We feel so lucky to be celebrating our wedding at Ashford Castle, and even more grateful that you’ll be here with us. Ireland is such a special place to us and we know you'll love it too!
Since many of you are traveling from far and wide, we hope you’ll take some extra time to enjoy everything this country has to offer. We’ve put together a list of our favorite places and experiences to help you make the most of your time in Ireland.
DISCOVER IRELAND
Dublin
About two and a half hours from Ashford Castle, Dublin is buzzing with history, culture, and nightlife! It’s the perfect place to start or end your trip, with plenty of landmarks, museums, shopping, and of course, pubs to explore.
Don’t miss the world-famous Book of Kells and the stunning Long Room of the Old Library.
Learn the story of Ireland’s most iconic beer and sip a pint at the Gravity Bar with incredible city views.
A powerful and moving tour of the former prison that once held Irish revolutionaries, including the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising.
A charming spot full of quirky exhibitions and Dublin history.
Lined with shops and buzzing with buskers, Grafton Street is perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Temple Bar (touristy but fun)
The Hairy Lemon (eclectic & cozy) Whelan’s (live music) Copper Face Jacks (a late-night classic).
Pubs We Love
A classic Dublin spot right on St. Stephen’s Green that feels super grand but still cozy—we love the mix of history and style.
The Shelbourne Hotel
Perfect if you want to be in the middle of everything, it’s just steps from Grafton Street with great restaurants and shopping all around.
The Westbury Hotel
Galway
Just a 45–50 minute drive from Ashford Castle, Galway is one of Ireland’s liveliest and most colorful cities. It’s known for its traditional music, cobblestoned streets, and warm atmosphere—making it an ideal day trip during your stay.
Don't miss the Spanish Arch & City Museum, Eyre Square, and Salthill Promenade.
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Galway Sight-Seeing
Taaffes Bar (traditional, music)
The Quays Bar & Music Hall
(iconic!) Barr An Chaladh (cozy and authentic) The Front Door (party club vibes)
Pubs We Love
They have a cart from the Orient Express that you can book for dinner one evening, it's worth a trip!
Limerick
Limerick is about an hour and 15 minutes from Ashford Castle, and it’s extra special to us—Molly’s dad grew up there, she went to college there, and most of her dad’s side still lives in the city! We love it for its mix of history, lively pubs, and riverside charm. It’s also a great jumping-off point for the Cliffs of Moher, which are only about 45 minutes away.
Located at the heart of Limerick's medieval quarter, this 800 yr old fortress is where you'll learn all about ruthless King John!
The Locke (Riverside, lively)
South’s Pub (Where Frank McCourt, author of Angela's Ashes, had his first pint!)
Nancy Blake’s (Quirky, authentic)
Jerry Flannery’s – Sporty, upbeat
Pubs We Love
An upscale hotel in the heart of Limerick City, within steps of fun restaurants and pubs.
Adare Manor is a prestigious five-star luxury hotel and golf resort located in the charming village of Adare, County Limerick, Ireland. (It was once the seat of the Earls of Dunraven and Mount-Earl!) The Ryder Cup 2027 will be hosted here!
Adare Village is celebrated for its thatched cottages, medieval monasteries, and rich heritage. It dates back to the 13th century and is considered one of Ireland’s most beautiful and historically significant villages.
Bunratty Castle, in County Clare, is a 15th-century fortress with roots stretching back to a Viking trading camp in 970 AD!
Clare
About an hour and a half from Ashford, Clare is home to some of Ireland’s most famous scenery, including the Cliffs of Moher. From charming seaside towns to the unique limestone landscapes of the Burren, it’s the perfect place for a scenic drive and a taste of Ireland’s wild beauty.
Probably Ireland’s most famous natural wonder, the cliffs rise 700 feet above the Atlantic and the views are absolutely unforgettable!
Must-sees along the way: Aillwee Caves, Lisdoonvarna (little town, hosts the famous Matchmaking Festival every September), Doolin (tiny village with colorful houses, traditional Irish music and cozy pubs.)
Cute little beach town with great seafood!
Kerry
Around three hours from Ashford, Kerry is one of Ireland’s most picturesque counties, known for the famous Ring of Kerry drive, colorful towns, and stunning mountain and lake views. Killarney is our favorite spot here, it’s full of charm, great pubs, and a true Irish welcome!
This little town is one of our favorites in Ireland, with great pubs, shops, and plenty of local character. It’s also the perfect gateway to the famous Ring of Kerry.
Killarney Town
J.M. Reidy's - our fav in Killarney Town!
Celtic Whiskey Bar & Larder
Pubs We Love
When in Killarney Town, don't miss this classic experience!
One of Ireland’s most scenic drives, with breathtaking views of mountains, lakes, and the Atlantic coastline.
One of our favorite hotels in the world is Killarney Park Hotel. The service is unmatched and they make you feel like you're at home. It's also walking distance from pubs and restaurants.
Another beautiful option is the Europe Hotel & Resort! We highly recommend the Spa and a cocktail outside taking in the views.
Ashford Castle & Cong
Of course, the area around Ashford Castle (and the castle itself!) is a destination all on its own. Originally built in 1228, Ashford has been everything from a medieval fortress to the private estate of the Guinness family, and today it’s one of the most celebrated castle hotels in the world. With its turrets, stone walls, and lakeside setting, it feels like stepping into history. There’s so much to enjoy without ever leaving the castle grounds (350-acres of rolling hills and ancient woodlands!) Some of our favorites include:
Ashford Castle has it's own picturesque 9-hole, 2996-yard, par 35 parkland course - perfect for golfers of all abilities!
Explore the ancient forest by horseback along the beautiful woodland paths of the Ashford Estate.
Glide across Lough Corrib, with an experienced guide, in a traditional wooden boat.
Experience the breathtaking Lough Corrib through Ashford Castle’s private kayaking tour.
Test your skills in a sporting range that features targets that simulate game birds typical of the region.
Ashford offers complimentary guided walks and tours around the Ashford Estate.
Village of Cong
Just outside the gates of Ashford Castle is the charming village of Cong, where the John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara classic, "The Quiet Man," was filmed. You can even visit the Quiet Man Museum or spot filming locations around the village. Cong is also home to the ruins of a 12th-century abbey, colorful cottages, and peaceful riverside walks that make it perfect for wandering.
