RTE: Irish hotels and more nominated in World Travel Awards 2023

The nominees for the World Travel Awards have been announced, with many Irish businesses in the running for awards.

Now in its 30th year, the World Travel Awards were established in 1993 to "acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence across all key sectors of the travel, tourism and hospitality industries", and feature a large amount of businesses in their nominations each year.

The awards highlight the best hotels and experiences across the world through its Grand Tour, made up of regional gala ceremonies held in each continent. The ceremonies are attended by industry experts and insiders, and the awards are voted for by qualified executives working within travel and tourism and tourists.

Categories cover everything from boutique and luxury hotels and distillery tours to travel agencies and tour operators. With summer in full swing and perhaps a staycation or two on the cards for some people, the awards provide plenty of inspiration for your next trip around Ireland.

In the category for Ireland's Leading Hotel are some of the country's most popular spots: Adare Manor in Co Limerick, Castle Leslie Estate in Co Monaghan, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa in West Cork, the InterContinental Dublin, The Westbury in Dublin and The Westin in Dublin.

In the category for Ireland's Leading Luxury Hotel 2023 were Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel, Ashford Castle in Co Mayo, Ballyfin in co Laois, Carton House, A Fairmont Managed Hotel in Co Kildare, Castle Durrow Country House Hotel in Co Laois, the Conrad Dublin, Dromoland Castle in Co Clare, Powerscourt Hotel Resort & Spa in Co Wicklow and The K Club in Co Kildare.

For something smaller, more intimate but no less luxurious, a boutique hotel is the way to go and incredibly popular with travellers. The category for Ireland's Leading Boutique Hotel 2023 included Castle Leslie Estate. Dromoland Castle, Dylan Hotel in Dublin, Hayfield Manor in Co Cork, The Cashel Palace in Co Tipperary, The Clarence Hotel in Dublin and The g Hotel & Spa in Co Galway.

Some leading tourist attractions were also tapped in the category for Ireland's Leading Whiskey Distillery Tour 2023, with Jameson Distillery Bow St., Old Bushmills Distillery and Teeling Whiskey Distillery all nominated.

Voting for the Europe category closes on 20 August, with the winners announced on 30 September. Read the full list of Irish nominees here.