Marlfield House > Discover the Hotel > Awards

Awards

Marlfield House has been recognised as one of the leading small and luxury hotels in Ireland receiving multiple awards and accolades throughout the years.

“Opened as an hotel in 1978 by the legendary Ray and Mary Bowe, this impressive house outside Gorey (former residence of the Earls of Courtown) soon established a reputation as an elegant oasis of unashamed luxury offering outstanding hospitality and service. Always well run, it has changed with the times – and in style – under the management of their daughters, Margaret and Laura, who are now continuing – and developing – the family tradition of hospitality. As well as the main house, they now also operate the lovely informal café-restaurant, The Duck, alongside the kitchen garden – and also Duck Lodge, a contemporary self-catering cottage – all of which means this beautiful property can be enjoyed by a much wider audience. A magnificent example of sustainable development and a joy to visit.” Georgina Campbell’s Ireland : Hotel of the Year 2020

Awards and Accolades

2023

  • 2023 YES CHEF: winner, Irish culinary Experience of the Year, Luxury Hotel Restaurant of the Year
  • 2023 Gold Medal Awards, Bronze Award for Ireland Country House and Guest House Experience and Ireland’s Best Breakfast

2022

  • 2022 Gold Medal Award for Best Designed Hotel
  • 2022 Gold Medal Award for Best Breakfast, Silver

2021

2020

2019

2018

2017

2016

  • Bord Bia: Just Ask Restaurant of the Month October (The Duck)
  • South East Radio Hospitality Awards: Best Boutique Hotel (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • Food & Wine Magazine: Hall Of Fame Award (The Duck)

2015 and earlier

  • TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence 2015 (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • Restaurant Association of Ireland: Best Hotel Restaurant in Wexford 2015 (The Conservatory Restaurant)
  • TripAdvisor: Certificate of Excellence 2014 (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • The Sunday Times: Ultimate 100 Hotels in British Isles 2014 (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • Restaurant Association of Ireland: Best Customer Service Restaurant in Leinster & Best Customer Service Restaurant in Wexford 2014 (The Conservatory Restaurant)
  • Good Eating Awards: Best Front of House 2012 (Marlfield House Hotel & Restaurant)
  • Restaurant Association of Ireland: Best Customer Service Restaurant in Wexford 2012 (Conservatory Restaurant)
  • Georgina Campbell’s Ireland Guide Country House of Year 2011 (Marlfield House Hotel)
  • Restaurant Association of Ireland: Best Customer Service Restaurant in Wexford 2011 (Conservatory Restaurant)
  • AA Courtesy and Care Award 2010
  • International Hospitality Award 2003
  • Andrew Harpers Hideaway Report: Best 25 Hotels in the World
  • Condé Nast Johansen’s Best Country House Hotel 1997
  • The Good Hotel Guide Cesar Award 1996
  • RAC Gold Ribbon Award for Excellence 1999 to 2004
  • RAC Blue Ribbon Award for Excellence 1992 – 1998
  • AA Three Red Stars and Three Red Rosettes 1981 to 2004
  • Michelin Guide Red M 1980-1996
  • Egon Ronay Hostess of the Year Award 1995
  • Johansen’s Best Country House Award 1993
  • Murphy’s Irish Stout Ambassador of Tourism Awards 1993
  • Graham’s Port Wine List of the Year 1991
  • Relais & Chateaux World Wide Best Breakfast Award 1990
  • Hideaway Report, One of the World’s Most Enchanting Hideaways 1986 & 1990
  • Bord Failte National Garden Awards 1983-1986
  • Wedgwood Top 50 Hotels Award 1984
  • Bord Failte Restaurant Award for Excellence 1982-1994

The Duck Restaurant at Marlfield House wins Georgina Campbell’s Atmospheric Restaurant of the Year 2017 Award

Marlfield House Hotel Award by Georgina Campbell - Ireland Guide

Irish diners place a high premium on atmosphere – often rating it even above the quality of food when choosing where to eat out – but this restaurant, although certainly atmospheric, has much more to it than that.

Some really lovely restored buildings beside Marlfield House took on a new lease of life in 2015, when a series of disused areas – including a coach house, potting shed and gardener’s tool shed – were very attractively developed by Margaret and Laura Bowe to create a stylishly informal restaurant and café-bar, named ‘The Duck’ after their mother Mary’s fondness for the ducks in their garden. With a large terrace overlooking the fine kitchen gardens that have for many years inspired proudly seasonal menus in the main house (as they still do), diners at the new restaurant can enjoy them in a very up close and personal way, as the terrace is right alongside the kitchen garden – which, in summer, is a wonderfully lush mixture of herbs, vegetables, fruit and rose blooms.

It’s a magic spot, especially on a fine day – and, although it may be a more obvious choice in summer, this relaxed restaurant is an atmospheric all-year destination and there’s always a cheering open fire to make it a cosy place to enjoy the good modern, broadly Italian, cooking in the colder months. A charming restaurant, and an instant success from day one – it’s easy to see why.

Memberships and Associations

Relais and Chateaux

Marlfield House Luxury Hotel Member of Relais et ChateauxRelais & Châteaux is an exclusive collection of 475 of the finest hotels and gourmet restaurants in 55 countries.
Established in France in 1954, the Association’s mission is to spread its unique art de vivre across the globe by selecting outstanding properties with a truly unique character.

Furthermore, Relais & Châteaux is also a family of hoteliers and Grands Chefs from all over the world who share a passion for and a personal commitment to ensuring their guests are privy to moments of exceptional harmony. To choose Relais & Châteaux is to experience an unforgettable celebration of the senses.

From the vineyards in Napa valley to the beaches in Bali, from the olive trees in Provence to the lodges in South Africa, Relais & Châteaux offers a chance to explore the Route du Bonheur and discover a special place in a variety of destinations.

The Relais & Châteaux signature reflects this ambition: “ALL AROUND THE WORLD, UNIQUE IN THE WORLD.”

Ireland’s Blue Book

Marlfield House - Member of Ireland's Blue BookIreland’s Blue Book represents the finest of Ireland’s hospitality, accommodation and cuisine. Members are selected on a strict criteria basis with the emphasis being on properties who have a strong individualistic style and character and who are not members of hotel chains. Each property is different in style, setting, ambience and atmosphere. In an age of increasing uniformity this is indeed unique. The uniqueness of the properties is further enhanced by the development in innovative cuisine which draws heavily on the provision of local fresh and organic produce.