Ireland’s leading tourism businesses have been recognised at the Fáilte Ireland Employer Excellence Awards 2026, which took place at the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin, including the Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny and The Hoban Hotel, in Co Kilkenny. The awards celebrate businesses who are setting the standard for employee engagement and workplace culture through their participation in Fáilte Ireland’s Employer Excellence Programme.
Since its launch in 2022, the programme has supported over 300 businesses and positively influenced more than 30,000 employees nationwide, helping to strengthen employee engagement, improve retention and enhance workplace practices. This is the fourth year of the ceremony.
Speaking in the aftermath of the awards, Ignacio Peregrina, Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny Manager, said: ““We are absolutely delighted to be named Best Employer: Ireland’s Ancient East at the Fáilte Ireland Employer Excellence Awards, for the third year in a row. What makes this recognition so meaningful is that it reflects the voice and experience of our team at Smithwick’s Experience Kilkenny!
“Creating a supportive, inclusive and engaging workplace, where people feel valued and empowered, is integral to us as a business. This award is a testament to the passion, commitment and care our team show every day, for each other and for every guest who walks through our doors.
“It was also fantastic to see Kilkenny so strongly represented on the night, highlighting the shared ambition across the city to build great workplaces and deliver exceptional visitor experiences.
“We are grateful to Fáilte Ireland for their continued support and for developing a programme that challenges and enables businesses like ours to continuously improve as employers,” Ignacio concluded.
