Ashford Castle
Gazing up at the imposing gray façade of Ireland’s Ashford Castle, one inevitably feels a sense of history imbedded in the ancient fortification’s weather-worn stones. Constructed in 1228, today the inside of the castle is far from the typical drafty quarters of yore. More than a hundred crystal chandeliers shower light upon opulent interiors, where richly hued carpets cushion footfall, and eyes are drawn up to ornately carved oak ceilings.
