Anything born in 1228 that is still standing today is certain to have lived many lives, and the five-star hotel Ashford Castle is no exception. Located near the small town of Cong and on the banks of Lough Corrib (the second largest lough, or lake, in the country), the castle had its not-so-humble origins as an invading Norman family’s stronghold. More than 400 years later, it changed hands and became Ashford Estate with the addition of a French-style Chateau to the property. When Ashford found ...