This December marks the centenary anniversary of the passing of Lady Ardilaun. Ashford Castle in County Mayo will host a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an exclusive evening in the company of four members of the Guinness family in their former ancestral home from December 12 to 14.
Guests will enjoy pre-dinner drinks and a formal dinner in the Connaught Room, gaining a rare, personal insight into one of Ireland’s most influential dynasties.
Following the success of the hit television series House of Guinness, which brought the story of the family to a new generation of viewers, this unique experience invites guests to go beyond the screen and step directly into the real-life world of the Guinness legacy.
Alongside this extraordinary evening, guests can also explore the Castle’s woodland walks, once enjoyed by Lady Ardilaun, where guests won’t just learn about Guinness history, they’ll live it.
From €1,225 per person sharing, guests will enjoy two nights of luxury accommodation in a Corrib room, with breakfast each morning and the freedom to explore the 350-acre estate by day.
On the opening evening, the Castle’s private cinema will host a special talk by Dr Kevin Egan, an esteemed academic and gifted storyteller renowned for his work on the Guinness family. Guests will be transported through time as Dr Egan speaks about Lord and Lady Ardilaun’s life together, their mark on Ashford and the wider community.
On the Saturday afternoon, guests will have a rare and historic opportunity to join the four members of the Guinness family for an intimate gathering in the cinema, where they will hear personal reflections and family stories that extend beyond the history books.
Charles Plunket, the great-great-grandson of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness through his daughter, Anne Plunket (née Guinness ) and her husband, William Conyngham Plunket.
Susan Woodruff, the great-great-granddaughter of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness through his second son, Captain Benjamin Lee Guinness junior.
Sir Kenelm Guinness, the great-great-grandson of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness through his second son, Captain Benjamin Lee Guinness.
Lord Iveagh, Arthur Edward Guinness, 4th Earl of Iveagh – the great-great-great-grandson of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness through his third son, Edward Cecil Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh.
That evening, guests will join the members of the Guinness family for pre-dinner drinks in the wine cellar, once the servants’ entrance and coal tunnel for the Guinness family, followed by a formal dinner in the elegant Connaught Room, the former Drawing Room for the Guinness family
For more information, visit www.ashfordcastle.com
