Living Like Royalty: My Wheelchair Accessible Stay at Ashford Castle in Ireland
As we turned onto the long driveway leading to Ashford Castle, I felt my heart skip a beat. The towering stone walls looked like they were straight out of a storybook, and within just a couple minutes, the first sights of the castle took my breath away. It was one of those moments when travel feels almost unreal, like you’re in a dream that you never want to wake up from.
For years, I’d heard about Ashford Castle and how it was one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. It was even featured on one of my favorite shows, “Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby”, so my expectations were high. But seeing it in person was something else entirely. It was grand, peaceful, and somehow welcoming all at once, and it certainly surpassed all of my expectations.
Located in the small village of Cong in County Mayo, the castle is about a three-hour drive from Dublin. My mom, our friend Kayla, and I arranged an accessible transfer through the company Leinster Taxi, which provided a wheelchair accessible van with a lift and tie-down straps. The ride itself was an experience, with rolling green hills and grazing sheep outside our window along the way.
When we finally arrived though, I felt a rush of excitement and gratitude. After traveling all over the world, I can honestly say no hotel has ever made a first impression quite like Ashford Castle.
A Look Back in Time: The History of Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle has a history that stretches all the way back to 1228. It started as an Anglo-Norman fortress and later became home to the famous Guinness family (yes, the same family behind the iconic Irish beer).
In the late 1800s, the Guinness family expanded the property, adding the grand Victorian architecture that defines the castle today. Eventually, in 1939, Ashford Castle became a hotel. Now, it’s part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, known for some of the most luxurious stays in the world.
Set on more than 350 acres of lush countryside, the castle overlooks Lough Corrib and is surrounded by forests, gardens, and walking trails. Whether you’re on the bridge leading to the castle or looking out your window, every view feels like it’s straight from a movie scene.
Accessibility at Ashford Castle
Accessibility was my main concern before visiting, but I was pleasantly surprised by how much care and effort has gone into making this historic property inclusive.
I checked with a number of castle hotels in Ireland before my trip, and after many hours communicating with them over email, I came to the conclusion that Ashford Castle was probably the best, and most wheelchair accessible, option.
There’s a ramp at the main entrance. It’s a little steep, but my power wheelchair handled it without any problems. The staff are happy to assist with the ramp if needed, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Inside, there’s an elevator that allows easy access to the different levels of the castle.
The staff couldn’t have been more welcoming. They went above and beyond to make sure every part of my stay was comfortable. Whether it was holding doors, adjusting furniture, or helping with dining arrangements, their kindness made a huge difference.
My Wheelchair Accessible Room
My accessible room (room number 304) was both elegant and practical. It had a king-sized bed that was 24 inches tall, with enough clearance underneath for a hoyer lift. The bed was incredibly comfortable and the room itself had plenty of space to move around in my wheelchair.
The bathroom was thoughtfully designed with a roll-in shower, pull-under sink, and grab bars next to the toilet. Every detail felt intentional, showing that the team at Ashford Castle really understands what accessibility means.
.
It’s rare to find a hotel that combines five-star luxury with genuine accessibility, but this room checked every box. If you would like to book the wheelchair accessible room for yourself, just send the hotel an email at reservations@ashfordcastle.com
Things to Do at Ashford Castle
Even though it would’ve been easy to spend the entire stay relaxing in my room and sitting by the fireplace in the main lobby, there’s so much to see and do around Ashford Castle that I couldn’t resist exploring.
Private History Tour with Fintan
Our trip started with a private one-hour history tour guided by Fintan, and it was the perfect introduction. He led us through the castle and shared fascinating stories about its past residents and architecture.
Hearing about the centuries of history while rolling through the same halls was unforgettable. If you’re staying at Ashford, this tour is an absolute must.
Afternoon Tea
One of my favorite experiences was afternoon tea in the elegant Drawing Room. The view of the lake was beautiful, and the food was even better. The sandwiches, especially the smoked salmon, were my favorite, but the desserts and pastries were incredible as well.
The staff made sure the table height worked perfectly with my wheelchair, and I felt completely comfortable the entire time. It was a relaxing and delicious way to spend the afternoon.
Spa & Relaxation
I also treated myself to a 90-minute diamond facial at the spa, and it was easily the best facial I’ve ever had. The therapist was wonderful and adjusted everything so I could stay in my wheelchair. I simply reclined my power wheelchair back so she could reach my face comfortably.
The spa’s pool doesn’t have an access lift, but the rest of the facility was fully accessible. Whether you book a treatment or just relax in the lounge, it’s an incredibly peaceful space. Trust me, you’ll be very happy that you treated yourself to this experience by the time you leave.
Exploring the Castle Grounds
The castle’s paved pathways made it easy to explore the estate in my wheelchair. My mom and Kayla rented bicycles, and I rolled alongside them for a few hours. The miles of paths were smooth, scenic, and a great way to take in the beauty of the property.
.
We also ventured into Cong Village, which is just a short stroll from the castle. The village is small but charming, with cozy cafés and local shops. It’s also famous as the filming location for the 1952 John Wayne movie The Quiet Man, which adds a little extra fun for film buffs.
Wine Tasting and Boat Tours
If you enjoy wine, you’ll want to know about the castle’s wine tasting experience. The cellar where the tastings usually take place isn’t wheelchair accessible, but the staff can easily arrange a tasting in the Billiards Room instead. It’s just as special, and the team goes out of their way to make it enjoyable.
There’s also a boat tour that departs from the castle’s pier. I noticed they had a portable ramp available, and it looked like it would work well for wheelchair users. The staff members also told me that they’ve taken other wheelchair users on the boat and didn’t have any issues. Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to try it myself, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.
On-Site Cinema
In the evenings, we checked out the castle’s private cinema, which shows movies a couple times each day. Admission is free for guests, and they even provide popcorn and candy.
It’s such a fun and unexpected feature. Watching a movie in a castle while snacking on popcorn might sound like a dream, but at Ashford Castle, it’s just another way to enjoy the magic of the place.
Ashford Outdoors & Clay Shooting
If you’re looking for a little adventure, Ashford Outdoors is the place to go. They offer everything from horseback riding and archery to clay shooting and more. My mom and Kayla decided to try clay shooting, and they had an amazing time learning from the expert instructors.
While I didn’t participate myself, I was able to watch from the sidelines and still enjoyed being part of the experience. Depending on your mobility level and accessibility needs, some activities with Ashford Outdoors may be accessible, so it’s worth reaching out to the staff in advance. They’re incredibly accommodating and will do their best to make sure everyone can join in on the fun.
Dining at The Dungeon and George V
We enjoyed two incredible dinners in the castle’s onsite restaurants during our stay.
At The Dungeon, the atmosphere was cozy and casual, and the restaurant was wheelchair accessible. I ordered the filet, which was perfectly cooked and full of flavor.
At George V Dining Room, things felt a bit more formal. A harpist played softly in the background while we enjoyed beautifully plated dishes. I had smoked salmon to start and another delicious steak for my main course. The dessert was the perfect finishing touch to an elegant evening.
Both restaurants delivered amazing food and top-notch service. The staff made sure every detail was perfect.
Know Before You Go
Getting There:
Ashford Castle is about three hours from Dublin. I used Leinster Taxi, which offers a wheelchair accessible vehicle with a lift and secure tie-down straps. It was a comfortable and convenient way to travel across Ireland.
.
Accessibility Notes:
While I’ve shared the details above, it’s worth noting that Ashford Castle is one of the most accessible historic properties I’ve ever stayed at. The staff are incredible about making adjustments, whether that means moving a wine tasting to an accessible space or helping arrange transportation.
The castle only has a limited number of accessible rooms, so I highly recommend booking as far in advance as possible. I personally reserved my room about a year ahead of time, and I’m glad I did. This is a bucket-list destination that fills up fast, especially in peak season.
.
Cost:
Rooms at Ashford Castle typically start around €600 per night in the off season (winter) and €1,100-1,500 per night during peak season (late spring until early fall), but the price also depends on the room type. It’s definitely a splurge, but this is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Between the history, service, and attention to accessibility, I felt it was worth it. If you’ve ever dreamed of staying in a real castle, this is the ultimate place to do it.
.
Best Time to Visit:
I stayed in late September, and the weather was great. It was a bit chilly, but not bad at all. Ireland’s weather can be unpredictable, but spring and early fall usually offer mild temperatures and fewer crowds. No matter when you go, bring a light jacket or sweater for exploring the grounds, especially in the evenings.
When I think back on all the places I’ve stayed around the world, Ashford Castle stands out as the best. Between the history, the accessibility, and the way every staff member went above and beyond, it was truly a stay that I’ll never forget.
As we packed up and said goodbye, I actually teared up. I didn’t want to leave. That’s how special this place is. It makes you feel at home while also making you feel like royalty.
The castle manages to be both luxurious and welcoming, which is a rare combination. I left feeling rested, inspired, and already planning my return trip.
If you’re a wheelchair user looking for a destination that’s as accessible as it is magical, Ashford Castle should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re sipping tea by the lake, exploring the gardens, or watching a movie in a castle theater, you’ll feel like royalty every step (or roll) of the way.
.
.
