Explore the landscape at Ashford Castle with the Off-Road Experience
Discover the scenic landscape surrounding the Ashford Castle Hotel & Estate through its newly established Off-Road Experience. Operated by Ashford Outdoors, headed up by David O’Loughlin, former Olympian cyclist, two challenging courses have been created, both promising to be an exciting way to explore the wider surroundings of the 350-acre Estate, with a spectacular backdrop of woodlands, lake, river, and mountains.
Open to hotel guest and non-residents, the ‘Ashford Castle Estate’ course is a taster 1.5 hour forest route set within the grounds of the Ashford Castle. The ‘Discover Connemara’ course is a full day experience taking approximately 7 hours to cover the varying terrain within Derroura Forest Park, the gateway to Connemara.
Participants will learn how to manoeuvre their vehicle across the challenging terrain for this action packed experience. Put driving skills to the test over natural and purpose built obstacles such as the bumpy ‘Rock Garden’ and the ‘Tipping Point’ triangle. The course, designed by David, also offers a deep water crossing, rut driving, descents and ascents and side slope driving manoeuvres in Derroura Wood for the ultimate challenge.
“The Ashford Castle Off-Road Experience is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and be immersed in the rugged landscape of Cong. This unique activity that can be tailored to suit individuals, families, party or corporate groups and experience levels, from first timers to advanced drivers overseen by expert instructors,” explained David.
Ashford Outdoors also offers a range of country sports including an on-site equestrian centre.