The Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ 2025 were revealed by Great Place to Work earlier this month, spotlighting 38 exceptional hotels and hotel groups from all corners of Ireland. This vibrant industry, employing over 250,000 people nationwide, is a crucial pillar of Ireland’s economy and international appeal. But beyond its economic impact, the real differentiator for Irish hospitality is how it treats its people — and these organisations are proving that by investing in their teams, they’re not only delivering standout guest experiences but reshaping what it means to be a truly great place to work.

These award-winning organisations are setting the tone for what great hospitality employment looks like today — and tomorrow. Across the board, employees report strong levels of connection and pride, with 80% saying people care about each other, compared to just 61% among the average hospitality employee in Ireland. This significant gap highlights how fostering genuine care and support is far from the norm in the sector — and a key differentiator for these top employers. Similarly, 83% say they’re proud to tell others where they work, starkly higher than the 50% average, indicating that these workplaces succeed in creating environments where employees truly identify with their organisation.

Retaining talent through genuine care and trust

Retention has long been a challenge in hospitality, yet these standout employers show what’s possible when people feel respected, supported, and part of something bigger.

At The Gleneagle Hotel in Killarney, their strong culture has earned them recognition not only as one of the Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ 2025 but also as a Best Workplace for Women this year. Director of People & Culture Eilis Loughrey noted how being recognised shows that “when people feel respected, supported and part of something bigger, great things happen.” This philosophy runs through their approach to staff engagement — a powerful reminder that when teams thrive, so does every guest experience.

Employees at the Best Workplaces in Hospitality this year consistently point to supportive, people-first environments, with 84% saying they can take time off when needed, compared to only 67% of hospitality workers nationally. This 17-point difference signals how deeply these employers embed wellbeing and work-life balance into their cultures — a crucial factor in reducing burnout and improving retention in a demanding industry.

At The iNUA Collection, which employs over 1,500 people across eleven properties, CEO Sean O'Driscoll describes the recognition as more than just a badge: it’s “the strong voice of our teams” that attracts and retains talent.

Meanwhile, at the Talbot Collection, spanning six properties, Group Human Resources Manager Natalie Power highlights that employees “feel supported, heard, and can excel,” proving that high retention relies on meaningful connection, not just perks.

Attracting talent by building exceptional employee experiences

A robust pipeline of applicants doesn’t come from reputation alone. These hotels know that thoughtful, people-focused practices make all the difference.

Carton House, a historic Fairmont-managed resort in Kildare with over 300 employees, has transformed onboarding into a warm welcome that goes far beyond paperwork. New team members are met with local treats, guides to life in Ireland, informal coffee mornings with leadership, and even their first month’s rent waived if living on-site — easing the transition for international recruits.

It’s no surprise that across the Best Workplaces in Hospitality:

• 89% say they felt welcome when joining, a stark contrast to the 71% average in Ireland’s hospitality sector. This 18-point difference illustrates the power of genuine welcome and integration in employee engagement.
• 80% feel their organisation contributes positively to the community, compared to just 64% nationally, showing how these employers foster purpose beyond day-to-day work.
• 79% say their workplaces adapt quickly to change, whereas only 63% of the broader sector feel this way, underscoring how agility and responsiveness are built into these cultures.

Building high-performance cultures rooted in teamwork and pride

If retention and attraction are the outcomes, culture is the driver — and across these award-winning workplaces, there’s a striking commitment to teamwork, trust, and mutual pride.

In the heart of Kilkenny city, Pembroke Kilkenny has also shown how a strong culture underpins everything, with General Manager Paul Broderick emphasising that “delivering great hospitality starts with trust, respect, and growth” — a formula that translates directly to memorable guest stays.

At The Johnstown Estate in Meath, General Manager Guy Thompson highlighted how creating exceptional guest experiences truly begins with “a supportive and inspiring workplace,” underscoring that their success is rooted in people feeling valued and empowered.

Similarly, at the Slieve Russell Hotel — recipients of this year’s Great Place to Work Team Award — the focus on nurturing a people-first environment has been key. With dedicated People & Culture Ambassadors driving initiatives that range from service recognition to enhanced supports around bereavement, gender expression, fertility, and menopause, they’ve built a culture where employees feel genuinely heard and cared for. It’s an approach that not only strengthens their team but ensures every guest experience is delivered with pride and purpose.

Sector-wide figures back this up:

• 81% feel trusted to do their jobs without micromanagement, compared to just 68% across Ireland’s hospitality workers — a 13-point difference revealing how autonomy fuels employee satisfaction and performance.
• 78% believe they are developing professionally, versus 59% nationally — a 19-point gap emphasising the focus on growth and opportunity that these organisations prioritise.

Organisational and leadership development to help employees thrive

Sustaining high-performing environments requires leadership that goes beyond direction to genuinely listening and investing in people’s development. PREM Group, a well-established hotel operator with properties across Ireland and the UK, was also recognised this year as a Best Workplace for Women and a Best Workplace for Health & Wellbeing. Their commitment to culture is reflected in innovative practices like replacing traditional performance reviews with their Check In Process — regular, open conversations covering highlights, challenges, wellbeing, and even reverse feedback. This approach has become a cultural cornerstone, deepening trust and keeping teams aligned on what matters most.

Many of these organisations also recognise that their impact doesn’t end at their own front doors. The Doyle Collection, whose portfolio includes The Westbury in Dublin and The River Lee in Cork, sees huge value in sharing insights across industries. As Alan Smullen, Head of People, described, learning from peers elevates their expertise and contributes to advancing the People profession itself — strengthening hospitality far beyond their own hotels.

Mount Juliet Estate in Kilkenny thrives on the “pride, care, and commitment” of its people — qualities General Manager Mark Dunne says are elevating the very standards of hospitality in Ireland.

Castle Leslie Estate in Monaghan, whose strong focus on employee support and development also earned them a spot on the Best Workplaces for Health & Wellbeing list this year, exemplifies a deep commitment to staff growth at every level. From housekeeping to management, employees receive tailored training aligned with their career paths. In the kitchens, the Executive Head Chef mentors emerging culinary talent to support career progression. Inclusivity is also a priority, with a partnership with EmployAbility Monaghan Cavan creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities and long-term health challenges — reinforcing the estate’s values of equity and compassion. Great Place to Work were delighted to follow their journey in an exclusive case study earlier this year, identifying the key areas which increased their Trust Index score to earn them a spot on the Best Workplaces list since 2023.

Click to read more on Castle Leslie Estate’s journey with Great Place to Work

Raising standards for the whole industry

Together, these 38 hotels and groups set a powerful example of what it means to be a Best Workplace in Hospitality. Their people-first approaches are raising the bar for employee experience and business resilience across Ireland’s hospitality sector.

With clear contrasts in employee perceptions — from care and pride, to support and adaptability — it’s evident that investing deeply in people isn’t just good ethics; it’s great business.

To see the full list of Ireland's Best Workplaces in Hospitality™ 2025, click here.

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Contact details

Fania Stoney, Business Development Strategist
  fania.stoney@greatplacetowork.com
  +353 87 1240437