Lonely Planet Names Tipperary, Ireland Among the World’s Best Places to Visit in 2026
Cashel Palace and Its Michelin‑Starred Culinary Experiences
Shine in the Global Spotlight
Lonely Planet has named County Tipperary one of the world’s best travel destinations for 2026, highlighting its breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant culinary scene, and deep cultural roots. At the center of this recognition stands Cashel Palace, a five-star luxury hotel whose dining experiences and immersive guest offerings exemplify the best of Irish hospitality.
What Makes Cashel Palace a Must-Visit Destination in Tipperary?
Set in a restored 18th-century Palladian manor at the foot of the Rock of Cashel, Cashel Palace Hotel has become a leading destination for travelers seeking culinary excellence, refined accommodations, and authentic experiences rooted in Irish heritage.
Key highlights:
Awarded two Michelin Keys and home to Bishop’s Buttery, a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Member of Relais & Châteaux, representing global luxury with local soul.
Offers signature experiences like horseback riding with an equine concierge, beekeeping, and guided tastings.
What Are the Best Culinary Experiences at Cashel Palace?
Cashel Palace celebrates the flavors of Tipperary’s Golden Vale—a lush farming region known for its apples, cheeses, lamb, and artisanal products. Culinary highlights include:
Bishop’s Buttery: A French-inspired, Michelin-starred restaurant using seasonal, local ingredients.
Mikey Ryan’s Bar & Kitchen: A casual brasserie serving locally reared lamb, beef, and Irish staples with flair.
Cashel Blue Cheese, Tipperary apples, and handmade crisps are staples in the region’s celebrated farm-to-table cuisine.
Led by Director of Culinary Stephen Hayes, the hotel partners with local food producers and artisans to offer an immersive, ingredient-led dining experience.
What Outdoor Activities Can You Enjoy in Tipperary?
Nature lovers will find no shortage of things to do in Tipperary:
Hike the Glen of Aherlow, a spectacular valley nestled between the Galtee Mountains and Slievenamuck Ridge.
Enjoy fishing, swimming, or horseback riding across open terrain.
Experience stunning lightscapes as the valley shifts hues throughout the day.
These dramatic landscapes are part of what makes Tipperary a destination worth traveling for—especially in the quieter, authentic corners of Ireland.
What Is the Connection Between Cashel Palace and the Local Community?
Cashel Palace is deeply integrated into the community:
Partners with local historians, food producers, and artists.
Hosts wellness experiences with views of the Rock of Cashel.
Champions sustainable practices and cultural preservation in all guest offerings.
According to General Manager Adriaan Bartels, the goal is to provide guests with a "truly immersive and authentic Irish experience” grounded in history, nature, and local connection.
Where Is Cashel Palace and How Do You Book a Stay?
Location: Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland Nightly rates vary by season and room type Reservations: www.cashelpalacehotel.ie
Cashel Palace is just two hours from Dublin, making it an ideal weekend escape or luxury countryside retreat for international visitors and locals alike.
About Cashel Palace:
Set within a magnificent Palladian manor, built in 1732, Cashel Palace has been meticulously restored to create a truly desirable destination hotel in the heart of Ireland and opened its doors in March 2022. Optimally located between town and countryside, the five-star property epitomizes the finest of Irish hospitality set in the shadow of the iconic Rock of Cashel in Tipperary. A proud Relais & Chateaux member, Cashel Palace’s dining offering delivers a deep connection to the local Golden Vale. In 2023, Cashel Palace was awarded Best Hotel and Guesthouse Restaurant for the Bishop’s Buttery in the Irish Restaurant Awards, and in 2024, the Bishop’s Buttery proudly received a Michelin Star. Cashel Palace Hotel is one of the inaugural recipients in Ireland to receive Two Michelin Keys for ‘Exceptional Stays’ while being recognized in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List and Travel + Leisure’s It List. For more information, visit cashelpalacehotel.ie.
