Two Irish resorts have been awarded a coveted Five-Star rating by Forbes' Travel Guide, a renowned leader in hospitality.
Adare Manor in Co. Limerick and Ashford Castle in Co. Mayo were awarded the rating in the latest guide, which was published online today.
Forbes' Travel Guide has been reviewing locations and resorts for over 60 years and is one of the oldest-running travel guides in the United States. It also claims to be the "only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas".
The hotels were awarded the rating after an evaluation of over 500 standards that are designed to rest a location on everything from distinctive dining experiences to luxurious beds, intuitive guest care and supreme service.
To carry out the evaluation, inspectors from Forbes Travel Guide visit each destination anonymously, posing as an average guest on a trip. More than 2,000 properties were evaluated and only a handful received a Five-Star rating.
Adare Manor, which is located in the town of Adare in Limerick, is already one of Ireland's most luxurious resorts and is due to host the 2027 Ryder Cup and has a storied past spanning centuries.
Speaking on the rating today, Adare Manor's General Manager Brendan O’Connor said: "The rigorous focus of the Forbes' Travel Guide on exceeding expectations is a marvellous affirmation of our ethos to offer guests an unrivalled and exceptional experience. I would like to congratulate all of our colleagues at Adare Manor on their contribution to the hotel receiving such recognition from a hallmark of the international hospitality industry."
Ashford Castle in Co Mayo was also awarded a Five-Star rating. The stately property is renowned for its historic design and location nestled among rolling green fields.
The Merrion in Co Dublin was awarded a Four-Star rating, another nod to the prestigious city centre hotel and home to Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, one of Ireland's two-Michelin star restaurants.
The Fitzwilliam Hotel in Co Dublin, a chic and modern destination in the heart of Dublin City, was also recommended by the guide, as well as the InterContinental in Dublin, The K Club in Co. Kildare, and the Shelbourne in Dublin.
For the full list of rated and recommended hotels, restaurants and spas, click here.
