Travel updates: Ireland and Italy

With 130 chandeliers and more than 800 paintings, Ashford Castle will reopen this week after a major refurbishment that defiantly rejects prevailing hotel trends for minimalism and modernism. The castle, parts of which date back to the 13th century, stands on the banks of Lough Corrib in County Mayo and was home to the Guinness family before becoming a hotel in 1939. All 82 bedrooms have been redecorated with bespoke carpets, antiques and marble bathrooms, while new additions include a 32-seat cinema, billiard room, cigar terrace and a new suit of armour in the entrance hall. Children will appreciate the introduction of a Lego room service menu. Double rooms from €395.

ashfordcastle.com

A new Museum of Culture has opened in Milan ahead of World Expo 2015, which begins in the city next month. However, the launch of the €60m museum has been marred by a row between city officials and the building's designer, the celebrated British architect Sir David Chipperfield. He began work on the project in 2000 but has objected to the quality of materials used, particularly for the floor, prompting what he called "a pathetic dispute at the end of 15 years' work". It's the latest in a string of design controversies: earlier this year French architect Jean Nouvel demanded his name be removed from references to the €380m Philharmonie de Paris, saying it was "non-compliant" with his original design.

mudec.it

© The Financial Times Limited 2015. All rights reserved.
FT and Financial Times are trademarks of the Financial Times Ltd.
Not to be redistributed, copied or modified in any way.
Euro2day.gr is solely responsible for providing this translation and the Financial Times Limited does not accept any liability for the accuracy or quality of the translation