This Hotel In Ireland Makes Kids Feel Like Royalty
Picture this: your child, decked out in a crown, wandering the halls of a 13th-century castle. Not just any castle—this is Ashford Castle, the iconic Irish estate that once belonged to the Guinness family. Here, kids are treated like actual royalty. And by that, I mean they're handed crowns (yes, real crowns), given special "prince" or "princess" reserved seating at dinner, and assigned their very own Lego butler. Yes, you read that correctly. It's an experience that makes the average family vacation feel like stepping into a royal fairytale.
Upon arriving at Ashford Castle, it's clear that this isn't just another luxury hotel with a fancy history. Sure, it's beautiful, dripping with antiques, and set on 350 acres of pristine Irish countryside, but what really sets it apart is how much fun the staff has making sure your little ones feel like the most important people in the room. And by room, I mean castle. As soon as you walk in, you'll find a crown waiting for your child on the bed—no royal coronation required. It's theirs to wear whenever they like, whether for a walk around the expansive gardens or a formal dinner in the grand dining room.
Now, let's talk about the Lego butler. Forget stuffy formalities; this is a next-level service tailored to your child's imagination. The Lego butler is exactly what it sounds like: a dedicated helper providing all the Lego bricks your child could ever dream of, helping them build their own mini-kingdom within the castle walls. While the adults sip on Irish whiskey by the fireplace, the kids are busy constructing their own version of Ashford Castle (with turrets, of course).
But it doesn't stop there. Ashford Castle has a reputation for going above and beyond when it comes to personalizing the experience for its younger guests. Take, for example, the time a staff member overheard a child's love for word searches. The next day, a custom-made word search, complete with all their favorite words, appeared in the room. Or how the restaurant sets up specially reserved seating for kids, with their names proudly displayed under a sign that says "Prince" or "Princess." It's those little touches that make the magic of Ashford Castle feel so genuine.
The activities here are straight out of a royal playbook. After getting fitted with a sword and shield, kids can embark on adventures throughout the estate. They'll even feel like knights in training as they explore the castle's gardens or take partin the on-site falconry experience, where they can walk through the woods with a hawk flying alongside them. It's like stepping into a storybook, minus the dragons—though with all the imagination bouncing around, they'll probably conjure up a few in their minds.
After a day of royal adventures, there's no better way to wind down than in the castle's private movie theater. Yes, private movie theater. With plush seating and classic films on rotation, the whole family can settle in for a cozy movie night. Whether it's an old-school Disney flick or a kid-friendly adventure film, the experience feels intimate, like you're the only ones in on the secret screening. And the popcorn? Absolutely provided.
As a parent, it's hard not to be impressed by how Ashford Castle manages to make everyone feel special. Sure, the kids are pampered like little royals, but adults are hardly left out. With one staff member for every three guests, service is impeccable. Case in point: if you mention casually how much you loved a particular dessert at dinner, don't be surprised if the recipe mysteriously appears in your room the next day. It's those small, thoughtful gestures that elevate the entire stay.
Speaking of elevation, the rooms at Ashford Castle are as grand as you'd expect. Take the Reagan Presidential Suite, for instance. It's where President Ronald Reagan stayed during his 1984 visit to Ireland and lives up to its name. Antique furniture, a grand four-poster bed, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the serene Lough Corrib make it a room you may never want to leave. But if Reagan's not your style, the Kennedy Suite offers a similar level of luxury, with nods to Senator Ted Kennedy's stay at the castle.
Dining at Ashford Castle is nothing short of a royal feast. With ingredients sourced from the estate's gardens and locally produced goods, the food here is nothing less than extraordinary. Whether enjoying a formal meal in the George V Dining Room or indulging in the afternoon tea service (don't skip the scones), you'll feel like you're dining in a historical drama—minus the stiff formality.
For a casual experience, you can head to the Dungeon, where BBQ-themed dishes are served in a cozy underground setting. But trust me, you'll want to make time for afternoon tea in the Connaught Room, where a menu of specialty teas and handmade pastries feels like something straight out of Downton Abbey.
At the end of the day, Ashford Castle is more than just a place to sleep—it's a full-on royal experience, especially for kids. Whether it's the thoughtful personal touches, the magical activities, or just the fact that they can say they stayed in an actual castle, your kids will leave with memories (and maybe a sword or two) that they'll treasure forever.
