2025 Award Winners HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025

HOTEL OF THE YEAR AWARDS 2025

5-Star Hotel of the Year: Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Co Galway

Just a couple of miles from Galway city, yet beautifully set within a 138-acre estate overlooking Lough Corrib, Glenlo Abbey is one of Ireland’s most beguiling hotels. Originally an eighteenth-century residence, this privately owned Blue Book property offers all the advantages of a country retreat, while being within easy reach of the vibrancy of the city. It is a combination that makes Glenlo unique, and one that has earned it a loyal following among Irish and international guests alike. The sense of arrival is special: gracious reception rooms in the main house – including the Ffrench Room, Kentfield Lounge and Palmer Bar – provide elegant surroundings to enjoy afternoon tea, an aperitif or informal dining, while the Oak Cellar Bar, with its clubby atmosphere, is a favourite retreat. Many of the spacious bedrooms and suites have wonderful views over Lough Corrib or the Walled Gardens, and there are new self catering apartments too, offering a luxurious balance of period charm and contemporary comfort. Extensive estate facilities include golf, falconry, cycling, fishing, cinema and more, ensuring every guest finds something to enjoy. Dining is at the heart of the experience. Breakfast in the light-filled River Room is a delight, while Palmer’s offers all-day casual fare. Most celebrated of all, however, is the hotel’s destination Pullman Restaurant, set in beautifully restored Orient Express carriages. With discreetly authentic detail and outstanding modern Irish cooking and service from Executive Chef Angelo Vagiotis and the team, it is amongst the most memorable dining venues in the country. Combining heritage and character with genuine warmth, modern luxury and an exceptional food offering, Glenlo Abbey has raised the bar for five-star hospitality in the west of Ireland.

4-Star Hotel of the Year 2025: Harvey's Point, Lough Eske, Co Donegal

On the shores of Lough Eske, in one of Ireland’s most beautiful settings, Harvey’s Point has been delighting visitors for over three decades. First opened by the Gysling family in 1989, its chalet-style buildings, linked by covered walkways, reflected their Swiss heritage and sat comfortably into the Donegal landscape. Over the years it has grown into a far larger and more luxurious hotel and it has changes ownership yet, under the guidance of General Manager Niall Coffey, that tradition of genuine hospitality continues and the outstanding warmth and helpfulness of its staff is still its greatest strength. Guest accommodation is exceptionally spacious and thoughtfully appointed, with vast beds and generous bathrooms a particular delight. More recently added Balcony Suites offer stylish comfort with lake or mountain views, while The Lodge, just across the car park, provides neat, cruise-ship style cabins that are ideal for walkers, groups or families. Harvey’s Point has always promoted Donegal with energy and imagination, offering not only a perfect base for exploring the county but also a renowned programme of activity breaks—walking, painting, photography, wine, and cookery among them.
And dining has long been central to the Harvey’s Point experience. The Restaurant, with its panoramic views across the lake, remains one of the region’s finest, offering classically inspired menus that celebrate the best local and Irish ingredients. Service is impeccable, while breakfast—complete with Granny Gysling’s birchermuesli, freshly carved ham and excellent hot dishes—has earned its own devoted following. Combining location, comfort, excellent food and, above all, exceptional staff, Harvey’s Point has played a major role in establishing Donegal as a short-break favourite
 

3-Star Hotel of the Year 2025: Killeen House Hotel, Killarney, Co Kerry

Originally an early nineteenth-century rectory, the delightful Killeen House is quietly located just ten minutes from Killarney town centre. Known for three decades as the Rosney family’s “charming little hotel”, it began a new chapter in 2024 under the ownership of Kerry hotelier Patrick Eviston and, following sensitive refurbishment, the spirit of the old house has been retained while adding modern comforts. Guests are welcomed with warmth from the moment of arrival - an open fire in the traditional drawing room sets the tone for a stay that feels genuinely homely, while the renovated lobby, bar and restaurant happily combine antique and modern furnishings. Bedrooms vary in size, as is the way in old buildings, but are thoughtfully furnished, with plenty of appealing touches – from a welcoming note with chocolates to a sensor night light in the bathroom, details that show real care. Equally popular with business and leisure guests, especially golfers, the repeat business rate is high and the hotel’s Rozzers Restaurant is one of the reasons for that. Residents and local diners alike enjoy its well-paced dinners, extensive wine list and welcoming bar – and a good breakfast is served here too. With its intimate scale, friendly hospitality and appealing food, Killeen House offers a distinctive 3-star experience that brings guests back time and again.

Business Hotel of the Year 2025: Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath

Set on 120 acres about half an hour from both the city and Dublin Airport, The Johnstown Estate combines the convenience of a modern hotel with the heritage of an elegantly restored 18th-century country house. At its heart is a fine drawing room where a ceiling by the renowned Francini brothers is a reminder of its rich history, and it is known as a leading business venue as well as an appealing leisure destination. The food is a big draw here too, with Fire & Salt restaurant showcasing the best of Irish produce, Afternoon Tea in the bright Atrium offering a popular treat outing - and, for casual dining, the Coach House Brasserie, providing a relaxed alternative, with consistently good food and friendly service that make it an excellent journey break on the Dublin-Galway road. All of which add to its appeal for meetings and events of all sizes, with the recently opened Forde Suites offering a versatile space with a private entrance and reception, The Orangery, a cocktail bar and garden terrace, a grand ballroom, and four additional meeting rooms. Cutting-edge technology is the order of the day here, plus all the practical requirements like complimentary parking, a helipad, and self-catering lodges in addition to the excellent hotel accommodation. With conference capacity for up to 650, an onsite corporate activity centre, excellent leisure amenities including a 20-metre pool and destination spa - plus a team known for warmth and professionalism - The Johnstown Estate’s reputation as one of Ireland’s top business venues is well deserved.