We were on our way to Ashford Castle. The hotel had been on my list for a long time, and even as a child I had been attracted by the photo in the Leading Hotels of the World brochure. Recently, however, the prices had skyrocketed, so a voucher for three nights in a stately room at Harper's came just at the right time. The room was quite expensive at the regular price.

At least a few nights were even cheaper than the rack rate of €4,795.00, which at least included breakfast. Funnily enough, the Stateroom is also cheaper than the suites, as they are supposedly so exclusively furnished.
The navigation system did its job once again and led us to some side entrance, past the lodge (a four-star hotel on the grounds) to the second checkpoint, or rather entrance. They wondered how we had gotten there without being checked, but the route through the lounge explained it. They told us that there was a much more prestigious entrance.
From the outside, Ashford Castle is undoubtedly interesting. You reach the actual hotel via a bridge with two gatehouses.





There is also a bus parking lot, but we don't really need it at all.

From the front, the castle looks nice.





It's even more impressive from behind.