Ashford Castle, owned by Red Carnation Hotels, received five prestigious accolades at the 2023 European Sustainable Tourism Awards. The 800-year-old castle's commitment to sustainability and responsible tourism practices has earned it top honours in the categories of: ‘Best Local Gastronomy’, ‘Best Luxury Eco Accommodation’, ‘Best Sustainable Historic Hotel’, ‘Best Sustainable Pet-friendly Hotel’, and ‘Best Sustainable Accommodation in Ireland’.

Organised by Quartz Inn Hotels, the awards underscore Ashford Castle's exemplary efforts in shaping a more eco-friendly and responsible future for the tourism industry. The judging panel, comprised of esteemed hospitality professionals, lauded Ashford Castle's dedication to sustainable practices.

Member of the judging panel and Director of Sustainability at iVisitKrakow.com, Jolanta Dziewit, said, “Congratulations to Ashford Castle for their outstanding success. Their unwavering commitment to sustainability exemplifies a distinguished standard for the industry, setting the stage for a more responsible and eco-friendly future.”

Ashford Castle's commitment to sustainability is exemplified through a comprehensive array of initiatives. Since its acquisition by Red Carnation Hotels in 2013, the castle has undergone meticulous restoration and preservation efforts, with a focus on local craftsmanship and supplier engagement.

Pioneering environmental stewardship, Ashford Castle became the first hotel in Ireland to achieve the GREENMark Plastic Smart Standard Award, eliminating single-use plastics. The castle actively supports local communities through volunteer programs, contributing over 215 hours in 2022.

Food sustainability takes centre stage with on-site foraging, homegrown vegetables, and honey from estate apiaries, managed with a commitment to waste reduction through partnerships with Winnow since 2020.

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