Mayo hotel makes world's top 10 list

THE Lodge at Ashford Castle is the ninth best hotel in the world - that’s according to more than 300,000 readers of Condé Nast Traveler, the prestigious US travel magazine.

Three Irish hotels have been named in the world’s Top 10 in the magazine’s latest Readers’ Choice Survey: Ballyfin Demesne is number 1, Waterford Castle is number 7, and The Lodge at Ashford Castle comes in at number 9.

In the Top Hotels in the UK and Ireland category The Lodge at Ashford Castle was named at Number 4, while Ashford Castle was Number 5 Top Resort in Europe.

Welcoming the news, Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland, said: “Congratulations to The Lodge at Ashford Castle and to Waterford Castle and Ballyfin Demesne on this truly well-deserved recognition.

“Given the intense competition from other luxury properties around the globe, it’s really a wonderful achievement.

“This accolade by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler magazine also helps to raise the profile of the island of Ireland in general and gives Tourism Ireland a wonderful hook to showcase our superb luxury tourism product, including our castles, luxury resorts and boutique hotels, our rich culture and heritage and, of course, our world-class golf.”

More than 300,000 travelers took part in the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey – ranking the world’s best hotels, cities, islands, airlines, airports and cruises, to help the magazine create a list of winning favourites.