King Cong in Co Mayo

Dan Buckley enjoys the royal sport of falconry and takes in the sights of the majestic Corrib at the Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Unless you have been residing in another galaxy, you will be familiar with Ashford Castle, the magnificent 350-acre estate in Cong, Co Mayo. One of Ireland’s most impressive hotels, it has hosted the great and the good — from Hollywood celebrities to royalty — in impressive luxury.

With a history stretching back to the time of the Norman conquest, and until relatively recently home to the Guinness family, it provides lavish hospitality on an epic scale.