9 Reasons to Book Your Wedding at the Lodge at Ashford Castle

In partnership with The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Located just outside the charming village of Cong in the heart of Mayo, it sits in the 350-acre Ashford Castle Estate, overlooking verdant emerald gardens and a serene lake.

From beautiful, luxurious rooms and innovative cuisine to attentive personal service and a range of unique activities for you and your guests, we’ve compiled nine reasons why having your wedding at the Lodge at Ashford Castle will make your big day all that more special. 

Lakeside setting

Overlooking the serene waters of Lough Corrib, The Lodge at Ashford Castle offers a breathtaking setting for wedding celebrations.

The picturesque lakeside lawn provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor ceremonies and drinks receptions, while the Harbour Ballroom welcomes up to 200 guests in elegant surroundings, with floor to ceiling views across the lake enhancing every moment of the celebration.

The ballroom

The Harbour Ballroom is one of the most elegant wedding spaces in the West. It can hold up to 260 guests when extended with a marquee. Panoramic views of Lough Corrib, the rolling hills of Connemara and Kinlough Woods capture the magic of the surroundings, and the ballroom itself offers an opulent setting with graceful chandeliers and round tables.

The room features drop-down screens for videos, photography and messages so that you can add a personal touch to your celebration. The Ballroom features a private bar and outdoor patio area for wedding receptions.

For more intimate celebrations, the Junior Harbour Room offers an elegant and inviting setting, perfectly suited to smaller gatherings while enjoying the same stunning lakeside views.

Exclusively yours

For a truly unforgettable wedding, The Lodge at Ashford Castle can be exclusively yours. Gather your closest family and friends and enjoy the rare privilege of having an entire lakeside retreat dedicated to your celebration.

With every room, every space and every moment reserved for you and your guests, the occasion takes on an atmosphere of intimacy, romance and shared joy, creating memories that will be treasured for a lifetime.

Bespoke experiences

At The Lodge at Ashford Castle, no two weddings are ever the same. Defined by warm Irish hospitality and exceptional personal service, every celebration is carefully curated to reflect the unique style and personality of each couple.

Whether you envision an intimate gathering or a grand occasion, a contemporary celebration or a timeless classic, the dedicated wedding team will guide you through every detail with care and expertise. From your first meeting to the final farewell, every element is thoughtfully tailored to create a wedding that feels effortlessly personal, beautifully seamless and truly unforgettable.

Innovative cuisine

For couples who want every aspect of their celebration to feel truly exceptional, dining at The Lodge at Ashford Castle is sure to delight.

Under the guidance of Executive Head Chef Jonathan Keane, the culinary experience at The Lodge celebrates the very best of Irish produce and artisan suppliers, thoughtfully crafted into seasonal menus that are elegant, flavourful and designed to be shared with family and friends.

Stunning gardens

One of the most enchanting reasons to celebrate your wedding at The Lodge at Ashford Castle is its beautifully landscaped gardens. Throughout the year, the grounds transform with the changing seasons, offering a tapestry of colour and natural beauty at every turn.

From vibrant spring blossoms and fragrant summer blooms to the rich golds, russets and deep greens of autumn, the gardens provide an ever changing backdrop for your celebration. Sweeping manicured lawns, flowering trees and carefully curated planting create a setting of timeless romance, ensuring stunning views and unforgettable photographs no matter the season.

Wide variety of activities on the estate

If you want to enjoy every inch of the estate while you’re there, there are a number of fabulous activities for you and your guests to explore. From falconry, archery and clay shooting to tree climbing, zip lining and lake cruising, there’s a multitude of little adventures that can unfold all around you if you wish.

There’s also the option to send your loved ones out on the kayaks or the golf course, while you unwind in their five-star spa!

Sustainable practices

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of life at The Lodge at Ashford Castle. Proud holders of EarthCheck Silver Certification, the hotel is recognised for its commitment to responsible tourism, with measured performance across energy and water conservation, carbon management, waste reduction and community engagement.

This ethos extends to the culinary experience, where chefs celebrate the finest local and seasonal ingredients, including produce and foraged ingredients gathered from the estate, creating menus that reflect the natural rhythms and rich bounty of the west of Ireland. Guests can celebrate knowing their special day is thoughtfully connected to both place and purpose.

Country house charm

Originally built in 1865 as the residence of the Estate Manager for the 800 year old Ashford Castle, The Lodge combines rich heritage with genuine Irish hospitality. Beautifully restored and thoughtfully reimagined, it retains all the character and charm of its storied past while offering every modern comfort.

Guests can look forward to elegantly appointed rooms, plush furnishings, sumptuous goose down duvets, carefully curated artwork and captivating views across the estate. From the moment you arrive, a warm welcome, attentive service and a relaxed sense of comfort ensure a stay that feels both timeless and memorable.