Furniture fit for a King

Fancy owning your very own slice of luxury from the five star Ashford Castle on the Galway Mayo border? Bargain hunters, interior designers and antiques collectors will be in their element later this month, when more than 1,000 furniture items from the Castle will be auctioned.

The new owners of Ashford – who took over the iconic 13th Century castle last year – are having a clear-out of high-end fixtures and furnishings as they continue their extensive refurbishment programme.

That means that more than 1,000 lots (without reserve prices) will go under the hammer at an all-day auction on the grounds of the Castle on July 23.

Everything from luxury pillowcases, bedspreads and curtains, to mirrors, pictures, antique furniture and seating will all be sold.

Auctioneer Aidan Foley, of Galway Auction Rooms told the Connacht Tribune: “The provenance is incredible. This is a chance to get something that us ordinary Joe Soaps wouldn’t normally be able to get out hands on.

“Half of the Castle has been refurbished and there are two warehouses full of luxurious items to sell off before the refurbishments can continue.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for people who have dreamt of owning a slice of Ashford, or for an interior designer to piggyback on someone else’s design,” said Mr Foley.

The auction takes place on the grounds of Ashford from 10.30am on Wednesday, July 23.

Viewing takes place on the grounds the previous day from 10.30am to 8pm. As preparations continue, details will be posted on irishcountryhome.com

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune.