Forbes Travel Guide’s 2026 Star Awards have been announced according five stars to two Irish properties: See full list here.
- Adare Manor (5-Star Hotel): Located in Adare, County Limerick, this Gothic Revival chateau-style estate (built in 1832) presides over hundreds of acres of Irish countryside. It blends Old World extravagance with approachable luxury, featuring historic elements like Augustus Pugin-designed fireplaces, vaulted roofs, gargoyles, and 365 leaded windows. The property offers 103 rooms with 19th-century-inspired elegance, marble bathrooms, and views; four restaurants; a standout spa with a 26-foot pool and folklore-inspired treatments; outdoor pursuits like falconry and fishing; and a Tom Fazio-designed golf course. It’s celebrated for its aristocratic heritage (former home of the Earls of Dunraven) and welcoming vibe
- Ashford Castle (5-Star Hotel): A majestic, turreted castle dating back nearly 800 years, situated in Cong, County Mayo, on a 350-acre estate along Lough Corrib. It combines luxurious pampering with traditional Irish hospitality across 83 individually designed rooms and suites featuring antiques, original art, fireplaces, and lake views. Activities abound, including golf, archery, horse riding, falconry, and clay pigeon shooting. The property excels in blending historic grandeur with modern comforts
- The Spa at Ashford Castle earns a separate 5-Star rating as the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Ireland—an ultimate sanctuary with a relaxation pool overlooking the lake, elegant features like white coral chandeliers, and a “tree of life” mural inspired by local Connemara flora and fauna.
Four-Star Awards
- Conrad Dublin (Four-Star Hotel): A sleek and modern hideaway in the heart of Dublin, just off St Stephen’s Green, offering peaceful luxury amid the city bustle with high levels of service, contemporary rooms, and convenient access to attractions.
- Spa at Adare Manor (Four-Star Spa): An elegant and restorative spa within the luxurious Adare Manor estate, providing premium treatments, serene facilities, and a focus on relaxation in a countryside setting of refined opulence.
- Spa at Ashford Castle (Note: This holds Five-Star status as Ireland’s premier spa, but if queried in context, it is the ultimate sanctuary with lake views, elegant design, and exceptional wellness experiences; however, it exceeds Four-Star.)
- ESPA at The Europe (Four-Star Spa): A sophisticated spa at The Europe Hotel & Resort in Killarney, delivering high-quality treatments, tranquil spaces, and holistic wellness in a scenic lakeside location.
Recommended
- Europe Hotel & Resort Killarney (Recommended Hotel): A luxurious lakeside resort in Killarney overlooking Lough Lein, blending contemporary style with warm Irish hospitality, extensive facilities, and stunning views of mountains and water.
- Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin (Recommended Hotel): A stylish boutique hotel in central Dublin, known for its chic design, attentive service, and prime location near Grafton Street for shopping and culture.
- Hayfield Manor (Recommended Hotel): A charming country house hotel in Cork with secret garden vibes, offering elegant rooms, fine dining, and a peaceful escape close to the city centre.
- InterContinental Dublin (Recommended Hotel): A grand hotel in Ballsbridge, Dublin, featuring spacious accommodations, excellent amenities, and a refined atmosphere near embassies and heritage sites.
- Merrion Dublin (Four-Star Hotel, often listed prominently): An iconic Georgian-style hotel in Dublin city centre with Old World charm, exceptional art collection, Michelin-starred dining, and impeccable service. (Frequently Four-Star in awards.)
- Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection (Recommended Hotel): A historic Dublin landmark with timeless elegance, central location on St Stephen’s Green, luxurious rooms, and legendary hospitality dating back centuries.
- Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Ireland, Doonbeg (Recommended Hotel): Ireland’s secluded seaside resort in County Clare, revelling in natural beauty with dramatic coastal views, championship golf, and luxurious accommodations amid misty rolling hills.
- Westbury Hotel Dublin (Recommended Hotel): An elegant classic in Dublin, positioned off Grafton Street for luxury shopping, offering refined service, comfortable rooms, and easy access to Trinity College and cultural landmarks.
Hotels Travel Extra’s top eight by county
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
