Luxury Mayo estate officially among the world's best

The Ashford Estate is celebrating a double triumph in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards (US), with both of its renowned properties once again recognised among the best in the world.

The five-star Ashford Castle in Cong, Co Mayo has climbed to 7th position in the ‘World Resorts’ European category, which also means it is the highest ranking of any Irish property in this category.

Sister hotel on the 350-acre Ashford Estate, The Lodge at Ashford Castle has also been ranked among the best hotels in the world, placing 7th in Ireland in the World Hotels category.

Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate readers’ favourite hotels, resorts, cruises, destinations, cities, spas and more. Voted for by almost 799,000 readers across the United States, the awards recognise the experiences and properties that leave the most lasting impressions on guests. The hundreds of thousands of people surveyed rate their travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they love and anticipate revisiting.

The Readers' Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest-running and most prestigious accolades from readers, remains the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector.

Part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, the latest accolades recognise the exceptional experiences delivered by the teams at both hotels alongside the enduring appeal of the historic estate.

Niall Rochford, Managing Director of the Ashford Estate, said: “We are so proud to see both Ashford Castle and The Lodge at Ashford Castle once again selected by Condé Nast Traveler US readers as being among the best hotels in the world. The guest is at the heart of everything we do and when you stay at one of Ashford Estate’s properties you’re not just getting a stay, you’re getting an experience. Our guests are our most passionate and vocal ambassadors, and to receive this recognition from those who have experienced the warmth, service and unique character of the Estate is particularly meaningful.”