Ashford Castle | Robert Bowe

September 15, 2020

Robert Bowe is one of the top guest experience managers at Ashford Castle in Western Ireland. Ashford may be an 800 year old castle, but it’s also a modern day icon in the world of luxury travel.

Driving up to the castle, you’ll feel like you’re in Camelot – you’ll first see the lush green grounds set next to the ocean. Then you’ll discover the history, the secret passageways, and the fine silks and antiques throughout the property. It sounds like it could be stuffy – but it’s not. The service comes from the heart and makes it feel like coming home.

Robert is your typical Irishman, with loads of great stories to tell (really, we could have gone on for hours!) and an amazing charm. We discuss little known stories about the castle, what keeps guests coming back year after year, and a little celebrity gossip too!

Listen to hear about:

02:06 – Robert’s favorite spot in the 800-year-old castle
03:20 – How Robert started working at Ashford Castle and why he’s stayed 33 years!
06:34 – How the actor who played Big Bird in Sesame Street became Robert’s favorite guest
09:10 – Robert’s James Bond moment at The Castle
10:27 – History of the Lords who build Ashford Castle
12:24 – Ashford’s very own Ghost Story
13:20 – Experiences you can have when visiting Ashford for the first time
15:27 – How the chef forages every day, and the amazing culinary experience
16:57 – What makes Ashford stand out from all the other castle hotels in Ireland
18:06 – How you should embrace slow travel to properly enjoy Ireland