Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo

Ashford Castle is one of Ireland’s most prestigious five-star hotels, set within a historic estate on the shores of Lough Corrib. The complex combines medieval origins with significant Victorian and 20th-century additions, alongside more than 30 listed buildings and landscaped gardens within a designated conservation area. Consarc acted as project director and conservation architect for a comprehensive refurbishment and new extension. The work included detailed condition surveys, masterplanning, and the development of a restoration strategy in close collaboration with local conservation and planning authorities.

The project involved extensive repairs to the historic fabric, including replacement of leadwork on complex roofs, parapets, and turrets, as well as refurbishment of timber windows. Internally, new spa facilities, leisure spaces, car parking, and support areas were introduced, all delivered while the hotel remained operational. A key challenge was addressing the variety of construction methods across the castle’s different eras. The solid limestone Victorian buildings were generally in good condition, while the 1970s extension suffered from damp ingress and cast stone deterioration. Consarc’s detailed inspections informed tailored conservation repairs that protected the heritage fabric while resolving longstanding defects. The project successfully combined preservation of the castle’s historic character with modern facility upgrades, ensuring Ashford Castle remains an iconic luxury destination in a sensitive and exposed west-of-Ireland setting.