Ashford Castle-- the luxurious Irish estate in County Mayo that was once the home of the Guinness family-- is celebrating a big birthday. Not 8 years or 80 years, but 800 years. (Read: 8 centuries!) Dating back to 1228, the five-star castle hotel has been welcoming travelers for falconry and sumptuous dining for almost a millennium. Needless to say, this hotel has a pedigree that's hard to rival. To fête this milestone, Ashford Castle is offering the "8th Century Promotion" through December 31, 2011. When you book two nights on a bed & breakfast basis, you'll get a complimentary third night (bed & breakfast). Enjoy a wealth of experiences at the castle-- including a lavish spa, strolls around the pristine gardens and lake, archery, and five-star dining. Ashford Castle won the 2010 Gold Medal from the Green Hospitality Awards and was recently ranked "Best Resort in Ireland" in Condé Nast Traveler's 2011 Gold List.