The highly-anticipated opening of a new hotel in Ireland this year has been listed as one of the most "exciting" in the world.
The prestigious Conde Nast Traveller magazine lists the Cashel Palace Hotel in Co Tipperary as among 'the most exciting new hotel openings coming in 2022'.
Extensive renovations have been under way on the building since it closed its doors to visitors in 2015.
Its new owners are planning to reopen the hotel in March with guests from across the world set to flock to the luxury accommodation in the popular tourist town.
Conde Nast Traveller magazine writes that it is "excited" to see the restorations as well as the new spa and three acres of gardens.
The publication writes: "An 18th-century, Palladian pile of an estate – Cashel Palace has cut an imposing figure over Co Tipperary since the 1730s.
"The original hotel closed in 2015 and was taken over by Relais & Chateaux a few years later. After a couple of pandemic-related delayed opening dates, we’re excited for a proper peek of the restored interiors, which have played host to Jackie Kennedy, Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Diana in its former life.
"Three acres of gardens are yours to wander and a slick spa has been added, but there are also original fireplaces and centuries-old windows for history buffs to admire."
The other hotels listed as among the most exciting openings this year include:
- One Hundred Shoreditch, London, England
- Cashel Palace, Ireland
- The Retreat at Elcot Park, Berkshire, England
- Gleneagles Townhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Borgo Sant Andrea, Amalfi Coast, Italy
- Zulal Wellness Resort by Chiva-Som, Qatar
- Sextantio Rwanda, The Capanne Project
- The Fox at Oddington, Cotswolds, England
- Passalacqua, Lake Como, Italy
- Casa Cook Samos, Greece
- Hotel La Palma, Capri, Italy
- 100 Princes Street, Edinburgh, Scotland
- Cap Karoso, Sumba, Indonesia
- One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, Greece
- Hoxton Brussels, Belgium
- Habitas Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
- Sommerro, Oslo
- Bulgari Rome, Italy
- COMO Le Montrachet, Burgundy, France
- Six Senses Crans-Montana, Switzerland
- The OWO, Raffles, London, England
It is the second time the magazine has mentioned Co Tipperary as a must-visit destination for 2022.
In August, the Munster country was listed as among the 'best holiday destinations for 2022' by Conde Nast Traveller.
Tipperary is one of the top five locations in the world for 'foodies' this year as there will be "a raft of enticing new experiences and openings" in the county in 2022.
It said that the premier county "has long held an appeal for history buffs due to the atmospheric Rock of Cashel landmark...but it has rarely been more than a half-day bullet point as part of a longer itinerary".
"But 2022 should see guests pump the breaks, as there is much more to enjoy in this cosy, characterful county, from local artisans and family-run woollen mills, to craft distilleries and ancient cave formations," Conde Nast Traveller added.
"In spring, Relais & Chateaux will open its newest property in Cashel. An artful renovation of a grand 18th-century house once home to Ireland’s archbishops, Cashel Palace will offer 42 smart rooms and suites, a promising spa and a restaurant focusing on hyper-local, seasonal dishes," the article continues.
"A cornucopia of goodies can also be gobbled up on Tipperary Food Tours, which take in honey farms – showcasing the importance of protecting the tiny but impactful Irish black bee – and trad cheesemakers where you can indulge in an unfathomably creamy wedge of Cashel Blue.
"Walk it all off along the blustery shoreline of Lough Derg, where you’ll be joined by kayakers, paddleboarders and cyclists whizzing alongside acres of cheerful wildflower meadows."
