2018 Winners Announced

Adare Manor Named Supreme Winner at 2018 Gold Medal Awards

Following a stunning refurbishment, Limerick’s Adare Manor was named Supreme Winner and Ireland’s Five Star Hotel (sponsored by Astoria Partnership) at the 2018 Gold Medal Awards, in association with Hotel & Catering Review. Celebrating a remarkable 30 years, the Gold Medal Awards are the leading independent awards for the Irish hospitality industry and aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the hotel and catering sector throughout the country over the past twelve months.

Showing that Ireland’s reputation for famous hospitality stretches across the country, there was a strong regional spread amongst the winners. Ballynahinch Castle in Co. Galway was named Ireland’s Four Star Hotel (sponsored by Sodexo) while the honour of Ireland’s Country House and Guest House Experience (sponsored by Smartbox) was taken home by Ard na Sidhe Country House, Co. Kerry. Those planning their big day should keep an eye on Kilronan Castle Hotel & Spa who took home the coveted award for Ireland’s Wedding Hotel (sponsored by WeddingDates).

Each shortlisted property was also put forward for an additional award – Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay (sponsored by Irish Independent), which was voted for by the public. After over 7000 votes were counted, Castle Leslie Estate was crowned Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay.

With 135 finalists up for honours, the judges achieved a mammoth task of selecting 31 outstanding properties for recognition. The winners of all categories were revealed at a gala awards ceremony on 25 th September in the Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny.

Donagh Davern, FIHI and member of the Judging Panel said of the awards, “The investment and development in the Irish hotel and catering industry in terms of both new builds and renovations over the last number of years is very apparent and the judging panel had a very difficult task in deciding on winners in many categories.  With this investment, it is essential that the guest service which we are known for is not diluted and we encountered some exceptional people in businesses, who are truly the backbone of our industry”.

Commenting on the winners, Katherine O’Riordan, Event Director said “Ireland is world famous as a haven for hospitality and a budding foodie nation so the calibre of winners is no surprise. The judges had a tough job narrowing down the entries to these 31 outstanding properties and it’s particularly great to see the standards of the hospitality industry are equally high across the country. I’d like to extend my congratulations to all the finalists and winners – Ireland’s reputation is in good hands.”