Two luxury hotels in Killarney have been recognised among the best in Ireland and Europe at the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
Family-owned sister properties The Killarney Park and The Ross secured top honours in this year's awards, which are based on guest reviews submitted to the travel platform.
Killarney Park, Exterior
The Killarney Park was named Best Overall Hotel in Ireland 2026, while also earning recognition in TripAdvisor's luxury hotel categories for both Ireland and Europe. The five-star hotel was ranked 22nd in Europe, making it the highest-ranked Irish hotel on the continent-wide list.
The Ross
Meanwhile, The Ross was crowned Best Small and Boutique Hotel in Ireland 2026. The four-star boutique property also achieved a 22nd-place ranking in Europe within its category, making it the highest-ranked Irish boutique hotel in the European awards.
TripAdvisor's Travellers’ Choice Awards are determined by the quality, quantity and recency of reviews submitted by guests, making them one of the travel industry's most recognised indicators of customer satisfaction.
The Ross, Bedroom Detail
Commenting on the success, Marcus Treacy, Managing Director of both properties, said the awards reflected the dedication of staff across the two hotels.
“These awards are especially meaningful as they reflect the voice of our guests. This recognition across Ireland and Europe is a testament to the dedication and passion of our entire team, whose commitment to excellence makes these achievements possible. I could not be prouder.”
He added: “These accolades reflect the collective efforts of the teams across both properties, whose commitment to excellence is evident in every guest interaction—hourly, daily, weekly, and year-round.”
Killarney Park, Pool
The awards mark another milestone for a hospitality business that has been part of Killarney's tourism industry for almost a century.
The story began in the 1930s when Marie O'Sullivan arrived in Killarney at the age of 14 to work in her aunt's guesthouse, now known as The Ross. She later acquired the property and expanded the business, laying the foundations for what would become one of Ireland's best-known family-run hotel groups.
Her son, Padraig Treacy, opened The Killarney Park in 1990, and today the third generation of the family continues to oversee both hotels.
The Garden Bar, Killarney Park
Located beside Killarney National Park, The Killarney Park is one of Ireland's few remaining privately owned five-star hotels. The property recently completed a multi-million-euro renovation programme, which included the redesign of all guestrooms and suites, as well as upgrades to its public spaces.
The refurbishment drew inspiration from County Kerry's landscapes and heritage, incorporating locally sourced materials, custom joinery and artwork inspired by historic depictions of the Killarney Lakes.
The hotel is also planning further investment in its wellness facilities as part of its next phase of development, while continuing its focus on sustainability through energy efficiency measures, waste reduction initiatives and support for local suppliers.
The Ross, Polly's
Just a short walk away, The Ross offers a more contemporary boutique experience in the heart of Killarney town centre. The hotel features 29 guestrooms and is particularly known for its food and beverage offering, including Polly's, a restaurant inspired by the legacy of the former Pretty Polly factory that once played a major role in the local community.
The restaurant focuses on locally sourced ingredients and sustainable practices, while the hotel's cocktail programme also emphasises local produce and environmentally conscious techniques.
The recognition of both hotels at the 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards highlights the continued strength of Irish hospitality on the international stage and reinforces Killarney's reputation as one of the country's leading tourism destinations.
