Historic Mayo hotel bar makes global awards list
Ashford Castle's Prince of Wales Bar.
Ashford Castle's historic Prince of Wales Bar has been recognised among the world's most exceptional hotel bar experiences, earning a coveted place on the prestigious 2026 Forbes Travel Guide Star Bars list.
The accolade sees the Prince of Wales Bar join just 37 hotel bars across 18 countries selected this year by Forbes for their outstanding beverage programmes, luxurious service, exceptional presentation, and distinctive atmosphere and ambiance.
Named in honour of the Prince of Wales, who visited Ashford Castle in 1905 before ascending the throne as King George V, the Prince of Wales Bar offers guests a truly rare experience steeped in history. Few hotel bars can claim such a rich heritage, allowing guests to enjoy drinks in the very setting where royalty, statesmen and distinguished figures once gathered. This connection between past and present is palpable, creating an atmosphere unlike any other.
As part of the rigorous assessment process, the Prince of Wales Bar created a signature cocktail, The Last High King, a refined blend of Slane Triple Cask Irish Whiskey, Antica Formula Vermouth and Aperol, showcasing both the creativity and craftsmanship of the bar team under Bar & Lounge Manager, Noli Alngohuro who joined Ashford Castle in 2000.
At the Prince of Wales Bar, exclusive signature drinks and personal touches are delivered to guests consistently and managing director of the Ashford Castle estate, Niall Rochford said: “It’s a combination of setting, service and history together with the expertise and personality of the bar team that make our bar so special. Guests pop in for a drink and stay for the stories, and I believe we offer something quite unique that’s an integral part of the Ashford Castle experience. It’s a huge testament to Noli and all of his team that the Prince of Wales Bar is one of just 37 bars singled out by Forbes for this recognition. An incredible accolade and achievement.”
The Forbes Travel Guide Star Bars list was launched last year with the programme’s Global Spirits Ambassador, Bastien Gardrat saying: "These awards highlight sophisticated ambiance, elevated service, artfully curated wine lists and cocktails that are skilfully crafted and creatively presented. These are elements that come together to create an unforgettable hotel bar experience."
Sustainability remains a core focus throughout Ashford Castle, and the Prince of Wales Bar reflects this commitment in its operations. Guests are served a traditional selection of bar snacks including vegetable crisps made using produce grown in the Ashford estate gardens, alongside mixed nuts and olives. In addition, all napkins and cocktail sticks used in the bar are fully biodegradable.
The recognition follows another significant milestone for Ashford Castle when it was confirmed as the only property in the UK and Ireland to hold Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star ratings for both its hotel and spa.
The annual Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards assess the world's finest luxury hospitality experiences and are widely regarded as the hospitality industry's only truly independent global rating system.
