Photo: Blarney Castle courtesy of CIE Tours

Last year, CIE Tours International, a U.S.-based tour operator specializing in Ireland and all of Europe, brought 44,000 visitors to Ireland, generating revenues of €83 million. So when it came to determining just which of the top-notch attractions and hotels in Ireland deserve the moniker “best of the best,” CIE simply turned to its customer base and asked, "what do you think?”

Earlier this week, CIE announced the results of that survey at their 26th Annual Awards of Excellence program at Dublin Castle. The prestigious awards, presented by CIE Chairman Vivienne Jupp, recognized 98 suppliers from across the country.

"Last year was another strong year when our 44,000 customers booked in the region of 350,000 bed nights,” said Brian Stack, Managing Director of CIE Tours International. “They made a major contribution to Ireland's record year for tourism when eight million tourists visited our country. The feedback which we have received from over 28,000 customers surveyed was very positive and from these our Awards of Excellence were chosen in this, the 26th year of the Awards."

According to the feedback, CIE Tours International customers were most impressed by the Slieve League Cliffs in Co. Donegal. Other favorite attractions were the Cliffs of Moher, Blarney Castle, Blarney Woollen Mills, and the Skellig Experience, now featured in the new "Star Wars" movie. Titanic Belfast, Waterford Crystal Factory, Trinity College's Book of Kells and the Giant's Causeway were also among the favorites.

"The response from our hotels and visitor attractions to the feedback we gave them has also been extremely well received-and acted upon. However, our wish list for 2016 would include the resumption of training and accreditation for tour guides and for development of urgently required hotels for the main tourism hubs, in particular Dublin," said Stack.

The winners of the Awards of Excellence are chosen from an independent valuation of feedback surveys, completed by more than 28,000 CIE Tours International customers. The list includes category winners as well as merit award winners, given to hotels and attractions which achieved more than 90 per cent in customer feedback.

Ireland's Awards of Excellence Winners

Best 5 Star Hotel
The Dunloe Hotel, Killarney

Best 4 Star Hotel
The Brehon Hotel, Killarney

Best 3 Star Hotel
Benners Hotel, Dingle

Best Hotel Accommodation
Dromoland Castle, Co. Clare

Best Hotel Dinner
Fitzpatrick's Castle Hotel, Killiney

Best Hotel Service & Hospitality
Kee's Hotel, Co. Donegal

Best Event Dinner/Entertainment
An evening of Food, Folklore and Fairies, Brazen Head, Dublin

Best Dinner Feature
Killeen House Hotel, Killarney

Best Tour Feature
Glen Keen farm, Co. Mayo

Best Walking Tour
Don & Barry's Kinsale Historic Stroll

Best Visit
Slieve League Cliffs, Co. Donegal

Best Lunch
Davitt's, Kenmare

National Heritage Award
Giant's Causeway, Co. Antrim

Increased capacity to Ireland has been a vital component in growing the region’s visitor numbers. The increase has also allowed CIE Tours to expand into new markets, including rolling out a new website and brochure for Canadian travellers.

For more information on booking a tour with CIE, visit www.cietours.com/canada. 

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