complete without a visit to its oldest seat of education. The south-eastern parts of Galway tend more towards the residential, with Galway's oldest housing estate, Mervue, to be found on the main Galway - Dublin road. Also in this area are Ballybane and Renmore. This off-centre development of the city gives a slightly unbalanced picture of its population, with most of the residential density on one side of the city. This gives rise to a community spirit which may be less and less a factor in urban and suburban living, but is still a central part of Galway life. South of the city lies Co. Clare, home of the Burren. This region has also been designated a National Park and is home to a landscape unlike any other -- the great limestone flagstones of the Burren shelter a ecosystem unique in the world. Finally, at the mouth of Galway Bay lie the Aran Islands. The three islands are included in the Galway Gaeltacht and maintain their own distinctive traditions in spite of the many visits from tourists. The landscape of the islands is bleak and unforgiving -- great cliffs rise sheer from the sea and the magnificent ring fort of Dun Aenghus perches right on the cliff edge.

The majestic Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights and overlook the Atlantic Ocean on the coast of West Clare. Located just north of Lahinch they are 8km long and 214m high, it is here that one can most easily get a feel for the wildness of the terrain over which the Celts wandered, for although they built imposing castles, very often they preferred the outdoor nomadic life and enjoyed the hunt. The Cliffs claim one of the most astonishing views in Ireland, on a clear day the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. The Cliffs of Moher rise from Hag's Head to the south and reach their highest point (214 meters) just north of O'Briens Tower.

The Cliffs of Moher (Aillte an Mhothair, "Cliffs of the ruin") are located in the parish of Liscannor at the south-western edge of The Burren area near Doolin, which is located in County Clare, Republic of Ireland. The cliffs rise 120 m (400 ft) above the Atlantic Ocean at Hag's Head and extend for a distance of eight kilometers and to a height of 214 m (702 ft). O'Brien's Tower is a round stone tower at the rough midpoint of the cliffs. It was built by Sir Cornellius O'Brien in 1835 as an observation tower for the hundreds of tourists that frequented the cliffs even at that date. From atop that watchtower, one can view the three Aran Islands and Galway Bay, across which lie the Maumturk Mountains and the Twelve Bens in Connemara. There are many animals living on the cliffs, most of them birds: 30,000 birds of 29 species. The most interesting are the famous Atlantic Puffins, which live in large colonies at isolated parts of the cliffs and on the small Goat Island. Also present are hawks, gulls, guillemots, shags ravens and choughs. The Cliffs of Moher were filmed as the "Cliffs of Insanity" in the 1987 movie, The Princess Bride, and also are the setting of Inigo and Westley's big sword fight.

Drive south near the coast along the landscape of the Burren to the Cliffs of Moher (approx. 1 1/2 hours from Galway City) The Burren is a landscape of weathered limestone and Neolithic tombs The spectacular Cliffs of Moher are 700 ft high and span nearly 5 miles along the Atlantic. Offering panoramic views of the Aran Islands and Galway Bay, it’s easy to see how this is one of the top destinations in the country. A new interactive center, the underground Atlantic Edge, is worth a visit

Set like a jewel amidst the emerald beauty of County Limerick, magnificent Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort offers guests a taste of the privileged life of Ireland’s landed gentry in the 19th century. The grand, Gothic-style manor house has been lovingly maintained over the years to ensure its authentic style and elegance. The opulent surroundings evoke the sense of being an honored guest at the exquisitely lovely estate of the noble Dunraven family. Indoor pleasures include partaking of a host of health and beauty treatments offered by the Spa at Adare Manor. A Robert Trent Jones Sr. championship golf course awaits your tee shot, while the on-site Equestrian Center offers horseback adventures for riders of all ability levels. Cast your line into the River Maigue or rent a bicycle for an idyllic ride through the beautiful grounds. Both the readers of Condé Nast Traveler and Travel Leisure rank Adare Manor and Golf Resort as one of the 500 best hotels in the world.

The only thing I dislike is having to leave! At the reception desk, Margaret Mary's smile made us feel like smiling too. She warmly greeted us and said that our room was ready and she hoped that we enjoyed our stay. Then John, the head doorman, effortlessly carried our two very heavy pieces of luggage up 61 steps as if they were sofa cushions!
The room was enchanting, with a huge marble bathroom (and worth every step up to get there!).The view out of the windows is of the formal gardens below.
The candlelit dinner was perfect. Our waiter was very professional and no request was too much. Afterward, we went into the library for drinks in front of the fireplace and wondered .... would be possible to move in?

I'll grant you that Muckross House is grand and the Gardens truly impressive (just the SIZE of some of the plants!). However, Muckross House is also a great jumping-off point for a trip into Killarney National Park (which Muckross House ajoins). Initially our planned trip was to photograph the Torq Waterfalls, but it quickly turned into a trip up Torq Mountain and the views were *spectacular*. My photos look like postcards, really! I'm in moderate shape (35 Male) and made the trip with slight effort. We spent the day walking the park and Muckross House grounds and revelled at the ever-increasing beauty and views. Plus, this is maybe a 10 minute drive outside of Killarney. You'd hardly know it.

North: 51 52' 38" West: 09 34' 58"
Sheen Falls is actually a Relais

A privately owned country house hotel. Within easyaccess of three major airports. Just off the famouslyscenic Ring of Kerry. Ten minutes from the brightlycoloured village of Kenmare. Surrounded by purpleheathered mountains and cascading blue waters. These are the physical co-ordinates of Sheen Falls Lodge.And yet, appealing as they might be, the physicalattributes of Sheen Falls Lodge are still only part of amuch richer tapestry. It's really the emotional attributesof Sheen Falls Lodge that make it a haven of restfulluxury and draw you back there, again and again, to re-live the perfect day.

Once the summer residence of the Marquis of Lansdowne, in its day the Sheen Falls Lodge welcomed the gentry in their pursuit of deer hunting and salmon fishing. Thankfully today the deer roam the estate and surrounding woodlands freely, and visitors from all over the world can now enjoy the luxury accommodations of the Lodge and the stunning beauty of its environs. The setting of 300 acres of magical woodlands and crystal cascading waterfalls is truly unique to Sheen Falls Lodge. While the Lodge remains close to the brightly coloured village of Kenmare, and is a very short journey to Killarney and its world famous lakes.

With its luxury accommodations, its reserves of ageing port, its rare books and sumptuous cuisine, the Lodge retains the warm, welcoming atmosphere of a country manor house. The estate boasts a plethora of outdoor activities; salmon fishing on a private stretch of the Sheen River, daily horse riding available locally from River Valley Riding Stables, hill walking trails and cycling tours.

Sheen Falls Lodge is fortunate to be situated in one of the most beautiful places in the world. The luxury of having a 300 acre estate where deer and wildlife roam freely is unparalleled. The guests can enjoy not only the cascading waterfalls and the changing landscape of the Bay as the tide turns but also the view of the magnificent McGuillicuddy Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland looming in the distant sky.
Sheen Falls Lodge and Kenmare Bay
The hotel is located at the edge of both the world famous Ring of Kerry and the lesser known Ring of Beara. The Ring of Kerry is renowned for its stunning scenery and lush green and blue landscapes and skies. The drive to the seaside town of Waterville and on to Cahirciveen and Killorglin and back by the winding road alongside the Lakes of Killarney to Moll's Gap is truly a glorious trip, which must be experienced to be believed. The Ring of Beara is more of a best kept secret, its narrow roads ensure that only the true explorers will find its barren, rugged beauty and charm.

Your journey continues as you travel to County Kerry and Kenmare, a historic small town on the site where the Finnihy, Roughty and Sheen rivers converge into the Kenmare River. Then it's on to Killarney and a visit to Muckross House, an Elizabethan-
style mansion which was built in 1843. Set in Killarney National Park, the estate features distinguished 19th-century interiors; it is surrounded by magnificent gardens in a palette of sensational colors.

Few visitors to 15th-century Blarney Castle can resist the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney stone in the hope of being gifted with legendary Irish eloquence. Journey into County Kerry, stopping at the historic town of Kenmare en route to Killarney and a visit to Muckross House. Tour this Elizabethan-style mansion, with time to enjoy its lovely gardens. Meals: Breakfast, dinner Lodging: Aghadoe Heights Hotel, Killarney, Ireland

The centre of Cork is located on an island between two channels of the Lee River.

City Centre

St Patrick's Street runs through the heart of the city. It offers a host of shopping opportunities and boasts some of Europe's largest retail chains. Oliver Plunkett Street, which runs partly parallel to Patrick's Street, bustles with smaller shops, life and colour. Second-hand books, hand-made chocolates, an infinite array of surprises can be found in the alleyways and lanes around this central shopping district. Heading west, one comes to the English Market , the culinary heart of Cork, boasting a huge array of fresh local produce, and tantalising international delicacies. Following St Patrick's Street eastwards leads to the statue of Father Mathew , much respected founding father of the Irish Temperance Movement. Tucked off to the left, one finds the Cork Opera House , venue for national and international theatre, opera, and concerts. The Crawford Art Gallery with its impressive collection to suit modern and traditional tastes is also to be found here. At the other end of St Patrick's Street lies Grand Parade. A visitor might wish to turn left here, past the cheerful greenery of Bishop Lucey Park, and view the impressive Nationalist Monument, or turn right to ramble along the Coal Quay, with its bustling Saturday open-air market, second-hand shops, and enjoy a pint or a coffee in the spacious, gracious Bodega. One block further west lies North Main Street, and the Cork Vision Centre: situated in the historic St Peter's Church, it offers the visitor the opportunity to really get a feel for the city with a magnificent 1:500 scale model of the whole city.

Further south is the Triskel Arts Centre , a vibrant cluster of gallery, theatre, and drinking spaces, with a Sushi Bar thrown in for good measure. Venturing west, one leaves the inner centre of the city, past corner-shops, and pubs, and toward the Mardyke Walk. This delightful stretch, which has been an institution amongst locals for over a century, leads directly to Fitzgerald Park. The Cork Public Museum is situated within the park and offers a wealth of information for those interested in local and national history. Defined by the two channels of the Lee, the city centre of Cork has a beauty of its own, easily and best experienced on foot. A stroll along any of the waterways can be surprising and rewarding, while the island itself invites the visitor to lose their way, yet easily to find it again.

North of the City

The "North Side" is defined by hills rising up from the river, and toward the city's more hidden charms. Dominating the landscape is St Anne's Church , the lime and sandstone (two walls built of each) clock tower can be seen from all over the city. One can climb the tower to ring the famous Shandon Bells, and savour the spectacular view from the top. Directly below "the bells" is the old Cork Butter Exchange, now home to the intriguing Butter Museum , and the Shandon Craft Centre. Perched on a more western point of the hill, lies the Cork City Gaol ; this gloomy nineteenth-century prison welcomes the modern visitor with interesting exhibits and audio-visual displays.

On the eastern end, St Patrick's Bridge links the city centre with the charming MacCurtain Street, a busy stretch of road offering everything from antiques to ice cream. Worth noting on this street is the majestic Everyman Palace , venue for local and touring theatre productions, and the historic Metropole Hotel , head-quarters for the annual Cork Jazz Festival .

South of the City

The Gothic grandeur of St Finbarr's Cathedral dominates the horizon of Cork's "South Side". This nineteenth-century Anglican cathedral is as impressive on the inside as the gargoyle clustered exterior. Legend has it that the golden angel, perched on the cathedral's eastern extreme, will blow her horn to announce the ending of the world. In 1999, her two horns were stolen during construction work; they were returned some days later, to the great relief of locals. Nearby, one finds the ruins of the seventeenth-century Elizabeth Fort , a sombre reminder of the Cromwell's era, and the rambling character of Barrack St, as featured in the film Angela's Ashes. The street also offers a number drinking and live-music venues, popular with students of the nearby University College Cork (UCC). The stately college quadrangle is itself worth a visit, while the fascinating collection of Ogham stones (on public display), and the stained-glass windows of the Honan Chapel, make a visit to the campus an enlightening experience.

The eastern end of the South Side is dominated by the City Hall , from the steps of which President John F Kennedy gave a public address in 1963. Perhaps he glanced longingly at the Lobby Bar , just across the road, and famous for nurturing and presenting the best of Irish traditional music. To the other side of the City Hall is the bustling docks area, while further out of town parks and walkways follow the river as far as the quaint and curious Blackrock Castle. Currachs (Irish traditional rowing boats), schoolboy eights, and mammoth container ships share this stretch of the Lee, reflecting the tradition and the industry that so define the city.

Beyond the City

Cork also makes an ideal base from which to explore the surrounding area. Busses leave frequently to the famous Blarney Castle . Traditionally, a kissing of the Blarney Stone invests the visitor with the "gift of the gab", though the more reticent guest might prefer a silent stroll in the beautiful surrounding gardens. Cobh (pronounced Cove), is connected by an hourly train to Cork. The Cobh Heritage Centre documents the town's place in history as the departure point for generations of emigrant, commercial and leisure vessels, as well as the last port visited by the ill-fated Titanic. Picturesque, and boasting some of Ireland's finest restaurants, Kinsale is only a short bus-ride from Cork, as is the Jameson Heritage Centre Whiskey Distillery in Midleton. Further afield, the beauties of West County Cork lay just waiting to be discovered.