Harvey’s Point named as Best Hotel in Ireland 2025 - entering Hotel Hall of Fame

Harvey’s Point has secured this year’s number one spot on the Hotel Hot 100 list. 

The Irish Independent's Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile has compiled the Hot 100 list of Ireland’s best hotels in 2025. Dublin’s  Shelbourne Hotel secured the second spot while The Armada Hotel in County Clare ranked third. 

Meanwhile, three other Donegal hotels were placed on the list.

Rathmullan House, which took 41st place, was described as a relaxed country house.

Donegal’s only five-star, Lough Eske Castle, at 85th, has expanded to add a new wing.

Then, the Family-run Arnold’s Hotel in Dunfanaghy secured the 93rd spot. 

The travel editor described Harvey's Point, the winner, as a four-star hotel that feels like a five-star hotel.  “Glasses glistening on lakeshore tables, surprisingly big rooms, classy new residents’ bar (with a ring of books around its rim), revamped restaurant (with improving local, vegan and gluten-free offerings) and wine nook,”  Travel Editor Pól Ó Conghaile said. 

“It continues to evolve under today’s owner, Thomas Röggla, with three new suites and a new spa with hot tubs and an infinity pool to come. A five-star in all but name, and long may that last.”

Each year, the hotel that secures the number one spot makes it to the Hotel Hall of Fame of iconic Irish stays. Therefore, Harvey’s Point will now move into the Hotel Hall of Fame, joining the 2024 winner, Ashford Castle in County Mayo. The 2023 spot was secured by Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, County Wexford and Adare Manor in County Limerick secured the top spot in 2022.

The criteria were based upon the travel editor's personal experiences with a focus on hotels with a “unique streak”.  “I see these hotels as being best at what they set out to be,” the travel editor said. “It’s not about star ratings – which never tell the whole story. I also exclude hotels I haven’t been to (yet!), some that are in periods of change, or that I need to stay in again for a true verdict.”