Ashford Castle, GalwayAshford Castle in Galway, Ireland has a corrected score of 3.3 ± 0.6 (thin evidence, no platform scores), ranked 18 of 29 hotels we score in Galway. Its platform ratings, normalised to 0-5, average 4.4 before correction. Rooms from about $5,819 a night (cached, not a live quote).Ashford Castle is a five-star hotel on the shores of Lough Corrib near Cong, on the Mayo-Galway border in Ireland. Built in the 13th century and later expanded, it was once home to the Guinness family and now combines medieval and Victorian architecture across roughly 350 acres of woodland. Facilities include a spa, indoor pool, cinema, billiard and game rooms, wine cellars, and several restaurants. Rooms are large and well kept, and the staff have a reputation for being welcoming. It suits travellers wanting a historic country-estate stay with plenty of on-site activities, and families are welcome. The main drawback is price: nightly rates start around $5,819, which puts it well beyond most budgets.What stands out

Historic castle with restored interiors

Large, luxurious rooms

Wide range of on-site facilities

Welcoming, helpful staff

Watch out for

Very expensive nightly rates

Some areas considered mediocre

Better-scored in Galway

The Lodge At Ashford Castle, Galway: 3.8 ± 0.4 (thin evidence, 1 of 4 platforms), from $574 a night. The Lodge at Ashford Castle is a country house hotel set within the 350-acre Ashford Castle estate in County Galway, overlooking Lough Corrib.

The House Hotel, An Ascend Hotel Collect, Galway: 3.5 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $261 a night. The House Hotel is a four-star boutique property situated in Galway's historic Latin Quarter.

Leonardo Hotel Galway, Galway: 3.4 ± 0.2 (fair evidence, 2 of 4 platforms), from $369 a night. Leonardo Hotel Galway is a mid-rise waterfront building situated on Quay Street in the centre of Galway.