I love Ashford castle.
It's very serene and relaxing.
My Aunt and now my cousin own a castle and I was brought up in one so I guess I'm biased in that respect.
Theres just something about them when properly maintained.
Service at Ashford is good but not on a par with your average Aman I'd reckon obviously.
The grounds are beautifull and theres something about the creak of the floorboards under the carpet as you walk along.
We prefer rooms in the old part of the castle,near the fountain which you can hear outside and which is very relaxing as you go to sleep.
The village of Cong where the quiet man was filmed is less than a 10 minute stroll away through the woods with a few pubs and nice small restaurants.
the castle has it's own Dining room though where you won't go too far wrong with Martin looking after you.
The somellier is actually a part time farmer and a laugh and a half.
Galway is about a half hour drive.

I also like Adare manor and in Cork city near ucc,Hayfield manor.
Service in the latter has never disappointed us.