Two addresses in Dublin, one on the outskirts of Galway and another near the Wexford coast: the new MICHELIN Key 2026 selection traces a hotel itinerary far more varied than a simple city break in the capital. The guide recognised four new establishments in the Republic of Ireland on 18 September 2026. Each has received one Key, an award for the accommodation experience rather than the restaurant’s cuisine.
Four new Irish hotels recognised in 2026
Two addresses in Dublin, two escapes to the west and south-east
According to the official MICHELIN Guide list, the newcomers are The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin and The Leinster in the capital, Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway, and Marlfield House Hotel in Gorey, County Wexford. All join the one-Key category. In total, the Republic of Ireland now has 19 hotels with at least one Key: two with three Keys, five with two Keys and twelve with one Key.
In Dublin, two ways to experience the city
The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin, beside St Stephen’s Green
For a stay focused on museums, shops and the streets of the city centre, The Fitzwilliam Hotel Dublin enjoys a particularly convenient location: it overlooks St Stephen’s Green, just steps from Grafton Street. The MICHELIN Guide highlights its colourful interiors and blend of contemporary and Art Deco influences. On site, the Glovers Alley restaurant holds a MICHELIN Star. The Key recognises the hotel; the Star applies to the restaurant: the two awards do not refer to the same offering.
The Leinster, an address focused on art and views over Dublin
At The Leinster, the décor gives pride of place to works by more than 80 Irish artists, according to the MICHELIN Guide. The restaurant on the top floor, Jean-Georges at The Leinster, lets guests extend the evening overlooking the city’s rooftops. It is an option to consider if you want to add a genuine design and dining interlude to a Dublin stay, without mistaking the hotel for a new attraction open to the public.
In Galway and Wexford, the stay becomes part of the journey
Glenlo Abbey Hotel, near Lough Corrib
Away from the bustle of central Galway, Glenlo Abbey Hotel occupies an estate on the shores of Lough Corrib. The MICHELIN Guide describes rooms spread across the historic house, an abbey tower and a more recent wing. Its Pullman restaurant is housed in former Orient Express carriages and also holds a MICHELIN Star. For travellers exploring Galway and Connemara, the appeal lies in making the place where you sleep an experience in its own right.
Marlfield House Hotel, near Gorey
In County Wexford, Marlfield House Hotel takes a different approach: that of a 19th-century country house, surrounded by trees and close to the south-east coast. The MICHELIN Guide notes the contrast between its antique-furnished rooms and its Pond Suites, five self-contained accommodations overlooking an ornamental lake. The property is better suited to a peaceful stop on the road than to a city weekend.
What does a MICHELIN Key mean for travellers?
A guide to choosing an experience, not a price guarantee
Inspectors assess, among other criteria, architecture and design, the character of the property, the quality and consistency of service, the value of the experience in relation to its price, and the hotel’s local character. A Key therefore recognises a stay deemed remarkable by the MICHELIN Guide. It does not set a single price or guarantee availability: compare rooms and cancellation terms for your travel dates.
Your choice will mainly depend on your itinerary. For exploring Dublin on foot, the capital’s two new addresses offer the advantage of a city location. For slowing down beside Lough Corrib or heading for the Wexford coast, Glenlo Abbey and Marlfield House provide an extra reason to leave the city centre. The award was announced on 18 September; the descriptions and hotel list were checked again with the MICHELIN Guide on 29 September 2026.
