Ashford Castle is the only hotel in Ireland to achieve a five-star ranking in the 2021 Forbes Travel Guide.
The Forbes team of inspectors travel the world to assess hotels, restaurants and spas based on 900 standards that determine its coveted annual star ratings.
The top 5-star award from Forbes is given only to properties that meet more than 500 service and physical criteria during anonymous inspections, showing "an impeccable standard of excellence in hospitality."
Ashford Castle has received the top award for the second consecutive year.
Niall Rochford, General Manager at Ashford Castle said they couldn't have asked for better news following a difficult year for the industry.
"This is arguably the most coveted accolade for any hotel and receiving the news that we have retained our Five-Star rating in the 2021 Forbes Travel Guide is hugely rewarding.
"We truly have the best team and I couldn’t be more proud," he said.
The Forbes Travel Guide team visits every property that it star rates, anonymously as a paying guest.
"Our 2021 award winners are a testament to the resiliency of the hospitality industry," said Filip Boyen, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide.
"During an unprecedented time, Ashford Castle along with other top properties across the world adapted to numerous adversities, all while maintaining high service levels and ensuring the health security of their guests and staff," said Mr Boyen.
