Four Irish hotels are celebrating a special honour after being awarded a Michelin Key and joining an illustrious list of top-quality destinations.

The Michelin Keys are to hotels what stars are to restaurants and represent what Guide Inspectors believe to be the most outstanding places to stay.

In 2026, the Guide added 18 hotels to its list, which includes Three-Key, Two-Key, and One-Key hotels, with four going to Irish establishments.

Earning a Key this year are The Fitzwilliam Hotel and The Leinster in Dublin, as well as Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway and Marlfield House Hotel in Gorey.

Celebrating its first Key, Glenlo Abbey’s Commercial Director, Vanessa Davis, said: ‘We are incredibly proud to receive our first MICHELIN Key, a prestigious recognition that reflects the passion, dedication and commitment of our entire team.

‘At Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, we strive to create memorable and authentic experiences for every guest, and this award is a wonderful endorsement of that vision.

‘We are honoured to be recognised by The MICHELIN Guide and look forward to continuing to showcase the very best of Irish hospitality here in Galway.’

Glenlo is also home to one of Ireland’s most distinctive dining experiences, the Michelin-starred Pullman Restaurant, which is set within two beautifully restored original Orient Express carriages.

The four new hotels joining the list are in good company with Gregans Castle Hotel, Castlemartyr Resort, Dylan Hotel, Wilder Townhouse Dublin, The Killarney Park, The Victoria, No. 1 Pery Square, and Dromoland Castle, also being proud One-Key destinations.

The only hotels in Ireland to hold the Guide’s highest number of Keys, three, are Adare Manor and Ballyfin Demesne.

Cashel Palace, Ashford Castle, Park Hotel Kenmare, Sheen Falls Lodge, and The Merrion are all two-Key hotels.