You can stay in the real-life castle from ‘House of Guinness’ – for £425 a night
Have you watched *House of Guinness* yet? Written by *Peaky Blinders* creator Steven Knight, this eight-part historical drama follows one of the most influential clans in Ireland: the Guinness family.
The story kicks off immediately after the death of Sir Benjamin Guinness, who leaves his brewing empire to his four adult children: Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Ben (Fionn O’Shea). Despite being set against the backdrop of 19th-century Ireland and New York, most of the series was filmed in north Wales and northwest England, including locations such as Manchester, Liverpool, and Yorkshire.
Let’s take a closer look at the Guinness family home, Ashford Estate, located in County Mayo. In *House of Guinness*, both Edward and Anne spend time at the family’s grand country pile, but none of these scenes were actually filmed at the castle on Ireland’s west coast. Instead, production chose Penrhyn Castle in Bangor, Gwynedd (north Wales) as a stand-in due to its many architectural parallels.
In real life, Ashford Castle came into the Guinness family when Sir Benjamin Guinness purchased it in 1852. He expanded the estate to 26,000 acres, building new roads, planting thousands of trees, and adding two large Victorian-style extensions. The castle was used for hunting, fishing, shooting, and entertaining society guests.
Today, the 800-year-old castle and its 350-acre estate operate as a luxurious five-star hotel. A five-year restoration by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, completed in 2013, brought its medieval walls back to life, restoring original stonework, antique furnishings, and manicured gardens.
Overlooking the shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle boasts 83 individually designed rooms and suites. Each room features a rich tapestry of silk fabrics, antique furnishings, and historic artwork. Rates start from €425 per night, and you can find more information at ashfordcastle.com. The estate also includes a private boathouse retreat for two, offering breathtaking lakefront views.
There’s plenty to do in and around the estate. Guests can enjoy fine dining in one of the hotel’s ten restaurants and bars, indulge in a luxurious Augustinus Bader spa treatment, or take advantage of wellness facilities that include a 15-metre pool, jacuzzi, steam room, sauna, gym, and functional fitness studio.
For outdoor enthusiasts, a variety of countryside pursuits are available, including horse riding, falconry, clay shooting, boating, kayaking, lake cruises, archery, fishing, cycling, hiking, tennis on two courts, and a nine-hole golf course.
Or, if you prefer a more relaxed evening, you can cosy up in the castle’s cinema, complete with red velvet chairs, popcorn, snacks, and beverages included.
Whether you’re a fan of the Guinness saga or simply looking for a spectacular Irish getaway, Ashford Castle offers a perfect blend of history, luxury, and adventure.
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