Awards were a celebration of hospitality itself
The Irish Hotel Awards made a triumphant return to The Johnstown Estate in Enfield last Monday, with added sparkle from the chandeliers. Johnston Estate is always worth a visit and no one had to persuade me too much to attend the event.
There was an easy camaraderie in the room with hoteliers hugging like cousins at a reunion, chefs grinning with quiet pride, and front-of-house teams having much needed fun. It felt less like a ceremony and more like a toast to everything that makes Irish hospitality so wonderful.
Among the most memorable winners of the night was Waterford Castle, winning Romantic Hotel, Castle Hotel of the Year, Fine Dining Destination and Best Golf Experience! It was practically juggling trophies by the end like Taylor Swift at the Grammys. I have had the pleasure of staying and dining there a few times and each award was well deserved as the team at the hotel work very hard to create an unforgettable experience for guests.
Family Hotel of the Year went to Carrigaline Court Hotel. The hotel has undergone some changes over the last few years and it shows. I went there a few months back for a quick bite to eat and was impressed how the food has improved.
The applause was just as enthusiastic for the Kenmare Bay Hotel, which took home Wedding Venue of the Year. I attended a wedding there a few years ago, and I can confirm firsthand that love blooms especially well when your late-night dancing is fuelled by that kitchen’s banqueting magic. Then came the well-earned awards in the four-star category, where Dingle Skellig Hotel scooped 4-Star Hotel of the Year. If there is a better view to wake up to in the country than the Dingle Bay at sunrise, I’ve yet to find it. The team there have mastered the art of warm elegance and excellent food focusing on local produce.
Faithlegg was crowned 4-Star Luxury Hotel of the Year, and it couldn’t be more fitting. From the first step through its doors you feel gently spoiled, set back in time and forget that it is 2025. The food is outstanding and the service excellent and it is one of my favourite hotels in Ireland next to Waterford Castle.
As hospitality is not only brick and mortar but people, some awards were handed out to individuals with Cian Drinan from The Address Cork taking the Event Manager of the Year home. There were many more winners with the overall award going to Hunters Yard Hotel at Mount Juliet Estate in Thomastown.
As Shane Smith, Managing Director of NI Media who organise the Irish Hotel Awards, beautifully put it on the night: “This is more than just an awards night. Tonight we witnessed something extraordinary, a gathering of the hearts and hands that shape the soul of the industry.” And he was right.
What we celebrated wasn’t just fine food or feather-soft pillows, it was the people who make strangers feel at home and special occasions unforgettable.