Several Killarney hotels were honoured for their outstanding service at the CIÉ Tours Annual Awards of Excellence.

CIÉ Tours, the largest carrier of US visitors to Ireland every year, held its annual awards of excellence which celebrates Irish hoteliers and tourist experience operators.

The Europe Hotel & Resort was awarded gold for ‘Best 5 Star Hotel’.

The hotel is known for its elegance and luxury, and the hotel lies on the shores of Lough Lein overlooking the vast and magnificent Kerry landscape.

Great Southern Killarney received a gold award for ‘Best Hotel Service & Hospitality.

The hospitality venue was commended for its charm and warm welcome; the hotel ensures that its guests have a memorable stay.

The Plaza, International Hotel, Towers Hotel, and the Avenue received merit awards in the Munster hotel category.

Meanwhile, Killarney Horse & Carriage Tours were recipients of a merit award in the Munster visitor experience category.

Seán Canney TD, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, acknowledged the commitment of tour operators across Ireland and paid tribute to the award recipients.

He said: “These awards are a testament to the high standards of quality that each operator holds and is a well-deserved recognition of their work in welcoming CIÉ Tours visitors to Ireland, providing them with unique and unrivalled experiences”.

Well-known photographer Valerie O’Sullivan has been recognised for her outstanding work at the AIB Press Photographer Awards, scooping two accolades in the National Awards ceremony.

She took home the Sustainability award and placed third in the Reportage category, both awards for her work, Reviving, Restoring and Re-thatching.

The photo essay piece focused on master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin, and his apprentice, Billy, re-thatching the O’Neill old family dwelling house, which dates back to the early 1800’s, at Tinnie’s Lower, Valentia Island, one of the only remaining rope-thatched dwelling houses in Ireland.

This rare form of thatching uses purple moor grass known locally as ‘Fadac’, which is harvested on the north side of the island.

The vernacular farmstead dates back to the early 1800’s to which the O’Neills live close by.

When Master thatcher, Richard Ó Loideoin and his apprentice Billy, pulled back the tarpin cover from the cottage, they discovered the unique structure had its original roof intact.

Together they are dedicated to the preservation and conservation of this unique form of thatching.

The judges cited a delightful use of colour and composition in this story of a re-thatching of an old family dwelling, saying: “This ancient tradition has been brought back to life by these charming and timeless photographs. A sheer joy to look at.”

The judges described the picture of the dresser in this essay as a “wonderful depiction of something old being well maintained and preserved for future generations, which is at the very heart of sustainability.”