Play area planned for Ashford Castle

GALWAY County Council has received a planning application for a children’s play area on the grounds of the 800-year-old Ashford Castle.

Ashford Castle Hotel Limited have applied to build a play area with a raised timber treehouse, raised decks, timber rope bridge, as well as ground level equipment such as swings, benches, a roundabout and other features.

The play area will include seating, landscaping, rubber much play surfaces and be connected to an existing path on the grounds. Local authority planners have until January 9 to decide on the application.

Ashford Castle is a Victorian castle built in the 13th century on the Galway-Mayo border, outside the village of Cong, on the shores of Lough Corrib.

It is a protected structure and a five-star luxury castle hotel, with Ashford Lodge on the grounds a popular hotel and wedding destination.