Every year, CIE Tours celebrates the finest of Irish hospitality through our Annual Awards of Excellence. On January 29, 2025, we gathered at the historic Christ Church Cathedral in the heart of Dublin to honor the attractions and hotels that have made our travelers' experiences truly extraordinary. Now in our 33rd year, these awards are a testament to the warmth and exceptional service that our partners provide to our guests. 

The CIE Tours awards are uniquely special because they're powered by the voices of our travelers. Over 30,000 CIE Tours guests who explored Ireland in 2024 shared their experiences, helping us identify the partners who go above and beyond in creating memorable journeys. These winners - and all our partners - are the key to CIE Tours' remarkable 95.4% guest satisfaction rate, and represent the very best of Irish hospitality.


Here are the winners of the Gold Awards - those who topped their categories and most delighted our travelers.

BEST ATTRACTIONS  

Best Walking Tour - Westport Walking Tour  

Few walking tours capture the essence of Irish heritage like Westport Walking Tours. Guests explore the Georgian town’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, brought to life by engaging guides sharing tales of saints, pirates, and more. This unforgettable journey leaves a lasting impression on all who visit. 

Best Sheep Dog Trial - Atlantic Sheepdogs 

Atlantic Sheepdogs has been a guest favorite since joining CIE Tours in 2018. At their traditional Irish sheep farm, Martin and Trish Feeney showcase the skills of some of the world’s smartest sheepdogs, offering an unforgettable experience. With an incredible 99% customer satisfaction rating from over 2,500 responses in 2024, it’s clear why Atlantic Sheepdogs continues to impress our travelers 

Best Tour Feature - Marine Bar Waterford  

The Marine Bar in Dungarvan is a family-run pub known for its lively atmosphere, traditional Irish music, and warm welcome. Owned by singer and guitarist Christy O’Neill, who often plays alongside his son Eoghan, it’s a favorite stop for music lovers. For many guests, enjoying a pint or Irish coffee while listening to trad music at the Marine Bar is a highlight of their tour.   

Best Visit - Long Meadow Cider 

In just their second year as a CIE Tours partner, Long Meadow Cider has become a guest favorite. After winning a Merit Award in 2023, they now hold the Gold Award for Best Visit with a score of 98%. The McKeever family farm, spanning three generations, produces award-winning ciders, juices, and vinegars, demonstrating a commitment to sustainability by blending farming with tourism. 

Best Lunch - Taylors Three Rock 

A lunch at Taylor’s Three Rock is the perfect finale to the Ireland South Daytripper tour. This lively experience combines traditional Irish music, song, and dance with a hearty Irish meal, leaving guests entertained and fully immersed in Irish culture—a memorable way to conclude their journey through Ireland 

Best Event Dinner/Entertainment - The Crosskeys Inn 

Crosskeys Inn, Ireland’s oldest thatched roof pub, dating back to 1654, offers guests an evening steeped in history and tradition. Hosted by Vincent Hurl, along with his wife and daughters, it feels like being welcomed into their home for dinner and the best in traditional Irish music. Guests are transported back in time with uneven walls, stone floors worn smooth by generations, low ceilings, and turf fires creating a truly authentic atmosphere. 

Special Dinner Feature -Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa  

For nearly five decades, Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa has welcomed travelers with warmth and hospitality. What began as a three-room inn in 1976  now has nearly 100 rooms, a spa, and event space. Mary Fitzgerald’s passion for cooking with local, sustainable ingredients has made the restaurant a favorite among visitors. We are delighted to honor Fitzgeralds Woodlands House with the Gold Award for Special Dinner Feature for the second consecutive year.  

NATIONAL HERITAGE AWARD 

National Heritage Award - Moriarty's Authentic Irish Gift Store 

Nestled in the Gap of Dunloe, Moriarty's is a family-run business which last year celebrated 60 years in business. Founded by Michael and Margaret Moriarty, it has been a valued partner of CIE Tours for decades. Today, their son Denis leads the business, with support from his wife Ailish, sister, and Margaret herself.   Known for its exceptional traditional Irish gifts, Moriarty's has been delighting CIE Tours customers for generations.   

BEST HOTELS 

Best Hotel Dinner - Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa  

Owned by the McGillicuddy family for three generations, Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa is a leader in regenerative tourism. By sourcing fresh, local produce, they create exceptional dishes that delight CIE Tours guests and embody Irish hospitality at its finest. 

Best Hotel Service & Hospitality - The Dunraven Adare 

The Dunraven Adare is the home base for our popular Ireland South Daytripper tour, where guests stay for five nights and embark on daily adventures. Its exceptional ratings speak volumes, as the charm, warmth, and hospitality of The Dunraven never fade, even after an extended stay.

Best Hotel Accommodation - Kilronan Castle Estate & Spa 

Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa, a stunning 4-star hotel, welcomes guests with an unforgettable first impression as the coach winds through forest paths and then passes under medieval gates. A highlight of the popular Scots Irish tour, it’s a place where many guests look forward to relaxing in the spa during their stay.  Kilronan Castle combines luxury and history for a truly memorable experience  

Best 3-star hotel - Dooley's Hotel 

Dooley's Hotel is a shining example of how a family-run, 3-star hotel can deliver an exceptional guest experience. Known for its warm welcome and attention to detail, this unique property proves you don’t need to be high-end to provide world-class hospitality. With its family atmosphere and dedication to making every guest feel at home, Dooley’s Hotel truly stands out.  

Best 4-star hotel - Cabra Castle  

Set on 100 acres of lush parkland and gardens, Cabra Castle captivates guests with its timeless beauty and tranquil elegance. Part of the Romantic Castles of Ireland Collection, it offers a truly enchanting experience where history and charm combine. A consistent favorite among CIE Tours guests, Cabra Castle is a well-deserved Gold Award winner. 

Best 5-star hotel - Dromoland Castle  

As one of Ireland’s most iconic castle hotels, Dromoland Castle has been enchanting guests for decades. Renowned for its luxurious surroundings and impeccable service, it sets the standard for 5-star hotels in Ireland. For many travelers, a castle stay is an essential part of their Irish journey, and Dromoland’s many Gold Awards reflect its lasting legacy. 

Plus, there were 68 Merit Winners for 2024. These hotels and tourist attractions achieved an outstanding customer rating of 92% or higher. 

HOTEL MERIT WINNERS

Leinster Hotel Merit Winners:
Academy Plaza Hotel | Aloft Dublin City | Ashling Hotel | Clayton Hotel Burlington | Clayton Hotel Cardiff Lane | Clontarf Castle Hotel | Croke Park Hotel | Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel | Grand Canal Hotel | Herbert Park Hotel | Hyatt Centric Liberties | Radisson Blu Royal Hotel | The Davenport Hotel | The Gibson Hotel | Sheraton Athlone Hotel

Munster Hotel Merit Winners:
The River Lee Hotel | Kinsale Hotel & Spa | The Rose Hotel | Great Southern Killarney | International Hotel Killarney | Killarney Avenue Hotel | Killarney Plaza Hotel | Killarney Towers Hotel | Limerick Strand Hotel | Clayton Hotel Limerick

Ulster Hotel Merit Winners:
Europa Hotel | Grand Central Hotel Belfast | Hilton Belfast | The Ebrington Hotel | Mill Park Hotel | Culloden Estate & Spa

Connacht Hotel Merit Winners:
Galway Bay Hotel | The Galmont Hotel & Spa | Knockranny House Hotel

ATTRACTION MERIT WINNERS

Leinster Visit Merit Winners:
Experience Glasnevin | Guinness Storehouse | Dublin Castle | Malahide Castle & Gardens | Teeling Whiskey Distillery | Kilmainham Gaol | Irish National Stud & Gardens | Sullivan's Taproom | Gretta Power Bungalow B&B | Clonmacnoise Visitor Centre | Dunbrody Emigrant Ship | Johnstown Castle | Glendalough Visitor Centre | Sean's Bar

Munster Visit Merit Winners:
Midleton Distillery Experience | Blarney Castle | Tangney Tours Jaunting Car | Killarney Horse & Carriage Tours | Tom Crean South Pole Inn | John B Keanes Pub | Ionad an Bhlascaoid / The Blasket Centre | Foynes Flying Boat Museum | Cliffs of Moher

Ulster Visit Merit Winners:
Giant's Causeway | Titanic Belfast | Glenveagh Castle & National Park | Slieve League Cliffs Centre | Donegal Castle | St. Patrick's Centre | Down Cathedral

Connacht Visit Merit Winners:
Kylemore Abbey | Killary Harbour Cruise | Corrib Princess Cruise | Ballintubber Abbey

Congratulations to all the winners - and thanks to all the guests that made the awards possible!