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Things to Do
Golf
This beautiful 9 hole 2996 yards par 35 parkland course, provides
the perfect environment for which golfers of all ages to hone
their skills. The course was designed by well known Irish golf
architect, Eddie Hackett and was created with imaginative integration
of natural features and hazzards, ensuring a marvellous contribution
to the tough par 3’s, exciting par 4’s and formidable
par 5. Ashford Castle Golf is complimentary to residents.
Our resident golf instructor is available for the beginner to
the scratch golfer to enable them to play the game with confidence.
He will also explain course management and etiquette. The game
of golf is played in a variety of formats including Mixed Foursome,
Fourball, Scramble, Stableford and Stroke Play. Beginners will
be taught the handicap system and how to mark the score cards.
Individuals who want lessons or who may wish to practice in private
before playing the course with other golfers can advise our instructor
who will demonstrate the exercises and warm up procedures so
necessary before playing golf.
Charges
€50 charge per person to include: Club Hire, Caddy Cart,
Tees and score card. Sleeve of golf balls €10
Equestrian
The Ashford Equestrian Centre is situated within easy walking
distance of the Castle, with its rides over the beautiful wooded
countryside between the shores of Lough Corrib and Lough Mask
and into the mountains of Connemara to the West. These superb
natural amenities are backed up by modern purpose built facilities
including a large indoor school and outdoor jumps both natural
and man made. Rides are mainly of one hour duration. For more
experienced riders longer or a full day's scenic ride are available
on request. All rides are accompanied by an experienced guide.
Protective headgear is supplied and must be worn by all participants.
Tennis
The Castle maintains two all weather tennis courts (to the left
of the Terraced Walk on Broad Avenue) and these are available
exclusively to hotel guests. Prebooking of the courts is not
required. Tennis rackets and Balls are available at the Guest
Services Desk.
Lake Fishing
Lough Corrib is regarded as one of Europe's best salmon and brown
trout fisheries.
The Lake is open to the public and ghillies (local fishing guides)
can be booked at the Porter or Activities Desk. Ghillies can
accommodate up to three fishermen in one boat and are available
for half or full day's charter.
Charges from €95 Half
Day - €150 Full Day
€30 Boat Only - €60 Boat & Engine
Includes hire of Ghillie (guide), boat & tackle
Health & Fitness Centre
Our health centre is anything but traditional except in offering
the best in quality for the Castle's guests. Our exercise facilities
include computerised state of the art equipment. To follow, you
have a wide choice of whirlpool, steamroom, sauna or power shower
and refreshments in the conservatory overlooking Lough Corrib.
Snooker Room
The Snooker Room at the Castle combines the studied elegance
of another era with the exciting challenge of the modern game.
Here the pace is always relaxed, the wagers modest and the company
exhilarating.
Falconry
Ireland's first School of Falconry opened three years ago on
the Ashford Castle Estate to offer you a rare opportunity to
handle and fly a Bird of Prey. No experience is necessary, 'Lessons'
and 'Hawk Walks' are suitable for all ages and abilities. Be
sure to bring your camera as opportunities to experience the
thrill of flying a bird of prey first hand is rare. Be sure not
to miss this one.
During the introductory lesson
you will be taught how to handle and fly a Harris Hawk in the
grounds of the Castle. You will never forget the moment your
hawk first lands on your gloved fist!
A 'Hawk Walk' includes a simulated
hunt and possible opportunity to handle or fly one of the other
species of birds of prey kept at the school.
See the birds at their best
during a 'Hunting Session' where you can witness the hawks hunting
rabbits and crows.
Charges - Handling & flying
a bird of prey. 45 minute lesson from €60 per person
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