Double success for Mayo resort in prestigious Tripadvisor Travellers' 'Best of the Best' Awards

Ashford Castle has been recognised among the world’s leading hotels in the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best Awards 2026, earning the No. 2 ranking in Ireland in both the Best Hotels and Luxury Hotels categories, and ranking No. 12 globally in Tripadvisor’s One-of-a-Kind Hotels category - the only Irish hotel recognised globally in this category for a second consecutive year.

The Lodge at Ashford Castle was also recognised with a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award 2026, placing it among the top 10% of hospitality listings worldwide based on traveller reviews and ratings collected over a 12-month period.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best awards represent the platform’s highest honour, awarded to fewer than 1% of more than eight million listings worldwide.

In its awards citation, Tripadvisor described Ashford Castle as the quintessential castle hotel, highlighting its “stately canopy beds, manicured grounds, and slew of regal activities (think: falconry, archery),” while also noting the property’s family-friendly appeal.

Niall Rochford, Managing Director of the Ashford estate, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive this recognition from Tripadvisor, particularly because it is based on genuine guest feedback and experiences.

"To be recognised by travellers globally is a wonderful reflection of the passion, care and commitment shown every day by our entire team across Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

“We are deeply grateful to all of our guests who have taken the time to share their experiences, and to our exceptional team who continue to create memorable stays for visitors both from Ireland and around the world.

“Our team is at the heart of the Ashford experience, and it is especially rewarding to see their warmth, professionalism and attention to detail so consistently recognised by guests.”

The recognition also reflects Red Carnation Hotel Collection’s commitment to creating “Characterful Stays”, with Ashford Castle celebrated for its rich heritage, distinctive personality and immersive guest experiences, from falconry and fine dining to the estate’s historic interiors and storytelling-led hospitality.

Equally, the awards highlight the estate’s ethos of “Generosity of Spirit”, with Tripadvisor reviewers consistently praising the warmth, attentiveness and thoughtful personal touches delivered by teams across both Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle.

Guest reviews on Tripadvisor for Ashford Castle included: “This is a magical place”; “It's not just a stay, it's an experience”; “Service is impeccable”; and “Breakfast was unparalleled and be sure to taste their signature roast ham.”

Plaudits for The Lodge at Ashford Castle included: “Our stay at the Lodge was outstanding - beyond our expectations”; “The ambiance and décor are both elegant and cozy”; “It was so obvious how much the staff genuinely enjoy working at The Lodge”; and “Their attention to detail is magnificent.”

Tripadvisor describes its Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best award as its “highest honour”, recognising the top-rated hotels, destinations and experiences across specific categories and geographic regions. Winners are determined based on the quality and quantity of traveller reviews and ratings posted over a 12-month period.

Part of Red Carnation Hotel Collection, Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle are located on a spectacular 350-acre estate in Cong, Co Mayo, offering guests a choice of two luxury stays, the iconic castle experience and the contemporary country setting of The Lodge.