The Spa at Ashford Castle receives Forbes five-star rating

The Spa at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo has achieved a five-star Forbes ranking, making it the only hotel in Ireland to earn this accolade and one of only three on the British Isles.

Forbes Travel Guide, which created the original five-star rating system, is the only independent, global rating agency for luxury hospitality. Providing reviews and ratings for more than 60 years, it is the oldest travel guide in the US, and its inspection process is regarded as the gold standard in hospitality.

Forbes inspectors said that ‘The Spa at Ashford Castle is a modern oasis designed to pamper you like royalty’. Among its highlights were The Relaxation Pool, which it noted ‘is not only visually stunning, but truly therapeutic as well thanks to a combination of resistance and seated jets’. 

Ashford Castle itself also received a five-star rating, with the 2023 award making it the fourth consecutive year it has achieved one.

“We know that Forbes look for exceptional service and facilities but, to achieve a five-star ranking they demand much more,” said Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle.

“How a visit makes a guest feel and the things that they will remember about their stay are of equal importance and at Ashford Castle, this comes down to the passion and professionalism of our people. As a team, we are overjoyed not only to be consistently recognised by Forbes for our luxury hotel, but now, for our spa too. This is a great day for our team on the estate, our owners at Red Carnation and for Irish tourism more widely.”