Ashford Castle has been named the best resort hotel in Ireland and the UK, by a leading US travel publication.
The hotel won the same accolade in the 2020 awards, too.
The impressive resort was voted into the top spot by the readers of Travel + Leisure, a US travel magazine founded over 50 years ago that shares reviews, tips and recommendations on everything from hotels and B&Bs, to airlines and cruises.
Each year it holds its annual World's Best Awards, inviting readers to send in their votes for the best hotels, islands, sights to see and more. According to their site, "hundreds of thousands" of readers responded across numerous categories.
And it will come as a surprise to no one who knows and loves Irish hospitality that Irish hotels dominated four out of five spots in the 5 Best Resorts in the U.K. and Ireland category, with Ashford Castle leading the charge.
The destination was noted for having hosted everyone from US presidents to British royalty, and many lucky guests in between. "Several readers praised the stately grounds, calling the setting 'absolutely lovely' and 'magnificent'", the editors wrote.
"One particularly enthusiastic reader looked back fondly, saying, 'Just writing this makes me remember the beautifully served and delicious tea service, complete with Irish scones, mini sandwiches, and sweets enjoyed by the bay windows overlooking gorgeously manicured lawns and fountains.'"
Speaking of the award, Niall Rochford, general manager at Ashford Castle said: "Given the challenges over the past two years, this award will mean the world to our team at Ashford Castle and our owners at Red Carnation, particularly as they were voted for by Travel + Leisure's discerning and well-travelled readers, making them even more rewarding.
"Such accolades really help to support Ireland’s tourism efforts and ensure our place on the international stage, particularly in the US market which is hugely important to Ashford Castle. We are in very good company in this category and given the standard of five-star hotels across the UK this is not just a win for Ashford Castle, but for Ireland Inc."
Ballyfin in Co. Laois came in at no.2, while Limerick's Adare Manor nabbed the fourth spot followed by Dromoland Castle in Co. Clare. The third spot was scooped by Gleneagles, Auchterarder in Scotland.
Readers also chose the 5 Best Hotels in Dublin, a new category introduced just this year. Editors wrote that "voters favored properties in prime locations — especially neighborhoods south of the River Liffey and walkable to iconic sites such as Trinity College".
With this in mind, it's not surprising they chose The Merrion Hotel in Dublin's city centre for the top spot. Editors wrote, "The four row houses that make up the Merrion date back to the 1760s, and the antiques-filled rooms and impeccable service are equally classic.
"Though the National Gallery and Douglas Hyde Gallery at Trinity College are nearby, it's worth devoting time to the hotel's private collection of 19th- and 20th-century art, which also inspires the hotel's signature afternoon tea."
Meanwhile, voters praised the spot for its "chic European luxury" and "elegant old-world feels with the most beautifully appointed rooms".
