FOUR newcomers amongst Ireland’s TWENTY hotels selected for Michelin Keys 2026

0
  • Four newcomers join Michelin Key awards in Ireland
  • The Leinster, Fitzwilliam Hotel, Glenlo Abbey and Marlfield House recognised
  • Adare Manor and Ballyfin retain three-key status
  • Five two-key hotels retained
  • 155 three-key hotels worldwide

Four newcomers have been named amongst the twenty hotels in Ireland selected for Michelin Key awards in the 2026 awards ceremony, announced on September 18 2026: Dublin’s the Leinster, and Fitzwilliam Hotel, Galway’s Glenlo abbey and Wexfords’s Marlfield House. Ireland’s two three key hotels Adare Manor and Ballyfin, have retained their status, as have five two-key hotels and last year’s nine one-key hotels. There are 155 Michelin three-key hotels worldwide, of a total selection of 2,832 total Michelin keyed hotels across the world. Europe has 155. led by France with 23 hotels.

2 Three-Key hotels (extraordinary stays)

  • Adare Manor (Adare): Neo-Gothic manor once home to the Earl of Dunraven, set on 840 acres of gardens, parkland and the River Maigue. Elegant rooms without stuffiness, top spa, outdoor pursuits (including falconry), and a championship golf course due to host the 2027 Ryder Cup. Home to the Michelin-starred Oak Room.
  • Ballyfin Demesne (Ballyfin): Spectacular restored Regency house on 614 acres of parkland and woodland, with Bridgerton-esque vibes. Just 20 lavish rooms plus a private Gardeners Cottage with hot tub. Features a pool, treatments, Michelin-starred restaurant using estate produce, and hidden spaces like a secret Conservatory. 

5 Two-Key hotels (exceptional stays)

  • Cashel Palace (Cashel): Palladian manor (1728) that was once an archbishops’ residence, now a modern hotel with views of the Rock of Cashel and direct garden access to the site. Small spa/pool, horse riding, and the Michelin-starred Bishop’s Buttery. 
  • Ashford Castle (Cong): Medieval castle on Lough Corrib with rich history (including Guinness family links). Lavish, varied bedrooms (plus a waterside Boathouse), falconry school, spa, and classic French dining in the wood-panelled George V room. 
  • Park Hotel Kenmare (Kenmare): Victorian landmark overlooking Kenmare Bay and the Caha Mountains. Luxurious bedrooms blending period style with modern comforts, spa, art collection tours, and elegant dining at Landline. 
  • Sheen Falls Lodge (Kenmare): Former summer residence of the Marquis of Lansdowne in an idyllic setting with views of Kenmare Bay and the Sheen Falls. Contemporary pastel/floral luxury, suites/villas/cottages, extensive activities (golf, fishing, falconry, spa), and a restaurant with one of Ireland’s largest wine cellars. 
  • The Merrion (Dublin): Four restored Georgian townhouses opposite government buildings. Traditional 18th-century elegance with modern amenities, Italian linens, marble bathrooms, stylish spa, classical garden, and the two-Michelin-starred Restaurant Patrick Guilbaud. 
See also  Wizz Air launches 23 routes from Turin

13 One-Key hotels (very special stays)

  • Gregans Castle Hotel (Ballyvaughan): Refined 250-year-old manor house (not a castle) overlooking Galway Bay and the Burren. Charming country-house style with ~20 varied rooms, drawing rooms, local modern Irish/European dining, and a classic, unhurried atmosphere.
  • Regency House Belfast (Belfast): Georgian property near Queen’s University offering characterful, high-quality lodging in Ireland’s second largest city.
  • Castlemartyr Resort (Castlemartyr): 18th-century manor next to 13th-century Templar castle ruins on 220 acres. Mix of historic and contemporary rooms/residences, extravagant spa, golf, and multiple dining options including two-Michelin-starred Terre. 
  • Dylan Hotel (Dublin): Victorian building (originally a nurses’ boarding house) in a desirable area, now a stylish boutique hotel with colourful, characterful rooms and a speakeasy-style bar. 
  • The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin (Dublin) NEW: Central property on St Stephen’s Green with contemporary classic design (updated interiors), park views, and the one-Michelin-starred Glovers Alley. 
  • The Leinster (Dublin) NEW: Modern design hotel in Ballsbridge/Fitzwilliam area with playful mid-century style, Irish art (including a Damien Hirst), 55 rooms, lively cocktail bar, and rooftop Jean-Georges restaurant. 
  • Wilder Townhouse Dublin (Dublin): Late-Victorian townhouse that blends country-house calm with urban boutique style; character-rich and “anything but ordinary.” 
  • Glenlo Abbey Hotel (Galway City) NEW: 18th-century estate on 200 acres by Lough Corrib (near Galway). Rooms with estate views, dining in antique Orient Express carriages (The Pullman, one Michelin star), golf, falconry, fishing, spa and cinema. 
  • Marlfield House Hotel (Gorey) NEW: 19th-century Regency-style house with woodland, gardens and lake. Traditional rooms plus modern Pond Suites and a lodge; balanced traditional luxury with modern comfort, plus formal and casual dining. 
  • The Killarney Park (Killarney): Stylish hotel worthy of its proximity to Killarney National Park; refined base for exploring the area. 
  • The Victoria (Killarney): Classic country-house hotel with Victorian-era details and contemporary boutique touches. 
  • No. 1 Pery Square (Limerick): Restored 1830s townhouse overlooking People’s Park; intimate (around 20 rooms) with precise period aesthetics, personalised service and a neighbourhood feel. 
  • Dromoland Castle (Newmarket-on-Fergus): Modern luxury hotel in ancient castle style on extensive parkland with river views; spacious rooms and a strong sense of Irish history mixed with contemporary comforts
See also  Italy extends border checks on Spanish travellers for additional 15 days

Brian Loughnane, General Manager of Sheen Falls Lodge, shared: “We are incredibly proud to have been awarded Two MICHELIN Keys for the third consecutive year. This achievement in retaining Two MICHELIN keys is a testament to our entire team for their consistent dedication and unwavering commitment to creating a truly memorable experience for every guest who visits Sheen Falls Lodge.”

Adare Manor

Eight GREAT hotels in each 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

See also  Tipperary's Raheen House Hotel in Clonmel on sale with €2m guide price

Hotels luxury, mid-range & budget in each 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

Share.

Comments are closed.