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Five Irish properties have been named among Europe’s top 20 resorts in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026, the magazine’s latest annual survey. The awards, now in their 39th year, drew 798,867 responses from the publication’s UK readership.
Irish resorts in the continental spotlight
Properties from counties Mayo, Clare, Limerick, Kildare and Kerry feature on the list, underlining the continuing appeal of Ireland’s country-house and castle hotels. Among those recognised are Ashford Castle, Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Adare Manor, Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort and Sheen Falls Lodge.
Five resorts in Ireland feature in Europe’s top 20 for 2026
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The Readers’ Choice Awards survey covers a wide range of travel categories, from hotels and resorts to cities and islands, and is widely read by people planning trips and seeking recommendations.
Top 20 Resorts in Europe — Readers’ Choice Awards 2026
- Six Senses Crans-Montana, Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- Hôtel Royal Evian, Évian-les-Bains, France
- Verdura Resort, Sicily, Sciacca, Italy
- Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum, Bodrum, Türkiye
- JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa, Venice, Italy
- Vila Vita Parc, Alporchinhos, Portugal
- Ashford Castle, Co. Mayo, Ireland
- Dromoland Castle Hotel & Country Estate, Newmarket on Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland
- Adare Manor, Co. Limerick, Ireland
- Annabelle, Paphos, Cyprus
- Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa, New Milton, United Kingdom
- Kilkea Castle Hotel & Golf Resort, Co. Kildare, Ireland
- Sheen Falls Lodge, Kenmare, Co. Kerry, Ireland
- Gleneagles, Auchterarder, United Kingdom
- Borgo Egnazia, Puglia, Italy
- Lucknam Park Hotel & Spa, Chippenham, United Kingdom
- Coquillade Provence, Gargas, France
- Anassa, Polis, Cyprus
- Quinta do Lago Resort, Almancil, Portugal
- Finca Cortesin, Casares, Spain
Why this matters to travellers and Irish tourism
Lists produced from reader votes tend to influence consumer choice, serving as a quick reference for travellers weighing where to stay. Recognition in such a high-profile survey can also raise a property’s international profile.
For readers in Ireland and beyond, the rankings offer a starting point for planning short breaks and luxury stays, highlighting both well-known castle hotels and resorts across Europe.
