News
O’Donoghue Ring Collection named Ireland’s Best Hotel Group
Killarney-based hotel group, the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, is celebrating a major double win after receiving two prestigious accolades at last night’s Gold Medal Awards.
The independent, family-run business whose portfolio includes some of Killarney’s most popular hotels, bars and restaurants such as Killarney Plaza Hotel & Spa, Café du Parc, The Tan Yard, Pig's Lane, Killarney Towers Hotel, and Killarney Avenue Hotel was crowned Ireland’s Best Hotel Group, recognising its outstanding commitment to excellence and its position at the forefront of Irish hospitality.
Adding to the celebrations, Killarney Avenue Hotel was also named Ireland’s Front of House Team, an award that honours exceptional service, professionalism, and guest care.
The Gold Medal Awards are widely regarded as the leading independent awards programme in the Irish hospitality industry. Winners were announced on the evening of January 27th at a spectacular sold-out black-tie gala held at The Galmont Hotel & Spa in Galway.
Managing Director of the O’Donoghue Ring Collection, Gemma Ring, said: "Winning Ireland’s Best Hotel Group is an incredible honour for our family-run business, and to see Killarney Avenue Hotel recognised for Front of House excellence makes the achievement even more special. As a group, we are constantly innovating and evolving, driving new ideas and experiences that enhance every stay, while remaining grounded in the genuine hospitality our guests know and love. This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire team across the collection, and I couldn’t be more proud of what we have achieved together."
Other local hotel to receive medals include The Europe Hotel, The Victoria and the Gleneagle.
Silver medals went to The Great Southern and The Brehon Hotel & Spa while third place prizes were given to the Brook Lane Hotel and the Killarney Park.
€1m EuroMillions win at Centra The Reeks
Anthony O’Connor, Ciaran Culloty, Conor Healy, Elizabeth Nagle, and representatives from the National Lottery
Celebrations are underway in Killarney after Centra at The Reeks Gateway on Tralee Road sold a EuroMillions ticket worth €1,005,000 in the Friday, August 21 draw.
The lucky winner secured the life-changing sum through the special Ireland Only Raffle event after purchasing a Quick Pick ticket on the day of the draw.
Store owner John Bowler, who has operated the shop for over 20 years, expressed his delight after receiving the news from the National Lottery.
“There’s a great buzz around the store and we’re absolutely delighted,” Bowler said. “We have a mix of local customers and visitors coming through our doors every day, so the winner could be anyone. While we’ve sold fantastic prizes over the years, this is by far the biggest. It’s wonderful news for Killarney.”
National Lottery spokesperson Emma Monaghan urged anyone who bought a ticket at the store on Friday to check their numbers carefully. The ticket holder is advised to sign the back of the ticket, keep it safe, and contact the National Lottery prize claims team to arrange collection.
All photos: Eamonn Keogh
Pig’s Lane crowned Bar of the Year
Killarney’s subterranean venue Pig’s Lane emerged as a triple winner at the Bar of the Year 2026 Awards in Dublin on Monday night.
The College Street venue was named overall Bar of the Year, alongside taking Gold for both Cocktail Bar of the Year and Best Designed Bar / Inside Space. The announcements were made at a gala ceremony hosted by Anton Savage at the Clayton Hotel on Burlington Road.
Operating under the family-run O’Donoghue Ring Collection, the underground cocktail bar and whiskey parlour opened in 2023. The venue previously secured Innovative Bar of the Year in 2024 and Best Designed Bar in 2025 before taking the top national prize this year.
Judges praised the venue for its “unmatched excellence across the board”. The broader O’Donoghue Ring Collection earned eight finalist nominations across three properties, including Café du Parc and The Kenmare Rooms.
“We are so proud to be crowned Ireland’s Bar of the Year 2026,” said founder Gemma Ring. “A huge amount of work, creativity, and passion goes into everything we do”.
Pig’s Lane derives its name from the historic 1800s designation for the thoroughfare connecting College Street to Railway Road. On September 11, the bar will host a collaborative evening featuring Michelin Bib Gourmand tapas from Dingle’s Solas paired with bespoke cocktails.
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