New York - October 12, 2011: It doesn't get much grander than Christmas in a castle, and this holiday season Ashford Castle, Ireland's most historic five-star castle hotel, invites guests for a value-added all-out Christmas experience, highlighting the best of Irish cuisine, music and traditions. Recently voted 'Top Resort in Europe' by readers of Condé Nast Traveler, Ashford Castle is the ideal place for couples, groups and families to gather and rejoice during one of the most festive times of the year.
The three-night package includes:
December 24 - Christmas Eve
Guests will be greeted with mulled wine and mince pies. After settling in, guests will be served afternoon tea in the Drawing Room before being welcomed by General Manager Niall Rochford to a special cocktail reception with chamber music. A Christmas Eve dinner in the George V restaurant will be followed by a visit from Santa - with gifts for all, of course! The evening ends with Christmas carols from the St. Mary's Church Choir.
December 25 - Christmas Day
Christmas Day at Ashford Castle starts with a hearty Irish breakfast in the George V dining room. The day is filled with activities including golf and a cruise on Lough Corrib with traditional Irish music and hot whiskey. A Christmas buffet lunch in the George V restaurant is followed by a treasure hunt on Ashford Castle's grounds, and evening cocktails will be served in the Drawing Room with chamber music. A special Christmas Gala dinner in the George V restaurant will be followed by dancing with Keith McDonald and the Show Band Show and midnight mulled wine and mince pies.
December 26 - St. Stephen's Day
The festivities continue on St. Stephen's Day with a jazz brunch in the George V restaurant. Guests then embark on a cruise on Lough Corrib with live music, followed by a cooking demonstration back at Ashford Castle and a guided historical walking tour on Ashford Castle's grounds and gardens with local historian Mick Maye. The evening concludes with a St. Stephen's Day dinner in the George V restaurant and entertainment by the Molloy Brothers...and for those who don't want the festivities to end, Ashford Castle's resident entertainers will continue the celebration in the Dungeon.
December 27
Guests can enjoy a leisurely Irish breakfast before bidding farewell.
The three-night Christmas Package is based on two people sharing and is priced at €3,500 (approx. US$4,638). Children and other guests can be added at an additional cost.
For more information on Ashford Castle and to book this package, visit www.ashford.ie.
ABOUT ASHFORD CASTLE:
Ashford Castle, which dates back to 1228, is set on 350 acres of County Mayo, on the shores of Lough Corrib and the River Cong, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river and mountains. Recent awards and recognitions include being ranked Best Resort in Ireland in Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List, winning the 2010 Gold Medal from the Green Hospitality Awards and being among Trip Advisor's 2010 top ten picks for European castle hotels.
