Irish Mirror: Luxury Irish hotel named Europe’s Leading Island Resort 2026 at prestigious travel awards bash

A luxury four-star seaside resort located in West Cork has been named Europe’s Leading Island Resort for 2026.

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa scooped the honour at the prestigious World Travel Awards ceremony in Montenegro on Saturday night, October 17.

Nestled between Inchydoney’s two Blue Flag beaches, just outside the colourful heritage town of Clonakilty, the hotel is a haven for those seeking peace, relaxation, and a touch of Irish coastal magic.

Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa, which is home to Ireland’s first Thalassotherapy Seawater Spa, opened its doors on June 17, 1998 and has been welcoming Irish and international visitors to West Cork for more than 25 years.

Blessed with a privileged location on the Wild Atlantic Way, guests can enjoy surfing, whale watching, kayaking and outdoor yoga as well as days of discovery around picturesque West Cork and Cork City.

The hotel prides itself on supporting the local community. Local food provenance is central to the hotel’s restaurant offering, with many ingredients sourced from producers across the region.

Irish art, furniture and craftsmanship also feature throughout the property, helping to give the hotel a strong sense of place and connection to West Cork.

Irish owned and operated since 1998, the hotel sits on the site of the original ‘Inchydoney Ocean Hotel and is home to Ireland’s first Thalassotherapy Seawater Spa

The latest accolade marks another major international achievement for the family-owned West Cork resort, which was named Ireland’s Leading Hotel 2025 at last year’s World Travel Awards.

The prestigious awards ceremony recognises excellence across the global travel, tourism and hospitality industries, with voting involving travel industry professionals and consumers.

Speaking about the latest honour awarded to the hotel, Inchydoney Island Lodge & Spa owner Des O’Dowd said: “To be named Europe’s Leading Island Resort is an incredible honour for everyone here at Inchydoney. Following the award for Ireland’s Leading Hotel last year, to now receiving recognition at European level is something we are enormously proud of.

“Inchydoney is a very special place, but what really makes the experience is our team. Their warmth, care and commitment to our guests are at the heart of everything we do.

“We are also incredibly fortunate to be situated here in West Cork, with its spectacular coastline, exceptional food producers, craftspeople and wonderful sense of community. This award is something the whole team can be proud of, and we’ll certainly be celebrating here in Inchydoney.”