Co.Galway’s Ashford Castle was named Supreme Winner (sponsored by Hotel & Catering Review) at the 2022 Gold Medal Awards. Celebrating a remarkable 32 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.

Following the last two years of Covid 19 disruption across the country, the Gold Medal Awards announced Gold, Silver and Bronze winners across most categories!

Showing that Ireland’s reputation for famous hospitality stretches across the country, there was a strong regional spread amongst the winners. The Kingsley Hotel, Co. Cork was named Gold Winner of Ireland’s Four Star Hotel while the Gold winner of Ireland’s Four Star Hotel Spa Experience was Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort Co. Antrim (sponsored by Business Post). The honour of Ireland’s Site Contract Caterer was taken home by Sodexo Lilly Kinsale (sponsored by Excel Recruitment). Those planning their big day should keep an eye on Fernhill House,  Co. Cork who took home the coveted award for Ireland’s Wedding Hotel (sponsored by Virgin Media).

Each shortlisted property was also put forward for an additional award – Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay, which was voted for by the public. After over 7000 votes were counted,Parknasilla Resort and Spa, Co. Kerry was crowned Ireland’s Favourite Place to Stay. 

With 168 finalists up for honours, the judges achieved a mammoth task of selecting 56 outstanding properties for recognition. The winners of all categories were revealed at a gala awards ceremony on 22nd March in the Lyrath Estate, Co. Kilkenny. 

Donagh Davern, FIHI and member of the Judging Panel said of the awards, “The last number of years are unprecedented in the hospitality sector and extraordinary efforts have been made in the industry to overcome the challenges posed by the Pandemic. As the world thankfully emerges from this time, Gold Medal Inspectors were delighted to be back on the road, visiting some wonderful properties, where the key is their exceptional people. People have always been at the heart of our industry and will continue to distinguish properties from their competitors.”

 #GMA2021 trended as Ireland’s Number 1 Tweet from 22nd March 10pm and remained in the top 10 Tweet’s in Ireland for 24 hours