Ashford Castle - County Mayo, Ireland. Built in 1228 by the De Burgo family. In 1589 the castle was used as a British fortress. In 1852 the Ashford Estate was bought by Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness, of the famed Irish brewery. In 1951 the grounds became a prominent backdrop in the film The Quiet Man. Today the castle is one of the most luxurious resort hotels in the world.