Irish Hotel Awards
The Irish Hotel Awards set the gold standard for excellence in Irish hospitality.Through independent and in-depth inspections we spotlight hotels that deliver standout guest experiences with authenticity, innovation and heart.Our mission is to celebrate the people and places shaping Ireland’s hospitality landscape - raising standards, inspiring pride and making sure the best don’t go unnoticed.
What We Do
The Irish Hotel Awards rigorously inspects and evaluates hotels across Ireland using in-depth assessments to ensure the highest standards of service, comfort and guest experience. Every participating property undergoes a detailed review process with criteria spanning everything from design and amenities to staff professionalism and service excellence.
The programme doesn’t just reward luxury - it highlights authenticity, innovation and the unique character of Irish hospitality. Winners are selected not only for meeting industry benchmarks but for exceeding expectations and creating memorable, meaningful stays for their guests.
We spotlight the hotels that go beyond expectations: those that blend authenticity with innovation, warmth with professionalism and local character with world-class standards. From boutique gems to landmark destinations, our winners represent the very best of Irish hospitality.
Through the annual awards ceremony and year-round recognition, the programme shines a spotlight on the people and places that define Ireland’s hospitality landscape - encouraging excellence, inspiring pride and giving well-deserved visibility to outstanding contributors.
This is more than an awards programme - it’s a movement to raise the bar, celebrate unsung excellence and inspire pride across the industry.
How We Do It
The Irish Hotel Awards are built on integrity, independence and a deep respect for the art of hospitality. Every hotel in our programme undergoes a rigorous inspection process carried out by experienced hospitality professionals. These inspections are unannounced, impartial and rooted in real guest experience - ensuring that every detail, from service to atmosphere is authentically assessed.
Our criteria are comprehensive and evolving, reflecting both industry standards and the emotional nuances that define exceptional hospitality. We evaluate everything from room quality and food service to staff professionalism, guest engagement and the overall sense of welcome.
Each hotel is scored across multiple categories with top performers shortlisted for national recognition. Our awards are not pay-to-play and participation is never guaranteed - only those who truly excel are celebrated.
The programme culminates in an annual awards ceremony where winners are honoured across a wide range of categories from Boutique Hotel of the Year to Excellence in Customer Service. It’s a moment to spotlight the people and places that make Irish hospitality world-class and to ensure they receive the recognition they deserve.
Press Release 2026
Best 3 Star Hotel – Abbey Court Hotel, TipperaryBest 4 Star Hotel – Shannon Springs Hotel, ShannonBest 4 Star Lux Hotel – Bishop’s Gate Hotel, Derry
Best 5 Star Hotel – Aghadoe Heights Hotel & Spa, Killarney
Ireland’s Finest Hotels Honoured at the Irish Hotel Awards 2026 in
Dundalk
Ireland’s leading hotels, resorts and hospitality teams were celebrated last night at the Irish Hotel Awards 2026, held on 19 October in the elegant surroundings of the Fairways Hotel, Dundalk.The annual event – now a highlight in the hospitality calendar, brought
together hoteliers, industry leaders and hospitality professionals from across the country for an evening dedicated to excellence, achievement and the people who
elevate Ireland’s hotel sector.
This year’s awards recognised outstanding performance across all areas of hotel operations - from guest experience and culinary innovation to spa services,
housekeeping, leadership and overall Best Hotel honours.Entries were received from every corner of Ireland, reflecting the strength, diversity and ambition of the nation’s hospitality industry.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shane Smith Managing Director of NI Media who deliver the awards, praised the dedication and resilience of Ireland’s hotel teams, highlighting the sector’s vital role in tourism, community life and national reputation.
“The Irish Hotel Awards shine a spotlight on the people and properties who set the standard for hospitality in Ireland. Their commitment to excellence ensures that guests from home and abroad experience the very best our country has to offer.”
Huge thanks go to our sponsors without whom this event would not be possible –Gallo UK, Dalcassian Wines, Lindt Chocolate, Coca Cola, O’Donnell’s Crisps, Traditional
Cheese Co and Bluebell Falls Goats Cheese.
Celebrating a Decade of Excellence in 2027
As the Irish Hotel Awards look ahead to 2027, NI Media is proud to mark a major milestone — the 10th anniversary of the programme. Over the past decade, the awards
have grown into one of Ireland’s most respected hospitality accolades, championing
exceptional hotels and the remarkable individuals who bring them to life.The 10-year
celebration will honour the evolution of Ireland’s hotel sector, spotlighting the innovation, resilience and world-class service that continue to define Irish hospitality.
A full list of winners is available at: www.irishhotelawards.com
ENDS
For media inquiries, interviews or high-resolution images from the event, please contact: Joanne Cameron
[email protected]
+4428 92646 265
Testimonials of 2026
"Thank you for a beautiful evening at the Irish Hotel Awards, we had a wonderful night.
We were delighted to receive our two awards, and the event itself was fantastic. The ambiance, the food and the whole atmosphere made it a genuine celebration of Irish hospitality at its best.
We’re also looking forward to receiving the official photographs from the evening. Our team would love to see them, and we’d very much like to share them.
Congratulations on a brilliantly run event, and thank you again!"
"congratulations on another wonderful night; it looked fantastic I am sorry I missed it. We are absolutely thrilled with our awards 🤩"
"I just wanted to say a huge thank you for hosting such a fantastic evening at the Fairways Hotel last night for the Irish Hotel Awards.
The food was amazing, the atmosphere was wonderful, and it really was such a special night.
My daughters were absolutely bursting with pride, which made the evening even more memorable for me.Our Front Office Manager, who unfortunately couldn't be there, joined us on a video call, and he was actually in tears with pride. It was such a lovely moment and one I won't forget.
These awards mean so much to everyone involved, and it's wonderful to see the hard work and dedication of people within our industry being recognised and celebrated.
So, thank you once again, Joanne, for all the hard work that goes into organising such a fabulous event. It was a night to remember!"
Contact Us
For further information, to sign up for membership or for any press enquires please contact