08/09/2026
“From the first day, you knew it was magic.”
Continuing our series where we shine a light on one project at a time — after Truffle in Galway, we’re turning to The Residence at Ashford. A near ten-year renovation and extension, nestled in the grounds of the Ashford Castle estate in Cong, Co. Mayo.
Gráinne already knew the clients from previous projects, so the trust was there from day one. Which was just as well — the original building was derelict. No windows, no doors, a chimney stack standing in the middle of a rubble floor.
That chimney became the anchor for the whole design. The old building was kept as the bedroom and washing wing, working off it the way it always had. Everywhere the light and the sun moved best is where the new living, entertaining and kitchen space was built — full panoramic glazing looking out over the forest.
Every material was chosen to answer what’s outside: oak, wool, woven fabrics, locally sourced right down to the throws and cushions from the woollen shop in Cong. The artwork was commissioned with local artist Dee Fallon, developed alongside the project so it’s embedded in the space rather than added to it.
It’s designed as a luxury rental property — but built so it could just as easily become a family home in years to come.
Shorter Reels on specific parts of the project are coming over the next week, but we thought we would start with the full story.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Interior architecture and design by Architectural Spaces, Galway. Since 2001.
