Ballinrobe Racecourse Ladies Day Sponsored By The Lodge at Ashford Castle

L-R Sophia Small, Mary Davin, Jennifer Wrynne (judge), Peter Fergus (Hotel Manager, The Lodge at Ashford Castle), Olive Tonry (Winner), Katrina Dimitrova, Aisling Mulroe

Olive Tonry originally from Limerick but living in Sligo was the winner of The Lodge at Ashford Castle Best Dressed Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Monday evening, June 26th 2023.  Olive collected the top prize of a VIP experience at The Lodge at Ashford Castle plus €1,000 in cash. The runners-up received dinner for 2 in Wilde’s Restaurant in The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Olive wore a green silk dress from Massimo Dutti which she customised with a sleeve cape detail. Her headpiece was a Laura Hanlon Design from Hatsamore in Newbridge. Her shoes were from Oxfam and she paired the outfit with a customised clutch. She wore green earrings from Shein. 

Judge, Jennifer Wrynne, remarked: ‘The fashion at Ballinrobe Ladies Day this year was outstanding. The injection of colour and the individual twist ladies put on their outfits was superb. I would like to congratulate  Olive, the finalists and all the Ladies who attended Ballinrobe Best Dressed Lady’.

Peter Fergus, Hotel Manager, The Lodge at Ashford Castle, said 

“The Lodge at Ashford Castle were delighted to sponsor Ladies Day again this year. It was such a special evening. We could not be more proud of our association with the Ballinrobe Racecourse.”

John Flannelly, Ballinrobe Racecourse Manager said: “Ladies Day is one of our most popular race meetings of the season. We would like to thank our sponsors The Lodge at Ashford Castle for sponsoring Ladies Day and coming on board to sponsor two races in 2023 – it’s a great partnership for Ballinrobe. We are delighted with the turnout this evening and our judge Jennifer Wrynne had a tough job picking a winner. Congratulations to Olive and all the finalists.

Our Sponsors

Originally built in 1865 for the Estate Manager of 800-year-old Ashford Castle, our elegant white-washed Lodge has views to rival the best in the world. Windows frame inspiring vistas out over placid Lough Corrib, one of Ireland’s largest lakes, backed by the rolling, emerald hills of Connemara.

The Lodge offers country house charm, fine dining in Wilde’s Restaurant and an exceptional collection of estate activities. This is one of Ireland’s finest wedding destinations, pairing warm Irish hospitality with a modern appeal.

Our individually-designed rooms are filled with creativity and always keep guests’ comfort in mind, using carefully chosen pieces and a calm palette to complement the breathtaking countryside and lake views seen from every traditional sash window. Each spacious room has a distinct character, with curated artworks and chic contemporary furniture.

Our passion for delicious, creative cuisine is showcased in Wilde’s, run by Executive Chef Jonathan Keane makes the most of the freshest, organic ingredients from local artisan suppliers, as well as home-grown produce from the grounds of the estate.

The vibrant Quay Bar and Brasserie offers innovative cocktails and laid-back comfort cuisine with spectacular views from our al fresco terrace, while the Ashford Estate offers more dining experiences to explore on our doorstep.

The Lodge enjoys the feel of a relaxed rural country house hotel while being an intrinsic part of the truly remarkable the historic Ashford estate that covers 350 acres of formal, manicured gardens and wild, rambling woodland rich in wildlife – all right there on our doorstep.

Previous Winners

2022 Ladies Day Winner sponsored by The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Paula Devaney from Kilconly was the winner of The Lodge at Ashford Castle Best Dressed
Ladies Day at Ballinrobe Racecourse on Tuesday evening, June 20, 2022.
Paula wore a from suit from Brass Boutique in Ennis, her headpiece was by Joanne Hynes.
Her shoes were from Zara and her handbag was from River Island. She wore jewellery from
Rouses in Ballina.

2020 Virtual Ladies Day Winner sponsored by The Lodge at Ashford Castle

Laura Hanlon from Fuerty Roscommon
Outfit Details: @harper.ie dress 
Jewellery by @diamondbuyerclub
Shoes are Zara and Laura added the hand embellishment. 
Floral Floating Heapiece – Own Design – Laura Hanlon Designs 

2019 Vaughanshoes.ie Winner

Karen Leonard from Corofin bought her navy dress with floral embellishment from ASOS and wore the dress back-to-front to showcase the floral patterns. She added a v-neck to the dress and a red ribbon as a waistband. Her bespoke headpiece was designed by Galway-based milliner Caithriona King around the dress. Karen paired the outfit with a pair of block heel red sandals from New Look.

2018 Vaughanshoes.ie Winner

Colleen Brady from Mincloon, Galway. Colleen wore a white off-the-shoulder trouser suit from Asos, her headpiece was by Galway-based milliner Edel Ramberg. Colleen’s shoes were from Zara and her handbag was from Glitzy Blitz.

2017 Vaughanshoes.ie Winner

Caroline Whelan from Ardrahan. Caroline wore a royal blue jumpsuit from Sarah Jane Boutique in Magherafelt in County Derry and her headpiece was by Galway-based milliner Caithriona King. Caroline’s embellished belt was from eBay, shoes from Pennys and she bought her bag in the Galway Hat Shop.
2016 Winner
2015 Winner
2014 Winner
2013 Winner