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Forbes’ 2026 Travel Guide has singled out 11 Irish properties, with one hotel again earning top marks for both its accommodation and spa. Ashford Castle in County Mayo retains its double five-star status, marking the seventh year it appears at the guide’s highest tier.
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Forbes awarded Ashford Castle a five-star hotel rating in the 2026 guide, and its in-house spa, The Spa at Ashford, also received a five-star grade. The repeat recognition underlines the property’s persistent standing in the publication’s luxury rankings.
Other Irish properties recognised
Alongside Ashford Castle, the guide named several Irish hotels across different star levels. Adare Manor in County Limerick achieved a five-star rating, while two Dublin hotels — The Conrad and The Merrion — were placed at four stars.
- The Europe Hotel and Resort (Co Kerry)
- Fitzwilliam Hotel (Dublin)
- InterContinental (Dublin)
- Hayfield Manor (Co Cork)
- The Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection
- Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg (Co Clare)
- The Westbury (Dublin)
Spas recognised separately
Forbes also rated individual spa facilities. The spa at Adare Manor and ESPA at The Europe Hotel and Resort in County Kerry each received four-star ratings. Ashford Castle’s spa, as noted, retained five-star status.
What the guide represents
Forbes’ Travel Guide has been evaluating hotels, restaurants and spas for more than six decades and presents itself as an independent global rating system for luxury hospitality. Its annual listings are widely used as a reference by travellers and industry professionals.
For the full list of properties included in the 2026 guide, consult Forbes’ Travel Guide publication.
