About Us
Ashford Castle is a 5 Star Hotel in Ireland. It is the first and only Forbes Five Star Hotel and the former home of the Guinness family, Ashford Castle is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In choosing to join Ashford Castle, you become part of a significant piece of history, both of Ireland and the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Through the grand stone gates, a royal adventure begins. This remarkable 800-year-old castle, widely recognised as Ireland’s top hotel destination and once home to the Guinness family, is exceptional in every sense. Discover exquisite interiors, delicious cuisine, a wealth of unique activities and a state-of-the-art spa. The extraordinary characters of the castle passionately care about each and every guest experience. Ashford Castle, voted No. 1 in the 5 Best Resort Hotels in the UK and Ireland in Travel + Leisure 'World's Best' Awards 2022; won seven awards at the Gold Medal Awards 2022 including the ultimate 'Supreme Award', a 'Gold Medal' for Ireland's Guest Experience and a 'Silver Medals' for Leading Green Hotel and Afternoon Tea and awarded Five Stars by Forbes Travel Guide 2022 - retained its five stars rating.
The Lodge at Ashford Castle is sitting within the magnificent 350 acre estate of Ashford Castle, this property overlooks magical Lough Corrib. Originally built in 1865, The Lodge offers country house charm, fine dining in Wilde’s Restaurant and an exceptional range of estate activities. One of Ireland’s finest wedding destinations, pairing warm Irish hospitality with a modern appeal.
The power of passion…
At the heart of The Red Carnation Collection is our people and their passion and commitment to creating memorable guest experiences. Our story began 35 years ago… Driven by our Founder and President Beatrice Tollman's lifelong affair with the world of hospitality, and celebrating her husband's signature flower, The Red Carnation Hotel Collection came to life.
We value personalities and a positive 'can-do attitude over anything else, and full personal training is provided each step of the way to help you achieve your career goals. We pride ourselves on the fact that staff and guests alike are welcomed and treated like part of the Red Carnation family; with encouragement and support from colleagues and Management to help guide you to success.
The Red Carnation Hotel collection was officially recognised at Platinum standard Investors in People in 2020, the highest accolade it’s possible to reach - and we achieved this on a global basis. This award recognises our commitment to all initiatives that are people and culture oriented, including career growth and opportunities for all, as well as our far-reaching commitment to sustainability, diversity and inclusivity.
Additionally in 2020 we were recognised again with a Princess Royal Training Award for our hugely successful Management Programme, which has a prototypical track record in developing people and getting them “management ready” in both the company and sector. We are truly proud to be awarded these two high profile accolades which are gloriously non-industry specific thereby pitching us against any business in any sector. Our goal is to be an employer of choice for those willing to work hard, who are ambitious to find success and who are wishing to be rewarded well, paid fairly and treated as an individual within our family-owned and run atmosphere.
The Red Carnation Hotel People & Culture won the Human Resources Team of the Year at the Hotel Cateys Award 2021 and The Ashford Castle Estate recently awarded the Irish Hotel Federation Distinction in Human Resources Management 2022.
We are an equal opportunities employer.
Benefits of working for the Ashford Estate
• Professional training and development opportunities
• Discounted rates with Red Carnation Hotel Collection & The Travel Corporation
• Discounted rates with many local businesses and third-party service providers, including Estate activities
• Heavily subsidized accommodation (subject to availability)
• Well established reward and recognition programme
• Refer a friend bonus
• Employee assistance programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Two paid volunteer days each year
• Sports and Social Committee
• Complimentary meals on duty
• Complimentary uniforms and dry cleaning service provided
• Share your passion and be part of various committees within the estate such as sustainability, sports and social, well-being, diversity and inclusion