Businesses from across Ireland’s tourism industry were celebrated at the 2025 World Travel Awards last night, with one renowned West Cork hotel taking centre stage.
At a glittering gala on the Italian island of Sardinia, the event marked the fourth leg of the WTA’s Grand Tour 2025 – a global search for the world’s finest travel and tourism organisations.
Established in 1993 to “acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries,” the World Travel Awards have become a prestigious benchmark for excellence. This year, the ceremony not only recognised the leading businesses in Ireland and Northern Ireland, but also spotlighted Irish establishments that have excelled on a European stage.
A renowned West Cork hotel took the top spot at the event. The much-loved Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa was named Ireland’s Leading Hotel 2025 — a well-deserved accolade for the family-run business that has been excelling in hospitality for decades.
Located just outside Clonakilty, between two Blue Flag Beaches, the popular seaside hotel and spa is celebrated for its breathtaking ocean views, luxury accommodation, award-winning restaurant, and exceptional service.
Chris Frost, Group Vice President of the World Travel Awards, praised the hotel’s dedication to quality, saying that out of some of Ireland’s most recognised hotels, “Inchydoney Island stood out as giving guests the best experience possible.”
Owner Des O’Dowd said the team was “beaming after such a prestigious win.”
“We’re all delighted. We were in great company in the Ireland’s Leading Hotel 2025 category and to come out on top is a testament to the team here and the incredible work they put into making our guests feel so welcome,” he said. “We’re particularly proud that the consumer vote counts in these awards, as for us, making our customers happy and offering them the break they deserve is what we’re all about. We’re celebrating here today in West Cork!”
Chris Frost added: “This award category was extremely well represented by many of Ireland’s most recognised hotels, and to win shows just how respected Inchydoney is by those in the travel industry and how loved it is by its guests. The hotel’s focus on giving guests the best experience possible in this gorgeous part of Ireland is clearly reflected in the votes they received for this award.”
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