CIE Tours Honors Top Irish Hospitality Partners with Awards of Excellence at Christchurch Cathedral Ceremony: Know More

Published on February 6, 2025

On January 29, 2025, CIE Tours held its 33rd annual Awards of Excellence at Dublin’s historic Christchurch Cathedral, acknowledging the dedication of its Irish tourism partners, hoteliers, and attractions. These collaborators were instrumental in achieving a guest satisfaction score of 95% for the year 2024.

“With the support of our trusted partners, CIE Tours continues to create world-class travel experiences that celebrate local culture and communities,” says Stephen Cotter, managing director of CIE Tours. “We had a fantastic year, booking 250,000 bed nights across Ireland – an achievement made possible by our incredible partners. Each ones plays a vital role in shaping our guests’ experience, leaving a lasting impression that drives repeat visitation and reinforces our position as the largest carrier of U.S. visitors to Ireland every year.”

The ceremony has been a tradition since 1990, rewarding those in the hospitality industry who deliver outstanding travel experiences. From nearly 30,000 guest reviews in 2024, 82 partners in Ireland received a customer satisfaction score of 92% or higher, earning them the Merit Award. Top performers in each category were further distinguished with the prestigious Gold Award.

The 2024 Gold Award recipients included:

• Best 5-star hotel: Dromoland Castle
• Best 4-star hotel: Cabra Castle
• Best 3-star hotel: Dooley’s Hotel
• Top Hotel Accommodation: Kilronan Castle Estate and Spa
• Top Hotel Dinner: Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa
• Exceptional Hotel Service & Hospitality: The Dunraven Adare
• Premier Event Dinner / Entertainment: The Crosskeys Inn
• Noteworthy Special Dinner Feature: Fitzgeralds Woodlands House Hotel & Spa
• Outstanding Tour Feature: Marine Bar Waterford
• Leading Walking Tour: Westport Walking Tour
• Memorable Visit: Long Meadow Cider
• Superior Lunch: Taylors Three Rock
• Top Sheep Dog Trial: Atlantic Sheepdogs
• National Heritage Award: Moriarty’s Authentic Irish Gift Store

Cotter added, “We are excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead, which includes expansion of our overall portfolio. Each experience and trip itinerary have been masterfully curated and include a selection of local businesses that share our love for travel and spirit of hospitality. As a part of our commitment to responsible tourism, it is equally important that the impact on our local communities – working with and alongside our partners – is a positive one.”

The event was hosted by celebrity chef Catherine Fulvio, renowned author and founder of Ballyknocken House & Cookery School, celebrated for her roles on shows like Catherine’s Family Kitchen.

While the awards focused on Irish partners, CIE Tours also celebrates exceptional service in its other destinations, with further events planned in the UK and Iceland to honor additional exemplary partners.