Since 1228, Ashford has been an exemplary Irish castle of the epic tradition of High Kings and fabled legends. Nestled on the shore of Lough Corrib, this heralded estate has only grown in repute over the passing eight centuries, passing through the hands of esteemed lords and ladies, as well as several generations of the Guinness family, who eventually passed the property to the Irish government. Hosting visitors over the years ranging from King George V and Prince Rainier III of Monaco to Oscar Wilde and John Lennon, the castle even provided a setting for the Hollywood production of The Quiet Man, starring John Wayne. This publication, presenting the newly renovated Ashford Castle, now including all modern conveniences as well as a cinema, a spa, and suites named after American Presidents Reagan and Kennedy, both former guests, is a celebration of Ireland’s castles as repositories of the country’s history and legend.