Athlone's Hodson Bay Hotel among the honours at Gold Medal Awards

The Hodson Bay Hotel in Athlone was among the prize-winners when the prestigious 2026 Gold Medal Awards were held at the Galmont Hotel & Spa, Galway on Tuesday (January 27).

The renowned South Roscommon hotel claimed the bronze medal in the competition's 'Ireland's Wine Experience' category, which was won by Ashford Castle in Mayo. Donegal's Harvey's Point Hotel, which also won the overall Supreme Hotel Award, was in second-place in the Wine Experience category.

There was further succes for Co. Roscommon when Kilroan Castle Estate & Spa was announced as the winner of Ireland's Four-Star Hotel category, and their Head Chef, Daniel Willimont, also came away with the Chef of the Year prize on the night.

Over 700 people from across the hotel and catering industry gathered for the event, which was hosted by Anton Savage, with over 1,000 entries submitted this year across 38 categories.

Now in its 36th year, the Gold Medal Awards aim to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the hospitality industry from across the country.

With each category of hotel put to the test by an expert judging panel, the ceremony highlighted those who have shown the highest level of excellence and quality within the industry over the past year, from the best afternoon tea offering to the best fine dining experience.

There was also success at the event for another Midlands' venue, The County Arms Birr, as the Offaly hotel claimed second-place in Ireland's Small Wedding Hotel category.