Killeavy Castle Estate has been named the best four-star luxury in Ireland at the Irish Hotel Awards.
The Michael Boyle-owned castle, hotel and lodges was named winner at an awards ceremony in Sligo.
Me & Mrs Jones, situated on the Diamond in Portstewart, was named boutique hotel of the year.
The awards are made based on a 280 point report compiled by the awards' team of researchers, documenting their visit to each establishment from arrival to departure and spanning all departments of the hotel, according to the organisers, NI Media.
Best 4-star Lux Hotel of the Year was a new category alongside City Hotel of the Year and Waterside Wedding Venue of the Year, all of which were introduced to reflect the changing hospitality industry, the organisers said.
Read more: Work begins soon on converting historic Killeavy Castle into luxury 42-bed hotel
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Killeavy Castle, which has won several awards, Hotel of the Year Northern Ireland at AA Hospitality Awards 2023, is located approximately 10 miles outside Newry.
According to the award citation, it it set among 365 acres of mixed farm and woodland in Co Armagh's Slieve Gullion mountain and "prides itself on its focus on slow living".
"Ingredients for its onsite restaurant are sourced from its own local farm, while the family-owned restored 19th century castle can be partially rented out for big events."
Shane Smith, managing director of NI Media, said: "The Irish Hotel Awards is now recognised as a benchmark of quality for properties in Ireland.
"All our members have been rigorously inspected by a team of researchers who are dedicated to promoting and developing the industry."
