Ireland's best wedding hotel, among others, has been revealed, just in time for the staycation season.
Now in its 33rd year, the Hotel & Catering Gold Medal Awards celebrate the best in Irish hospitality, from wedding hotels and fine dining restaurants, to the best wine experience and Ireland's leading green hotel.
Each shortlisted hotel is blind site inspected by the Gold Medal Awards judging panel, which is made up of industry experts from a range of hospitality sectors. They compile scores and meet together to decide on finalists, and then winners in each category.
We are absolutely thrilled to welcome you to the @LyrathEstate this evening for the 2021 Gold Medal Awards!
— Hotel&CateringReview (@HC_Review) March 22, 2022
Our wonderful drinks reception starts at 6pm, join us for a well deserved glass of bubbly!#GMA2021 pic.twitter.com/zz8UxUWfdC
The winners were announced at a glamorous ceremony in Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny last night, so get your annual leave in!
Ashford Castle was given the top prize of the night, winning the award for Supreme Hotel. Tweeting about the win, the judges said "Compliments to all of the staff at Ashford Castle for their wonderful work through such a difficult time for the hospitality industry. What a great achievement!"
The stunning hotel also won the awards for Ireland's Guest Experience and Ireland's 5 Star Resort.
Fernhill House in Clonakilty, Co. Cork was named as Ireland's Wedding Hotel, beating out Ballyseede Castle in Co. Kerry and Markree Castle in Co. Sligo, which came in silver and bronze respectively. Renowned for its sweeping romantic gardens, the family-run hotel has been a hit with wedding parties for years.
The Douglas Hyde Restaurant at Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa won the award for Ireland's Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant, while Castlewood House Dingle in Co. Kerry won the prize for Ireland's Hotel Breakfast and Dromoland Castle Hotel in Co. Clare won the award for Ireland's Afternoon Tea Hotel.
The Imperial Hotel, Cork was named Ireland's City Hotel, while Fitzgerald's Woodlands House Hotel & Spa was named Ireland's Family Friendly Hotel.
Read the full list of winners below:
Supreme Winner - Ashford Castle, Co. Galway
Ireland's 5 Star Hotel - Hayfield Manor, Co. Cork
Ireland’s 4 Star Hotel - The Kingsley, Co. Cork
Ireland's 3 Star Hotel - Summerhill Country House Hotel, Co. Wicklow
Ireland’s Guest Experience - Ashford Castle, Co. Galway
Ireland’s 5 Star Resort - Ashford Castle, Co. Galway
Ireland’s 4 Star Resort - Ballynahinch Castle, Co. Galway
Ireland’s Hotel Breakfast - Castlewood House Dingle, Co. Kerry
Ireland’s Afternoon Tea Hotel - Dromoland Castle Hotel, Co. Clare
Ireland’s 4 Star Hotel Spa Experience - Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, Co. Antrim
Ireland’s City Hotel - The Imperial Hotel, Co. Cork
Ireland’s Family Friendly Hotel - Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel & Spa, Co. Adare
Ireland’s Best Designed Hotel - Marlfield House, Co. Wexford
Ireland’s Country House & Guest House Experience - Ballymaloe House, Co. Cork
Ireland’s 5 Star Hotel Spa Experience - ESPA at The Europe, Co. Kerry
Ireland’s Leading Green Hotel - Hotel Doolin, Co. Clare
Ireland’s Wine Experience - Mount Juliet Estate, Lady Helen, Co. Kilkenny
Ireland’s Fine Dining Hotel Restaurant - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa, The Douglas Hyde Restaurant, Co. Roscommon
Ireland’s Wedding Hotel - Fernhill House, Co. Cork
Ireland’s Hotel Group - Killarney Hotel Collection
Ireland’s Hotel Casual Dining Experience - Garryvoe Hotel, Co. Cork
Ireland’s Chef of the Year - Fota Island Resort, Maris Urbanovic, Co. Cork
Ireland’s Favourite Place To Stay - Parknasilla Resort and Spa, Co. Kerry
Ireland's Front of House Team Member - Ballyseede Castle, Esther McCarthy, Co. Kerry
Ireland's Business & Conference Hotel - Clayton Hotel, Belfast
Outstanding Customer Service Award - Beacon Hospital
Ireland’s Menu Provenance Award - Ballymaloe House, Co. Cork
Ireland's Healthcare Caterer - The Q Cafe at St. Patrick’s Mental Health Services
Ireland’s Site Contract Caterer - Sodexo Lilly Kinsale
