The US travel bible has published the results of its Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024
“This recognition means so much to us, as it reflects the opinions of the most important people to all of us at Adare Manor — our guests,” said its general manager, Brendan O’Connor.
B&B rates at the resort, which is preparing to host the Ryder Cup in 2027 and was also the first entry in the Irish Independent’s Hotel Hall of Fame, start from €675 in November and December.
But it’s not the only Irish showing in a remarkable vote of confidence for top-end resorts here.
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Ashford Castle (4), Trump International Doonbeg (5) and Sheen Falls Lodge (6) also feature in Condé Nast Traveler’s top 10 European resorts for 2024.
Dromoland Castle (11) and The Europe (12) rank just outside the top 10, while The Dunloe (18) and the Powerscourt Hotel (19) feature in the top 20.
Top 10 resorts in Europe 2024*
*Source: Conde Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2024
An aerial view of Ashford Castle
Condé Nast Traveler’s annual awards celebrate its readers’ favourite hotels, cruises, countries, cities, trains, airlines, spas, islands and more.
Over 575,000 participants voted and shared insights this year, the title says, culminating in recognitions highly prized by hotels – and beneficial in terms of publicity, marketing and future bookings.
Inclusion is “especially meaningful as it comes from the votes of travellers themselves,” said Michael Brennan, managing director of Killarney Hotels Collection – which includes The Europe and The Dunloe.
This year’s awards also named Tokyo as the world’s best city and Japan as best country, with Ireland ranking ninth.
The news follows Ballyfin’s recognition as best resort in Ireland and the UK by Travel + Leisure this summer, Ashford Castle topping the Irish Independent’s Hot 100 hotels for 2024, and Capella Bangkok ranking No.1 on the World’s 50 Best Hotels in September.
In other news, the Michelin Guide today announced its first One, Two and Three Key distinctions “ for the most outstanding hotels in the UK and Ireland”.
Ballyfin and Adare Manor both received Three Keys, with Two Keys going to Cashel Palace in Co Tipperary, Sheen Falls Lodge in Co Kerry and Dublin’s The Merrion.
Bewitching Ballyfin – inside the 21-bed hotel named best resort in Ireland and the UK
One Key awards went to Gregans Castle Hotel and Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, the Cliff House in Co Waterford, Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork, The Dylan and The Wilder in Dublin, The Killarney Park and The Victoria in Killarney, and No. 1 Pery Square in Limerick.
Awards and rankings have different methodologies and meanings. Recognition in Condé Nast’s Readers’ Choice Awards tends to reflect the ways its predominantly US-based voters travel and the places they visit, for example.
“Beyond all the trends (coolcationing and astro-tourism, anyone?) is the simple desire to explore, relax and escape,” says its UK edition. “Together, the names here form a special gazetteer of the places pinned to your travel dreams.”
The full listings are featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler, and online at cntraveler.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards.