Ireland’s prime minster, Enda Kenny, reopened the country’s iconic Ashford Castle  in Co. Mayo this month following an extensive two-year renovation project designed to reestablish the property as one of Europe’s finest luxury hotels.

The newest member of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection boasts brand new amenities, including a 32-seat movie theater, billiards room, cigar terrace, luxury lakeside cottage, boutique wine cellars for private dining and a children’s games room.

Beatrice Tollman, president and founder of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and her daughter, Toni Tollman, were part of a talented design team that endeavored to add contemporary elements to the hotel while maintaining deep reverence for the 800-year-old castle’s history.

Each of the property’s 82 guestrooms and suites were artfully redesigned with a variety of individually selected antiques, original artwork, unique fabrics and bespoke carpets as well as the latest technologies including WiFi throughout the hotel.

The outdoor areas and facilities across the 350-acre estate were also enhanced, including Ireland’s oldest and most established School of Falconry, an equestrian center, a nine-hole golf course, tennis courts and a fishing property. A new spa is scheduled to welcome guests in July, including five treatment rooms, an indoor swimming pool and a gym.

“After two years during which Mrs. Tollman and her amazing team, including her daughter Toni Tollman, have invested so much time, passion, expertise and hard work, this phenomenal restoration and enhancement program is in its very final stages. Ashford Castle reopens as the jewel in our collection and certainly one of Europe’s finest luxury hotels,” said Jonathan Raggett, manager director, Red Carnation Hotels.