Galway earns a spot in the top city rankings, with Irish hotels also featured for their excellence
Dublin, Ireland, 8th October 2025: Condé Nast Traveller has officially announced the results of its annual US Readers’ Choice Awards, with Ireland continuing to shine as a top destination for discerning travellers.
Sheen Falls in Kenmare, Co Kerry has been named best resort in Europe, while The Westbury in Dublin has taken the best hotel title in Ireland in the annual Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
Nestled in the heart of Kerry’s countryside, this five-star country house hotel – once a seventeenth-century marquis’s fishing lodge – is set along Kenmare Bay with stunning views of the Ring of Kerry, Beara Peninsula, and Wild Atlantic Way. Guests can explore its 300-acre private estate, enjoy activities such as falconry, fishing, horse riding, or golf at the nearby Ring of Kerry Golf Club. Dining options include The Fall, serving modern Irish cuisine, and The Stables Brasserie, offering an eclectic all-day menu in the former stables.
A global celebration of travel excellence, the awards are based on almost 760,000 Condé Nast Traveller readers’ votes cast according to a checklist including design, food and service. Each year, the awards reflect the opinions of readers who rate and review their most memorable travel experiences and hotels from around the world.
Among the honours in the 2025 edition, Galway was also recognised as one of the best cities in the world, earning a place alongside some of the most celebrated urban centres globally. Situated on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way, the city is known for its vibrant culture, colourful streets, and warm hospitality. A popular base for trips to the Aran Islands and Cliffs of Moher, Galway offers a diverse food scene, from traditional pubs to Michelin-starred restaurants, and a range of accommodations, including cosy B&Bs and the stylish g Hotel and Spa. This accolade highlights Galway’s growing reputation as a must-visit destination on Ireland’s spectacular west coast.
Several other Irish hotels were also recognised by the publication, including Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in Doonbeg, County Clare, along the island’s Wild Atlantic Way, was fifth in the top 20 European resorts list, while Adare Manor in County Limerick was seventh. Dromoland Castle, also in Clare, took 12th position, Ashford Castle in County Galway 15th, and Powerscourt Hotel, Autograph Collection in County Wicklow 20th. This means six Irish resorts featured in the top 20 list.
This is the sixth time the five-star Westbury has taken the top spot in the Irish hotels vote. Second place in Ireland this year went to Cashel Palace Hotel in Cashel, County Tipperary, while third went to Ard na Sidhe Country House in Killorglin, County Kerry.
Anantara The Marker Dublin was fourth, Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate in County Galway was fifth, and The Merrion in Dublin took sixth place. The seventh spot went to Park Hotel Kenmare in County Kerry, and the eighth spot went to The Montenotte in Cork. Kilkea Castle in County Kildare was ninth, while Ballyfin Demesne in County Laois rounded out the list.
The full list of 2025 winners is available at cntraveler.com/inspiration/readers-choice-awards and will be featured in the November issue of Condé Nast Traveler.
The Sheen Falls Restaurant
