Two Donegal holiday lets scoop wins in the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards

The owners of two Donegal holiday lets are celebrating after scooping wins in the 2025 Sykes Gems Awards.

Teresa and Bernard Greene scooped gold in the Best in Ireland category for Moorhen House, a three-bedroom property in Loughanure.

Linda Whoriskey picked up the Best for Views award for Atlantic Sea Breeze, - a modern, pet-friendly four-bedroom holiday let sleeping up to eight, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook Ballyness Bay, near Falcarragh.

The national travel awards run by staycation specialist Sykes Holiday Cottages saw hundreds of entries from across the UK and Ireland, with both properties beating off tough competition to take home the trophies.

Moorhen House first welcomed holidaymakers in 2023 and has quickly become a favourite among families and groups of friends. Atlantic Sea Breeze opened to guests earlier this year following a full renovation, with interiors by Maureen Byrne Interiors inspired by the colours of the surrounding landscape.

The Sykes Gems Awards first launched in 2017 and aims to celebrate the best properties in the UK and Ireland’s holiday let sector.

Views from Atlantic Sea Breeze, which overlooks Ballyness Bay

Properties were judged by a panel of industry experts, including Sykes’ Chief Commercial Officer, James Shaw, Director of Operations, Luke Squires, Portfolio Director, Harriet Kerr, and The Sun’s Assistant Travel Editor, Sophie Swietochowski.

Winners were selected using owner entries and guest feedback, alongside details like occupancy figures and property amenities. The judging panel were impressed by the style and facilities on offer at Moorhen House and Atlantic Sea Breeze, along with guest feedback on cleanliness, comfort and value for money.

Moorhen House owner, Teresa Greene, said: “We’re over the moon to be recognised with this award following all the hard work that’s gone into making Moorhen House as perfect as we can for our guests.

“We love hosting guests from all over and helping them make the most of their breaks in this beautiful part of the world.”

Atlantic Sea Breeze owner, Linda Whoriskey, said: “I’ve found holiday letting incredibly rewarding - it’s so satisfying to get positive feedback from visitors and feeling that people see and appreciate your vision. 

“The property’s biggest selling point is the view, so it seems an appropriate category to pick up gold in.”

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James Shaw, Chief Commercial Officer of Sykes Holiday Cottages, added: “Now in its eighth year, it’s wonderful to see so many outstanding properties celebrated in our 2025 Sykes Gems Awards.

“Our owners put an incredible amount of effort into maintaining high standards at their properties throughout the year, and these awards are a great way to recognise that dedication. With so many fantastic entries it was tough to narrow it down, but these holiday homes stood out as clear winners."

To view the full list of winners, visit www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/sykes-gems-winners/

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