Ashford Castle Achieves Rare Double Five-Star Forbes Rating

Forbes Travel Guide has announced its 2026 award winners, with Ashford Castle in County Mayo, Ireland, receiving a prestigious double five-star rating – the highest accolade possible. This makes Ashford Castle the only property in the UK and Ireland to achieve this distinction for both its hotel and spa facilities .

A Landmark Achievement for Irish Hospitality

The double five-star rating signifies an exceptional level of luxury and service. According to Forbes Travel Guide, it recognizes properties that demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in the luxury travel sector . Ashford Castle has now maintained its five-star hotel rating for seven consecutive years .

Other Irish Hotels Recognized by Forbes

Even as Ashford Castle leads the way, other Irish hotels also received recognition in the 2026 Forbes Travel Guide:

• Adare Manor (County Limerick) – Five-Star Rating
• The Conrad (Dublin) – Four-Star Rating
• The Merrion (Dublin) – Four-Star Rating
• The Europe Hotel and Resort – Recommended
• Fitzwilliam Hotel (Dublin) – Recommended
• InterContinental (Dublin) – Recommended
• Hayfield Manor (County Cork) – Recommended
• The Shelbourne Dublin, Autograph Collection – Recommended
• Trump International Golf Links & Hotel Doonbeg (County Clare) – Recommended
• The Westbury (Dublin) – Recommended

Spa Excellence Also Honored

In addition to the hotel awards, several Irish spas were also recognized:

• The Spa at Ashford Castle – Five-Star Rating
• Spa at Adare Manor – Four-Star Rating
• ESPA at The Europe Hotel and Resort (County Kerry) – Four-Star Rating

About Forbes Travel Guide

Forbes Travel Guide has been evaluating luxury hotels, restaurants, and spas for over 60 years. It is considered an independent and global authority in the luxury hospitality industry , and claims to be the “only independent, global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas.”